Japan’s new monarch will ride in the only roofless Century ever made

At Top Gear, we’re fascinated with Toyota’s JDM-only Century limousine. It’s so stately and formal, yet so wonderfully, quintessentially Japanese. A V8 hybrid three-box limo with 1970s American barge styling and fabric seats instead of leather, so it doesn’t squeak as you settle into it. Now that’s luxury.

But if you’re Japan’s Crown Prince Naruhito, now Emperor, well. Then you can have something even more exclusive. Like a one-off, utterly exclusive, soft-top Toyota Century convertible.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the Century was chosen for three main reasons. For its royal duties, the Emperor needed a car of extreme safety, great power, and bigger visual presence than other cars in its parade. We’ll see the finished car later in the year when the Emperor’s ceremonial parade takes place, in October.

Rolls-Royce owners of the world, prepare to cringe with jealousy.

STORY Ollie Kew