The Steeple Times

Tag: Toyota

  • Firing Up A 20th Century Limo

    Firing Up A 20th Century Limo

    ‘Stretched’ 1994 Toyota Century for sale for less than the price of a brand new Ford Fiesta; the rammed full of gadgets limousine comes with a food heating compartment and privacy curtains favoured by notoriously shy Japanese people even

    Whilst a 1967 Mercedes-Benz ‘Dictator Car we featured in April eventually sold for £237,000 ($298,000, €264,000 or درهم1.1 million), a lover of limousines with far shallower pockets might care to bid on a Japanese example that is headed to auction this month.

     

    Though the word “limousine” originally derived from the “type of carriage hood that physically resembled the cloak worn by shepherds in the Limousin region of France,” this automotive category is now sadly more generally associated with that especially ghastly, much over-used adjective “luxury.”

     

    Limousines are not only considered the preserve of the aforementioned despots, but they’re also the favoured modes of conveyance of business titans, young Arabic and Russian showoffs and rappers now even. A well-known reader of ours even once stated she’d like to have several herself. This friend of royalty added that a collection of security guards running alongside with torches also would complete her ideal spectacle.

     

    Coming in the form of a four-seat, stretched saloon car, the 1994 Toyota Century to be offered was imported to the UK by Mohamad Issa in 2019. It is longer than a Rolls-Royce Phantom, but slightly shorter than a Maybach at 19-feet in length, is presented in black with a black leather interior and was fully serviced in Japan prior to being shipped. The odometer reads 34,500 miles.

     

    Historics Auctioneers will sell the 1994 Toyota Century limousine at their Windsorview Lakes sale on 18th July. They have set an estimate of just £13,000 to £17,000 ($16,300 to $21,300, €14,500 to €18,900 or درهم59,900 to درهم78,300) and describe the car as being: “A stunning example of a rare car even in Japan, this is a real collector’s car that is a sign of wealth and power for the price of a new Ford Fiesta!”

     

    Featured earlier this year in a 19-minute video by two vloggers named Ben and Alfie of a YouTube channel named The Department of Motoring Affairs, of this particular Century they surmised: “People are surprised that this is a Toyota… If you don’t get it by now you don’t belong in the club anyway… If you know, you know” and indeed they’re right: Here is a quirky limousine that you could only originally have had if the Japanese ‘powers that be’ allowed you.

     

    Facebook: @TheSteepleTimes

    Instagram: @TheSteepleTimes

    Twitter: @SteepleTimes

     

    A 20th Century Limo – £13,000 to £17,000 ($16,300 to $21,300, €14,500 to €18,900 or درهم59,900 to درهم78,300) for 1994 Toyota Century limousine at Historics Auctioneers Windsorview Lakes sale on 18th July 2020 – ‘Stretched’ 1994 Toyota Century for sale for less than the price of a brand new Ford Fiesta; the limousine comes with a food heating compartment and privacy curtains favoured by notoriously shy Japanese people even.
    The passenger “compartment” is described as “richly appointed” and includes not only “soft and supple” heated power, leather seats with variable speed massage functions, but also gadgets galore. Most importantly for the notoriously shy Japanese market, the compartment has all-round curtains as well as an electric privacy partition to separate it from the driver’s compartment (with an intercom communications system).
    A 20th Century Limo – £13,000 to £17,000 ($16,300 to $21,300, €14,500 to €18,900 or درهم59,900 to درهم78,300) for 1994 Toyota Century limousine at Historics Auctioneers Windsorview Lakes sale on 18th July 2020 – ‘Stretched’ 1994 Toyota Century for sale for less than the price of a brand new Ford Fiesta; the limousine comes with a food heating compartment and privacy curtains favoured by notoriously shy Japanese people even.
    There is a cordless 1990s mobile telephone, a television (described as “working but TV to Japanese specification”) with a VHS player, as well as a tape deck built into the rear centre armrest that even has an in-built recording device. A mini fridge also has a heating function for hot food and there is a cabinet containing crystal glasses and a decanter even.
    A 20th Century Limo – £13,000 to £17,000 ($16,300 to $21,300, €14,500 to €18,900 or درهم59,900 to درهم78,300) for 1994 Toyota Century limousine at Historics Auctioneers Windsorview Lakes sale on 18th July 2020 – ‘Stretched’ 1994 Toyota Century for sale for less than the price of a brand new Ford Fiesta; the limousine comes with a food heating compartment and privacy curtains favoured by notoriously shy Japanese people even.
    A desk can fold out for a mogul who wishes to work whilst on-the-road inside their Toyota Century limousine. It is made of mahogany and for those that wish to ‘drink-and-ride’ there are mahogany glass holders as well.
    A 20th Century Limo – £13,000 to £17,000 ($16,300 to $21,300, €14,500 to €18,900 or درهم59,900 to درهم78,300) for 1994 Toyota Century limousine at Historics Auctioneers Windsorview Lakes sale on 18th July 2020 – ‘Stretched’ 1994 Toyota Century for sale for less than the price of a brand new Ford Fiesta; the limousine comes with a food heating compartment and privacy curtains favoured by notoriously shy Japanese people even.
    The chauffeur also gets to sit in luxury (unlike in many other limousines). Whilst in original limousines, the chauffeur’s compartment was open, here they get not only a roof, but a leather seat also.
    A 20th Century Limo – £13,000 to £17,000 ($16,300 to $21,300, €14,500 to €18,900 or درهم59,900 to درهم78,300) for 1994 Toyota Century limousine at Historics Auctioneers Windsorview Lakes sale on 18th July 2020 – ‘Stretched’ 1994 Toyota Century for sale for less than the price of a brand new Ford Fiesta; the limousine comes with a food heating compartment and privacy curtains favoured by notoriously shy Japanese people even.
    Technology is the order of the day given this Toyota Century limousine was manufactured in Japan. The car has automatic transmission, cruise control and a fully functional digital dash.
    A 20th Century Limo – £13,000 to £17,000 ($16,300 to $21,300, €14,500 to €18,900 or درهم59,900 to درهم78,300) for 1994 Toyota Century limousine at Historics Auctioneers Windsorview Lakes sale on 18th July 2020 – ‘Stretched’ 1994 Toyota Century for sale for less than the price of a brand new Ford Fiesta; the limousine comes with a food heating compartment and privacy curtains favoured by notoriously shy Japanese people even.
    The soft-closing boot contains the original tyre and jacking equipment.
    A 20th Century Limo – £13,000 to £17,000 ($16,300 to $21,300, €14,500 to €18,900 or درهم59,900 to درهم78,300) for 1994 Toyota Century limousine at Historics Auctioneers Windsorview Lakes sale on 18th July 2020 – ‘Stretched’ 1994 Toyota Century for sale for less than the price of a brand new Ford Fiesta; the limousine comes with a food heating compartment and privacy curtains favoured by notoriously shy Japanese people even.
    The engine is a Lexus 4-litre 5V-EU V8. Of it, Historics Auctioneers remark: “We are informed by the vendor that [it] starts well and pulls strong with the temperature gauge reading a little below half and the automatic transmission shifts are firm and smooth.”
    A 20th Century Limo – £13,000 to £17,000 ($16,300 to $21,300, €14,500 to €18,900 or درهم59,900 to درهم78,300) for 1994 Toyota Century limousine at Historics Auctioneers Windsorview Lakes sale on 18th July 2020 – ‘Stretched’ 1994 Toyota Century for sale for less than the price of a brand new Ford Fiesta; the limousine comes with a food heating compartment and privacy curtains favoured by notoriously shy Japanese people even.
    From the front; this Toyota Century stretched saloon is described as “clean and straight, the chrome trim and bumpers are all intact and gleaming.”
    A 20th Century Limo – £13,000 to £17,000 ($16,300 to $21,300, €14,500 to €18,900 or درهم59,900 to درهم78,300) for 1994 Toyota Century limousine at Historics Auctioneers Windsorview Lakes sale on 18th July 2020 – ‘Stretched’ 1994 Toyota Century for sale for less than the price of a brand new Ford Fiesta; the limousine comes with a food heating compartment and privacy curtains favoured by notoriously shy Japanese people even.
    And from the rear; here is a car that Historics Auctioneers laud as having a look “denoting conservative success.”
    Historics Auctioneers have produced a video tour of the vehicle to market it to potential purchasers during the coronavirus lockdown.
    The 1994 Toyota Century limousine to be auctioned featured in an amusing 19-minute long YouTube video in March this year by vlogger Alfred Munkenbeck and his co-host Ben (surname unknown). They plainly loved the vehicle.
  • Rolls-Royce isn’t Rolls-Royce but it is Rolls-Royce

    Rolls-Royce isn’t Rolls-Royce but it is Rolls-Royce

    Rolls-Royce issues a press release to try and stop the media mistakenly saying they are Rolls-Royce; they want to highlight the difference between PLC and Cars

    When you think of Rolls-Royce, you may think of handcrafted limousines made with the most exquisite materials. You might think of the royalty, heads of state and stars who’ve owned such vehicles, but one thing’s for sure, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, a “wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW Group (Munich)” now want to make very clear: They have nothing to do with the aircraft, ship and submarine manufacturers Rolls-Royce PLC.

     

    In a press release issued on Thursday, Andrew Ball for Goodwood, West Sussex based Rolls-Royce Motor Cars pointedly remarked:

     

    “Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has issued a statement in response to continuing media confusion and misreporting concerning its assumed or implied connection to Rolls-Royce PLC.”

     

    “Media are kindly asked to note that images of Rolls-Royce motor cars, the black and silver ‘Double R’ logo, the ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ (‘Flying Lady’) mascot, the Rolls-Royce Pantheon Grille and other related content are all signifiers of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and its Brand.”

     

    “The use of these images to illustrate stories relating to Rolls-Royce plc together with copy that unnecessarily confuses or conflates the two companies, is incorrect and leads to public confusion.”

     

    Given “recent announcements” have led to the “media confusing and misreporting” the two, one thing’s for sure: A Rolls-Royce car is a Rolls-Royce car when it’s a Rolls-Royce Motor Car; when it’s not, it’s just not. “Now Jeeves, be a darling, go fetch the Toyota.”

     

    Some quotes about Rolls-Royces

     

    “Greatness takes time: It takes 13 hours to build a Toyota, but it takes 6 months to build a Rolls-Royce.”

    Unknown.

     

    “Wall Street is the only place that people ride to in a Rolls-Royce to get advice from those who take the subway.”

    ‘Most successful investor in the world’ Warren Buffett.

     

    “At 60 miles per hour, the loudest noise in this Rolls-Royce comes from the electric clock.”

    ‘Father of Advertising’ David Ogilvy CBE.

     

    “When you are a rich man, you are proud to own a Rolls-Royce and when you are a poor man, you are proud to own a Renault.”

    Charismatic footballer Eric Cantona.

     

    “If a working-class Englishman saw a bloke drive past in a Rolls-Royce, he’d say to himself: ‘Come the social revolution and we’ll take that away from you, mate.’ Whereas, if his American counterpart saw a bloke drive past in a Cadillac, he’d say: ‘One day, I’m going to own one of those.’ To my way of thinking, the first attitude is wrong. The latter is right.”

    Media tycoon Kerry Packer.

     

    Pictured top: A selection of models currently available in Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ current line-up.

     

    Facebook: @TheSteepleTimes

    Instagram: @TheSteepleTimes

    Twitter: @SteepleTimes

     

    Rolls-Royce isn’t Rolls-Royce but it is Rolls-Royce – Rolls-Royce issues a press release to try and stop the media mistakenly saying they are Rolls-Royce; they want to highlight the difference between PLC and Cars.
    Rolls-Royce Motor Cars want to remind the world that they produce motor cars. They most certainly don’t want people thinking they produce flying hairdryers.
    Rolls-Royce isn’t Rolls-Royce but it is Rolls-Royce – Rolls-Royce issues a press release to try and stop the media mistakenly saying they are Rolls-Royce; they want to highlight the difference between PLC and Cars.
    In October 2016, ‘The Steeple Times’ featured this 1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I by Brougham De Ville. It has an interior inspired by Versailles and the interior was described as “like stepping inside a very fine Georgian manor house.”
    Rolls-Royce isn’t Rolls-Royce but it is Rolls-Royce – Rolls-Royce issues a press release to try and stop the media mistakenly saying they are Rolls-Royce; they want to highlight the difference between PLC and Cars.
    In March 2017, ‘The Steeple Times’ featured this 1958 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I drophead coupé. It was nicknamed ‘The Honeymoon Express’ given it seats just two and has an oversized boot capable of carrying a week’s luggage.
    Rolls-Royce isn’t Rolls-Royce but it is Rolls-Royce – Rolls-Royce issues a press release to try and stop the media mistakenly saying they are Rolls-Royce; they want to highlight the difference between PLC and Cars.
    In August 2015, ‘The Steeple Times’ featured this 1973 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI by Pietro Frua. It was described as “the largest convertible ever built,” measured over 22-foot in length and took two years to build. The giant motor was originally owned by His Excellency Consul Simon van Kempen of Switzerland and Monaco sold for £442,546 including premium as part of The Frederiksen Auction in Denmark.
    Rolls-Royce isn’t Rolls-Royce but it is Rolls-Royce – Rolls-Royce issues a press release to try and stop the media mistakenly saying they are Rolls-Royce; they want to highlight the difference between PLC and Cars.
    In February 2018, ‘The Steeple Times’ featured this special edition 1995 Rolls-Royce Flying Spur converted to an estate car from a Silver Spur III.
    Rolls-Royce isn’t Rolls-Royce but it is Rolls-Royce – Rolls-Royce issues a press release to try and stop the media mistakenly saying they are Rolls-Royce; they want to highlight the difference between PLC and Cars.
    In September 2016, ‘The Steeple Times’ joined those describing the owner of this Rolls-Royce as having “the most vulgar numberplate in Britain.” The owner of ‘SH10W OF’ plainly is a person without an ounce of modesty in their entire being.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pndoAjymnMM
  • Picture of the Week: Praying for Uber

    Picture of the Week: Praying for Uber

    Uber driver spotted praying on a pavement in Knightsbridge (more…)

  • Plated X

    Plated X

    Plated X: 15 more of the best plates spotted by readers of ‘The Steeple Times’ (more…)

  • Head to Highclere: A review of The Yew Tree Inn

    Head to Highclere: A review of The Yew Tree Inn

    The revitalisation of The Yew Tree Inn at Highclere has put this country pub firmly back on the culinary radar (more…)

  • Overheard: 8th September

    Overheard: 8th September

    Classic clangers from the last week (more…)

  • A million dollar Toyota

    A million dollar Toyota

    RM Auctions offer a Toyota for a million dollars

     

    Toyota is not a firm that one generally associates with sports cars and luxury, but with the sale of a 1967 Toyota 2000GT at an expected price of $1,000,000 (£625,000), we’ve definitely found an exception. (more…)

  • Cygneting a disaster

    Cygneting a disaster

    Losses of £34.1 million follow in the wake of Aston Martin’s Cygnet’s failure

     

    Aston Martin makes wonderful sports cars. Given reports that the company lost £34.1 million in 2012, they should perhaps stick to that. (more…)

  • Picture of the week: A bevy of Cygnets

    Picture of the week: A bevy of Cygnets

    Spotted in the vicinity of Park Lane

     

    Blatant displays of wealth are not uncommon in Central London. One individual we reported on spent £7.2 million on a number plate and another is selling a 45-bedroom residence for £300 million. This week’s picture of the week shows two Aston Martin Cygnets in separate locations in the vicinity of Park Lane.

     
    (more…)

  • Jersey Budd: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    Jersey Budd: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

    The Steeple Times asks singer-songwriter Jersey Budd: “What’s on your mantelpiece?”

     

    The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?

    Music, love and happiness.

     

    “Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?

    “Learn your lines and turn up”.

     

    Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?

    I’d still say Kerry Katona. She will always be unacceptable and the little fella from North Korea is also unacceptable.

     

    Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?

    My lovely nan, Madge Spreckley.

     

    What might you swap all your wealth for?

    I’d swap anything to be wealthy.

     

    Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?

    Keep all your money under the mattress and never trust anyone in a pin-striped suit.

     

    What phrase or word do you most loathe?

    ‘LOL’: There is no need for it in society.

     

    In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?

    I support a load of charities and will always continue to do so. It’s amazing as an artist to do all I can for them. I’m involved with Support Our Forces, Wishes For Kids, Teenage Cancer Trust and two local charities close to my heart The Joe Humphries Memorial Trust and ADAPT.

     

    The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?

    They are incredibly handy but I love the old days of sending letters and postcards. I think there is no romance in sending a text. But they should never be used to blow anyone up.

     

    Singer-songwriter Jersey Budd
    Singer-songwriter Jersey Budd

     

    If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?

    My fiancée, Elvis, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Chaz and Dave, Muhammed Ali and Einstein.

     

    If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?

    I’d have a bacon sandwich and I’d eat it on the run.

     

    What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?

    Anytime is acceptable. You have to listen to your palate.

     

    A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?

    A cup of tea.

     

    Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?

    The Dancing Landlord parties at the Bulls Head in Countesthorpe, Leicester.

     

    Who is the most positive person you know?

    Kayleigh Ball, my fiancée.

     

    What’s your most guilty pleasure?

    Take That.

     

    If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?

    A lamp.

     

    If you were a car, what marque would you be?

    A Toyota Corolla 1.6CD in navy blue.

     

    Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.

    I once won a fancy dressed competition at primary school dressed as Mr Blobby.

     

    What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?

    Car keys, a picture of me and the missus, a clock, a silver Buddha and several silver mushrooms.

     

    Jersey Budd is a singer-songwriter who launched his first album in 2008. His new EP, Down To The Wire, is out on 20th May 2013.

     

    View Jersey Budd’s official website at: http://www.jerseybudd.com

     

    Follow him on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/jerseybudd