Toyota Displays a Forgotten 90s Convertible and a Rally Champion

Daily Car

·

06/02/2026

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Q: What is this news about Toyota displaying classic cars?

A: Toyota's Automobile Museum is showcasing two vehicles from its collection at the Nostalgic 2 Days event in Yokohama, Japan. The display features a rare 1997 Cynos Convertible and a championship-winning 1993 Celica GT-Four rally car.

Q: What exactly is a Toyota Cynos?

A: The Toyota Cynos was the Japanese domestic market name for the Toyota Paseo, a compact front-wheel-drive coupe produced during the 1990s. It was built on the same platform as the Toyota Starlet and Tercel models of that era, positioning it as an affordable and stylish vehicle.

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Q: Was the Cynos a high-performance car?

A: Despite its sporty appearance, the Cynos was not a high-performance vehicle. Its most powerful engine was a 1.5-liter four-cylinder that produced 108 horsepower. The car was engineered for style and economy rather than for pure speed or track capability.

Q: What makes this particular Cynos Convertible notable?

A: The model on display is a 1997 soft-top convertible. The conversion from a coupe was performed by American Specialty Cars (ASC), a US-based firm known for such modifications. Its appearance is a distinct reflection of the 1990s, with bright yellow paint, purple side decals, and chrome wheels.

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Q: What is the other vehicle being shown with the Cynos?

A: Alongside the Cynos, Toyota is presenting a fully restored 1993 Toyota Celica GT-Four, model code ST185. This is not a standard production car but a decorated competition vehicle with significant historical value.

Q: Why is this Celica GT-Four historically important?

A: This specific Celica GT-Four is a legendary rally car. Driven by Juha Kankkunen, it won the 1993 Rally Australia. That victory was critical in helping Toyota secure its first-ever World Rally Championship (WRC) manufacturer's title, a historic achievement for a Japanese automaker.

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