This text was originally published on Speedhunters October twenty ninth 2018
I’m sure I’m not the just one who’s had a big a part of their life shaped by a love of cars. The connections, encounters and experiences that I’ve had on my journey as a automobile enthusiast have been incredible, and the people I’ve met equally so.
Yes, this could be said about almost any hobby, but I’m sure you’d quite have me discuss cars than needlepoint.
I met Ken, the owner of the automobile we’re here, just a few years ago at an area Cars n’Coffee Toronto event. Outside of cars, we share loads of similar interests: BMX, hockey, and parenthood, to call just a few. We even have family just a few blocks apart.
Realistically, we could have eventually crossed paths outside of cars. Still, it’s much easier to introduce yourself to the guy poking his camera inside your automobile than it’s to the stranger with a BMX shirt and headphones on.
On the time we first met, Ken owned a Toyota Celsior. I believed the automobile was absolutely stunning, which is why I’ve included photos of it on this post. Done in a really traditional, some might say ‘old style’ VIP style, it was classy, timeless and mature.
Pretty much as good as I believed the automobile was, Ken assured me he could do higher. His sights were set on a more exclusive platform, the platform he said he must have bought immediately when changing gears from tuner builds to VIP.
That automobile was a JDM Toyota Century – he just had to search out one available for import.
Japanese Rolls-Royce
The Century stays Toyota’s flagship automobile, a top-of-the-line personal limousine rarely seen outside of Japan. In Japan, its use is commonly reserved for dignitaries, including high-ranking government officials and CEOs.
The second-generation model was produced, nearly unchanged, from 1997 through 2016. Despite being produced for thus long, only a few exist outside of Japan, and as we cruised from spot to identify, ushered along by the eerily quiet V12 up front, several onlookers pulled up alongside to ask what it was. ‘Is it some form of Rolls-Royce?’ gave the impression to be probably the most common query.
As a automobile you’re meant to be driven in, Ken’s Century has amenities not present in most of the vehicles I’ve photographed – and particularly so for one inbuilt 1997. The Toyota features front and rear CRT GPS screens, front and rear audio controls, and even a factory ottoman built into the passenger front seat. The seats themselves are extremely plush wool cloth, and front and rear recline.
It could be more comfortable contained in the Century than it’s in my very own front room.
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When Ken’s Century arrived via boat from Japan, he had already collected the prerequisite wheels and a drop. All the time intended to be a VIP construct, a properly laid-out stance was fundamental.
Air Lift Performance suspension could be found in any respect 4 corners, with a neatly executed Air Lift 3P setup within the trunk. In the present VIP realm, the 20-inch Enkei Classic wheels may need a conservative width and offset, but Ken desired to avoid fussing around with the factory fenders, or worse, the factory paint. Stretched tires and excessive ride height camber are also not for him.
Playing off the subtle wheel selection, Ken added an equally subdued Freedom Legion lip to the front end, and out back, you’ll find SilkBlaze exhaust suggestions. The factory headlights and taillights have been replaced with later OEM GZG50 units, and Ken also has a set of authentic illuminating Japanese license plates, reserved just for show or photoshoot use.
Like most VIP builds, Ken has opted to go away the V12 stock. Given how rare and weird the engine is, I can’t say I blame him.
Ken’s currently mulling over the thought of adding a body kit to the Century, though it’s not a priority by any means. While he’s considering his options, he’s focused attention on accessorizing the inside.
The gathering of OEM GZG50 Toyota Century factory-option parts he’s gathered is pretty phenomenal. To this point, it extends to a cassette player, a shaver, and a automobile phone – items (often made by Sony) that Toyota had branded only for the Century.
One item that shouldn’t be specific to the Century, but incredibly interesting nonetheless, is a Toyota-branded facsimile machine. Ken doesn’t know what model it was made for, nevertheless it totally suits the inside he’s put together.
I’d like to inform you whether or not it really works, but I’ve never really been essential enough to want to send or receive a fax, let alone from the back of a moving vehicle.
The lace you see on the highest of the seats is typical of taxis and limos in Japan, and its purpose is to maintain the seats and headrests clean. Similar lace makes up the curtains fitted to the rear windows. Again, every part is fashioned around luxury and the travelling experience.
To have a good time the conclusion of his dream to own and modify a Toyota Century, Ken is currently embarking on a journey from the Toronto area to Las Vegas, stopping in at several different events along the best way. In Vegas, he’s graciously offered to choose up yours truly before we each head to SEMA.
The automobile isn’t in the large show this yr, but when Ken does follow through with a number of the body modifications, who’s to say what the longer term might hold?
This Article First Appeared At www.stanceiseverything.com
