Remember when a convertible version of the Toyota Century SUV was teased last year during the model’s launch? It was shown as one of the ways that owners with very deep pockets can customize Toyota’s Cullinan fighter. As chief branding officer Simon Humphries said at the time: “The possibilities are endless and open to discussion.”
Well, Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda had one such discussion with the Japan Sumo Association, and the result is this—a Century SUV Convertible that will serve as a parade car for champion sumo wrestlers. It was officially unveiled at Ryogoku Kokugikan by Toyoda and former yokozuna (sumo grandmaster) Onokuni and Hakuho.
The Japan News reports that the idea came from Hakuho. Initially, a Crown was going to be commissioned as a parade car to celebrate the Japan Sumo Association’s centenary in 2025, but Hakuho thought the newly launched sumo-fied Century would be a better fit.
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The rear can now sit two sumo wrestlers side by side. After lopping off the roof, Toyota took out the backseat and reconfigured the rear passenger area to have spacious legroom and bench-style seating. The bench has been made to resemble a convertible’s canvas roof when folded down. Grab handles have been installed behind the front seats to give the passengers something to hold onto as they enter and get out of the vehicle.
The body and the suspension have also been reinforced to be able to carry the weight of the occupants. The average weight of sumo wrestlers is 120kg to 150kg.
The Century SUV Convertible will have its first official outing on January 28, to ferry the champion of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament. “I’m grateful that the Century was chosen as the car that only the champion can ride in,” Toyoda said.
Watch: Toyota Century SUV Convertible sumo parade car launched
More photos of the Toyota Century SUV Convertible
