Toyota Century import

When the Emperor of Japan is driven, he does not sit in a Rolls Royce or a Maybach. He sits in a Century. Since 1967, it has been the car of Japan's Imperial family, its prime ministers and its most powerful people. For decades the Century was simply Toyota's flagship, wearing a golden phoenix instead of the Toyota badge. In October 2025, Toyota turned it into a brand of its own, above Lexus and squarely aimed at Rolls Royce and Bentley. Century is sold in Japan, China and the Middle East and is only now taking its first steps beyond, with no dealers in Europe. If you want one, Toyota Century import is the way to get it. SCL Rotterdam brings your Century from Japan or another market and handles everything up to registration. Before you commit, we tell you honestly what it costs and what to watch out for.

Why import a Century?

A Century is the opposite of showing off. No oversized logos, no loud wheels. Instead, a cabin of wool, wood and craftsmanship, a rear seat that feels like an armchair and a silence that takes some getting used to. Toyota calls it "One of One": every car is built for its owner.

Then there is rarity. Toyota sold around 500 Centurys in 2025, compared with about 1,700 in 1997. Only a handful are on European roads. Importing a Century means driving something most car enthusiasts have never seen in person.

Popular Century models to import

Century Sedan

The classic chauffeur car and the heart of the brand. The current generation uses a V8 hybrid and is built for the rear passenger, with massage seats, curtains and a dedicated control panel. A sportier GRMN version has recently been added.

Century SUV

The modern interpretation, on sale since 2023. A plug in hybrid with a V6 and all wheel drive, with rear doors that swing wide open so you can step in upright. Toyota also offers it as a fully bespoke Tailor Made edition.

Century V12 (1997 to 2017)

The second generation had a 5.0 litre V12, the only V12 Toyota ever put in a production car. It was sold only in Japan and has become a cult object among collectors.

Classic Century (1967 to 1997)

The first generation stayed in production almost unchanged for thirty years. A good example is a piece of Japanese history and qualifies for the favourable rules on collector vehicles.

Century Coupé

In 2025, Century showed a dramatic coupé concept, reportedly with a V12 plug in hybrid. Once it goes into production, we expect strong interest from collectors.

What to know before you import a Century

Right hand drive

A Japanese Century is right hand drive. That is legal across the EU, and in a chauffeur car the owner usually sits in the back anyway. Cars from China or the Middle East may be left hand drive. We discuss which version suits you.

Where the car comes from

A used Century usually comes through Japanese auctions or dealers. A new Century is built to order, and whether it can be supplied for export depends on the market and the dealer. We work out with you which route is realistic.

Duties, VAT and registration

A Century from Japan pays 10 percent import duty plus import VAT. Classics over 30 years old in original condition often qualify for the collector vehicle rules. Registration taxes vary widely across Europe, and a V8 or V12 can be costly in countries that tax CO2 heavily. SCL arranges Dutch and German registration in house and can advise on other European countries.

How your Century import works

1. Advice first. We discuss the model, its origin, right or left hand drive, your destination country and a realistic cost estimate.
2. Purchase and inspection. We help you find a good car and have it inspected before you pay. For auction cars, we go through the auction report with you.
3. Shipping. Your Century travels to Rotterdam by RoRo ship or in a closed container. We strongly recommend transport insurance.
4. Customs clearance. We file the declaration and settle all duties and taxes correctly.
5. Conversion and inspection. Our workshop adapts the lighting for driving on the right, ready for the inspection in your country.
6. Registration and delivery. We arrange registration where possible and deliver your Century in an enclosed transporter to your door, wherever you are in Europe.

You can follow every step in real time through our customer portal.

What does it cost to import a Century?

The final price is made up of the purchase price, shipping, import duty, import VAT, conversion work, inspection and registration. A classic Century or a 2000s V12 is far more attainable than a new SUV or the coupé. Want to know where you will end up? Calculate your costs or ask us for a tailored quote.

Why SCL Rotterdam?

For more than 15 years we have been bringing cars from Japan to Europe, from sports cars to luxury saloons. We know the Japanese auctions and how to get a right hand drive car through inspection. Rotterdam is Europe's largest port and a natural gateway to the rest of the continent. Our customers rate us 9.2 out of 10 on average.

Bring your Century to Europe

Ready to take a seat in the car of Japan's Imperial family? Call us on +31 10 427 77 20 or request a free quote. Within 24 hours you will know where you stand and whether a Toyota Century import is the right move for you.