The standard length of the luxobarge was 207 inches. However, it has been extended by 55 inches.
The fascination with the Toyota Century is deep, especially when we are talking about the second generation. It was the first and only car built by Toyota with a powerful V12 engine. Since 1967, the JDM-only sedan was introduced. The Mk2 model arrived 30 years later. It also had a longer life span, which lasted up to 2018, when the current model was released.
This isn’t your average second-generation Century, as you probably know by now. The extra-long sedan, which was unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2022, was modified by students of the Nihon Automobile Technical College. The name of the institution may sound familiar. It’s because the jacked up, four-door Suzuki Jimny that we just mentioned was also designed by NATS students. The not-so-little-anymore off-roader was also showcased at TAS in Japan.
So what is the history of the Century? Students wanted to imitate the American lowrider look and installed a hydraulic suspension. They also stretched the body. Ruka Kurasaki, the team leader, told Japanese Nostalgic Car that the school would allow his team to add “only” 1000 millimeters (39.5 inches) between the axles. They decided to extend the wheelbase by 1,400mm (55.1 inches) and go against the school.
Toyota Century measures in at 6,654mm (262 inches). This number is a reflection of the Rolls-Royce Phantom which measures 5,980mm (235.5in) in length. With a budget of just $9,000.00, the group of eight students only had 120 days to finish the build.
They were unable to afford the Century a face-lift by purchasing the bumper, grille and headlights from the current generation model. They did manage to afford a leather-lined interior in two colors with a full bar, and sunroofs from the old Honda Airwave wagon. The striking combination of metal-flake accents and burgundy color is also from another Honda. The roof is also covered in leather.
The Toyota Century, riding on 15-inch wire-spoke tires with a fifth wheel at its back, won the title of best sedan at this year’s TAS.