Toyota Crown and Century SUV get one-off open-top variants

For decades, the Toyota Crown and Century have been Japan's most dignified cars. These are typically owned by VIPs who value their privacy and prefer an understated image. However, there are some rare instances where the occupants of such vehicles need to be visible, so Toyota has created one-off, open-top versions of the latest Crown and Century models.

The topless Century is based on the $170,000 Century SUV introduced last fall. Based on the open-top's teaser shown at the event, it seems that the roofless version had already been planned. The occasion? The 100th anniversary of the Japan Sumo Association. Sumo is Japan's most traditional and sacred sport, and the car's name could not be more fitting for the occasion. The car was used to haul the Terunofuji Haruo, the latest yokozuna, or sumo champion, fresh off his ninth such title.