- Toyota will display a rare Cynos Convertible with ’90s livery.
- The Cynos is Japan’s version of the Paseo FWD compact coupe.
- Display includes a 1993 Celica GT-Four rally championship car.
Toyota fans may be holding out for the new Celica and the long-rumored return of the mid-engine MR2, but in the meantime, the automaker is shining a light on another sporty name from its past.
The Toyota Cynos, the Japanese-market version of the Paseo, is making a comeback of sorts, set to appear in soft-top convertible form courtesy of the Toyota Automobile Museum, complete with a spec that unapologetically channels the ’90s.
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The soft-top Cynos will be on display at the Nostalgic 2 Days event, taking place February 21–22 at the Pacifico Yokohama convention center in Japan. It’s part of Toyota’s own collection of vintage models, which explains both the car’s pristine condition and the period-correct exterior.
Nineties Flashback
First introduced in 1991, the Toyota Cynos offered buyers a compact, affordable coupe. A second-generation version followed in 1995, refining the formula. The specific convertible shown here rolled off the line in 1997, but not before undergoing its most noticeable transformation.
The drop-top conversion was handled by American Specialty Cars (ASC), a Michigan-based firm known for crafting convertible versions of coupes for a number of manufacturers.
Painted in bright yellow and finished with purple decals and chrome alloy wheels, the car looks like a snapshot of a pre-smartphone decade. The black bumper extensions and side skirts add a touch of sportiness, together with the rear spoiler and the fog lights.
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Toyota didn’t provide many photos, but from what’s visible, the open cabin features its signature light gray upholstery, accented by colorful graphics on the seats that stay true to its era.
Despite its sporty stance, the Cynos/Paseo shared its FWD underpinnings with the humble Starlet P90 and Tercel L50 from the same era. The most powerful version came equipped with a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 108 hp (81 kW / 110 PS) and 136 Nm (100 lb-ft) of torque.
Rally Car Company
The Cynos Convertible won’t be appearing solo at the Nostalgic 2 Days show. Sharing space will be a true rally legend: the formidable Toyota Celica GT-Four (ST185), fresh off a restoration that reflects its 1993 Rally Australia-winning form. Driven by Juha Kankkunen, this particular car helped Toyota clinch the WRC title that year, marking a historic first for a Japanese manufacturer.
Today, the company has earned a total of nine manufacturers’ titles and ten drivers’ titles in the World Rally Championship, thanks in large part to the continued efforts of its Gazoo Racing division.
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