1988 Toyota Century VG40 Sedan - Black - 155,377km - 3.9L V8 Japanese Executive Luxury Classic
One of the most culturally significant Japanese cars ever built, and a genuine rarity on Australian roads.
Overview
The Toyota Century sat at the very pinnacle of Japanese automotive achievement for thirty years, and the VG40 generation from the late 1980s represents the model at its technical peak. Built exclusively for the Japanese domestic market and sold only through Toyota's Toyopet dealerships, the Century was never exported officially. It was Toyota's Rolls-Royce - the car of company presidents, cabinet ministers, and the imperial household. Every example was assembled with the kind of care that Toyota's production line engineers never applied to anything else.
This 1988 example is finished in factory black (colour code 202) over burgundy velour trim (code FW30) and carries chassis number VG40-010266. It was brought to Australia by Gold Coast specialist Kimura Motors and holds a Queensland Transport Modification Plate (dated 23 February 2005, A/Officer No. 1436), confirming full ADR compliance under the SEVS scheme. The 5V-EU 3.9-litre V8 is paired with the A340E four-speed automatic with both Normal and Power modes selectable via the electronically controlled transmission. Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS) adjusts the ride continuously for occupant comfort. All of this was genuinely remarkable technology in 1988.
The exterior presents well in its deep black paint with excellent gloss across all panels. Panel gaps are even and straight throughout. The distinctive vertical-bar grille with central phoenix emblem, quad rectangular headlights, period wing-mounted exterior mirrors, and chrome-banded body trim are all intact and original. Chrome brightwork including the bumpers, window surrounds, wheel arch trims, and the individual "CENTURY" letter script across the boot lid present cleanly. The iconic spoked hubcaps with phoenix centre medallions are fitted on all four corners with Ovation Ecovision 205/70R14 tyres in accordance with the modification plate specification.
Inside, the Century experience is something else entirely. Deep burgundy velour covers every seating surface, the door cards (with genuine burled walnut inserts), the headlining, and even the boot sill. The phoenix motif is embroidered into the rear seat cushion and carpet badges appear at the driver's footwell. The dashboard carries the "Century" script in chrome. The Super Monitoring Display houses a digital speedometer, gear position indicator, ECT mode display, and TEMS indicator in place of a conventional instrument cluster. The Technics rear seat entertainment console in the centre armrest provides independent control of the AM/SW/FM radio, tape deck, and CD changer as well as the rear air conditioning zone. Vendor advises the air conditioning system was serviced in November 2020, with the receiver/dryer replaced and recharged with 900g of R134a.
Australian-complied Toyota Centuries in this condition are exceptionally hard to find. The combination of correct black coachwork, original velour interior, full service documentation, and a legally registered compliance history makes this a standout acquisition for the serious JDM collector.
Features
* 5V-EU 3.9-litre V8 petrol engine
* A340E four-speed automatic transmission with Normal and Power modes
* Toyota Electronic Modulated Suspension (TEMS)
* Super Monitoring Display with digital instruments
* Dual-zone automatic air conditioning (front and rear zones)
* Technics rear seat entertainment console (AM/SW/FM radio, tape, CD changer)
* Burled walnut door card inlays on all four doors
* Full burgundy velour interior with phoenix embroidery
* Individual "CENTURY" chrome boot script
* Phoenix emblem hubcaps on all four corners
* Power steering, power windows, power exterior mirrors with auto-dimmer
* Auto instrument dimmer control
* Queensland Transport ADR Modification Plate - complied by Kimura Motors, Gold Coast, 2005
* Air conditioning serviced November 2020 (receiver/dryer replaced, 900g R134a)
Condition Notes
* Light swirl marks visible on bonnet paint surface consistent with age and wash history
* Interior velour shows general use wear consistent with mileage and age
Specifications
Year: 1988
Make/Model: Toyota Century
Body: Sedan
Engine: 5V-EU 3,994cc V8
Transmission: A340E 4-speed Automatic
Drive: RWD
Odometer: 155,377 kilometres
Colour: Black (202)
Interior: Burgundy Velour (FW30)
Seats: 5
VIN: 6U90000VG40010266
Engine No: 10504
If you have any questions relating to this vehicle, or if you would like to arrange a physical or virtual inspection, please contact Vorak directly on 0419 371 926
Lloyds stock #5873271+1
#CCALL
#CCJDM
Location of item: 4-10 Keon Parade, Thomastown, VIC, Australia
As Standard Auction Practice all Vehicles are Sold Unregistered
As with all vehicles sold in the Classic Car Division, they have been well looked after by their previous owners. This is an Auction Sale. This asset is sold under standard auction conditions, as is, where is. High volumes of incoming product prevent our team from being able to inspect all items individually. All photos, descriptions, odometer readings, hour readings, engine specifications and any condition reports should be used as a guide only and have been compiled after speaking with the owners. To find out more about this lot or to book a live video inspection please contact the Auctioneer Contact which can be found on the Auction Details page. There is no statutory warranty & no cooling off period.
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