Toyota on Saturday unveiled a convertible model of its new Century SUV.

Don’t search for it in showrooms, although. The automobile is strictly a one-off construct to haul round sumo wrestlers, The Yomiuri Shimbun reported.

It was constructed for the Japan Sumo Affiliation, which celebrates its centennial subsequent yr, and was requested by retired wrestler Hakuhō Shō, a detailed pal of Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda. The reveal befell at Tokyo’s Ryogoku Kokugikan, the place the winner of the yr’s first Grand Sumo Match will probably be paraded within the automobile.

“I’m grateful that the Century was chosen because the automobile that solely the champion can journey in,” Toyoda mentioned.

Toyota usually provides automobiles primarily based on its Crown for the parade however wished to ship a extra prestigious automobile this yr. Along with the lacking roof, different modifications made to the Century SUV included strengthened suspension springs to deal with the additional weight of any sumo wrestlers filling the seats. The rear bench was additionally raised.

Toyota has constructed convertible variations of its Century sedan previously. The final was revealed in 2019. The automobiles are sometimes utilized by Japan’s emperor.

The Century SUV made its debut final fall. It’s the primary SUV to hold the Century nameplate, and at the moment it’s solely on sale in Japan. Availability in different markets hasn’t been introduced, although there are rumors the SUV will probably be extra broadly accessible than the sedan, which was solely offered in a handful of markets. The only real powertrain on provide is a plug-in hybrid system with a 3.5-liter V6, with drive routed to all 4 wheels.

This text was initially revealed by Motor Authority, an editorial accomplice of ClassicCars.com