In Japan, Miyagata-style hearses were once a popular choice for funerals, featuring designs resembling ornate Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. While their popularity has waned in Japan, these unique hearses have found a niche as sought-after collector vehicles in the United States.
Recently, a 1996 Toyota Century example of this vehicle type made an appearance on Cars & Bids, the online auction marketplace for modern enthusiast cars founded by automotive YouTuber Doug DeMuro.
This right-hand-drive hearse, powered by a V8 engine, showcases a striking Black Onyx exterior with intricate gold detailing depicting numerous dragons and celestial creatures. DeMuro describes the interior as equally stunning and meticulously crafted.
Delving into the specifics, DeMuro highlights the final iteration of the original Toyota Century beneath the hearse’s surface. The Toyota Century has long been regarded as the pinnacle of luxury in Toyota’s lineup. It boasts fascinating and quirky features such as power-pivoting quarter windows and power-swiveling air vents.
As of now, the Miyagata-style Toyota Century, which has only covered 33,100 miles, is up for auction with four days remaining and the highest bid reaching nearly $8,000 USD.
The Miyagata-style hearses in Pictures:
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