Man walking through London ends up seeing a car he doesn't recognize and finds out it's the spot of the century
Published on Feb 24, 2026 at 2:11 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Feb 24, 2026 at 4:04 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
A man walking through London saw a stunning luxury car, but he had no idea what it was. It turned out to be the spot of the century, as it was a very special vehicle.
It probably won’t come as a surprise that you can often spot some incredible cars in the heart of London, where many of the rich and famous live.
You can also spot some rather unusual cars, and Reddit user iamnotarobotoramione posted an interesting set of photos on the r/whatisthiscar SubReddit.
As it transpired, this was a rare Japanese car that is incredibly hard to find outside of its homeland.
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Why was this Toyota the find of the century?
Some of you might have guessed, but the spot of the century is a play on the name of the car.
Users on the Reddit thread were surprised to learn which maker had produced such a beauty.
With its rear curtains, stunning wheels, and chrome grille, it stood out amongst the cars parked around it.
This is a luxury car that is only available in Japan, so seeing it outside of that country is incredibly rare
This is a Toyota Century, one of the coolest cars the Japanese manufacturer has ever made.
“Damn, wouldn’t have guessed it to be a Toyota,” said the original poster.
The Century is marketed as an ultra-premium luxury car, produced mainly for the Japanese market.
They are super high-end vehicles, and the brand’s flagship model in Japan.
The example spotted in London looks like a current third-generation model.
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The Toyota is packed with luxury
The third-gen Century, which is still in production, packs in a 2UR-FSE 5.0-liter hybrid V8 engine.
Combined with its 221hp electric motor, the V8 makes 425hp.
But don’t let the big power make you think it isn’t a comfortable car.
Passenger comfort is Toyota’s top priority with the Century, as evidenced by the reclining seats in the rear.
The car even comes with integrated heaters, plus a massage function in the back.
Even the sound system is premium, with 20 speakers, and there is even a 20-inch LCD screen in the back.
Saw this while walking down a street in central London. What car maker is this?
by u/iamnotarobotoramione in whatisthiscar
So the Century really is the epitome of luxury.
Century has also recently become a brand within Toyota, expanding the lineup to include a new SUV.
It doesn’t look like the flagship name is going anywhere anytime soon.
Toyota Century timeline
1967: The first-generation Century debuts to commemorate the 100th birthday of Toyota founder Sakichi Toyoda, featuring a specially designed 3.0L V8 engine.
1982: The Century undergoes its most significant early update, receiving a larger 4.0L V8 engine and minor styling refinements while maintaining its traditional, formal silhouette.
1997: After 30 years, the second generation is introduced. It boasts a completely redesigned chassis and is powered by Japan’s first and only production V12 engine – the 5.0L 1GZ-FE.
2006: Toyota unveils the Century Royal, a custom-built, ultra-luxurious stretched version designed exclusively to serve as the official state car for the Emperor of Japan.
2018: The third-generation launches. It retains its classic aesthetic but modernizes underneath, replacing the legendary V12 with a highly efficient 5.0L V8 hybrid powertrain.
2023: Toyota expands the iconic nameplate with the debut of the Century SUV, featuring a plug-in hybrid V6 powertrain and catering to modern, global demands for ultra-luxury SUVs.
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Henry joined the Supercar Blondie team in February 2025, and since then has covered a wide array of topics ranging from EVs, American barn finds, and the odd Cold War jet. He’s combined his passion for cars with his keen interest in motorsport and his side hustle as a volunteer steam locomotive fireman at a leading heritage steam railway in England.
