I wasn't the only person who stopped in their tracks to look at this car. I don't believe I've seen one before and I doubt that they were sold new here, so I expect it is a private import. Maybe the Japanese Ambassador to Australia was chauffeured around in this car.
The name is as you can see is Century, more specifically a Toyota Century. I think this is the Luxury Limousine model. Its appearance has barely altered since its inception in the 1960s and is the preferred motor car for the Japanese Royal Family. Ownership is clearly a status symbol, probably of the kind a Bentley owner would desire. Before strong air pollution controls were enacted there was even a V12 engine available.
While it does look quite flash, it also looks very dated. The options such climate control air conditioning and central locking were offered long before we had ever heard about them. You can buy a used 2014 model in Australia for AU$23,000, US$15,000, €15,000, GB£13,000.
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Not a car I have heard of - much less seen.
ReplyDeleteFirst for me too EC.
DeleteThe window even has a curtain inside.
ReplyDeleteRoentare, that was my very camp reference.
DeleteI missed that at first. Thanks! I'd never seen such a model.
DeleteIf it's rockin' don't bother knockin'?
ReplyDeleteNow Caro, we don't want you to start talking about your Sandman experiences.
DeleteWell kept.
ReplyDeleteIt is but as the look changes so little Diane, who knows how old it is.
DeleteNever heard of them. But some facebook story today was passing around about hydrogen cell propelled electric cars in Australia. I had to look them up. Seems the cells aren't popular in the US so far at least due to the high energy costs of making the cells themselves. So far not energy efficient in that regard.
ReplyDeleteStrayer, yes not right for cars but possibly for long distance trucks and even trains. It is early technology.
DeleteLove the sun shades in the rear windows…..much more elegant than those fold up stick on with suction cups screens
ReplyDeleteCathy, haha, yes much nicer than stick on screens.
DeleteIt's the Toyota version of the Holden Statesman. Very classy in its day and this one looks well maintained, and will probably keep on keeping on for quite some time yet.
ReplyDeleteRiver, that's interesting and my father owned a Statesman for a few years. It was a nice car, for sure. I forget the name now but there was also a Nissan equivalent.
DeleteBiggest Toyota I've ever seen.
ReplyDeleteI should think so Kirk, although the 1980s Toyota Crown sold here was quite big.
DeleteSeems a big car, not fond of it but it does look as if someone really loves it..
ReplyDeleteMargaret, they probably love it for its individuality, and why not.
DeleteI don't usually notice cars so I'm not sure I would have tumbled that this is unusual -- except that the lace curtains would have caught my eye.
ReplyDeleteThe curtains were what really caught me Steve and so it became a blog post.
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