![This Toyota Century Artisan Spirits is the Yakuza chariot of choice 01]()
The Toyota Century is a little-known name outside of Japan. The model was conceived to compete head-on with established luxobarges from Mercedes, BMW and Audi, with a twist.
![This Toyota Century Artisan Spirits is the Yakuza chariot of choice 02]()
You see, where the German marques’ flagships are traditionally technological tours de force (think air-suspension, night vision, photochromic windows etc), the Century was curiously, a glorious hark back to regal luxury, with its own unique interpretation. Quilted leather seats too obnoxious for you? The Century is decked out in pure wool seats.
![This Toyota Century Artisan Spirits is the Yakuza chariot of choice 03]()
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You would think that something that looks so stately and opulent can’t be improved, a you’d be wrong. Meet the Toyota Century Artisan Spirits. Well, this is certainly not a regular ‘add bling, chrome and larger wheels’ exercise. That would be too vulgar for a car like this.
![This Toyota Century Artisan Spirits is the Yakuza chariot of choice 01]()
Instead, Japanese tuners Artisan Spirits’ approach to this third-generation Toyota Century was to apply tasteful enhancements to an already elegant car. The front bumper receives a spoiler, to go with the side-skirt extensions. Rounding it off at the rear are a small boot and roof spoiler, plus a diffuser on the rear bumper.
![This Toyota Century Artisan Spirits is the Yakuza chariot of choice 02]()
The resultant effect is very classy, with shades of Bentley’s Mulsanne on the side profile. The car looks slightly lower to the ground, but with none of that typical Japanese VIP, ground-scraping clumsiness. Dignified, subtle, regal (there’s that word again).
![This Toyota Century Artisan Spirits is the Yakuza chariot of choice 03]()
Artisan Spirits’ refreshing take on this wonderfully oddball but charming land-yacht is definitely something worth recognition. After all, the Century is, and has always been, fit for a king.
Jason's foremost passion is all things automotive, where he spent his formative working years as a Product Planner and Trainer. An Advanced Driving Instructor by training and an all-round enthusiast, Jason loves going into intricate details about driving dynamics. Will drive anything with 4 wheels and a steering.
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