The Toyota Museum just dusted off a rare Cynos Convertible that looks like it belongs in a Barbie Dreamhouse garage

Published on Feb 14, 2026 at 10:14 AM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall

Last updated on Feb 12, 2026 at 5:47 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Mason Jones

Fans of Japanese cars can rejoice, as the Toyota Museum has just brought out a rare Cynos Convertible that many may never have realized even existed.

Looking like something that belongs in the Barbie Dreamhouse garage, this strange-looking convertible is a Japanese-market version of the Paseo, and it is set to go on display soon.

Toyota will take the car to a Nostalgic 2 Days event, being held on February 21st-22nd at the Pacifico Yokohama convention center.

The Japanese manufacturer is celebrating its own collection of cars, with this pristine example one of the finest.

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Why you’ve never heard of the Toyota Cynos Convertible

Many of you may never have heard of the Toyota Cynos.

First introduced in 1991, it gave customers in Japan a chance to buy a small and affordable coupe.

Toyota introduced a second-generation model in 1995, with the convertible in the collection built in 1997.

Its conversion into drop-top form, however, was done by American Specialty Cars (ASC).

Based in Michigan, United States, it is a firm that became known for its coupe-to-convertible conversions.

Several automotive manufacturers have used the services of ASC.

You certainly wouldn’t miss this one, with its bright yellow paintwork and stunning purple decals.

Chrome alloy wheels complement the classic 1990s look.

Adding to the sportiness are the black bumper extensions and side skirts, rear spoiler, and fog lights.

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The Toyota Museum is bringing more cars to the event

Despite the sporty design, the Cynos Convertible has a very humble engine.

The most powerful version had a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, making just 108hp and 100lb-ft of torque.

More cars are joining the Cynos at the Nostalgic 2 Days show.

A Toyota Celica GT-Four ST195 world rally car will also appear.

Driven by Juha Kankkunen, this particular car won the 1993 Rally Australia and recently had a major restoration.

It also helped the manufacturer win its first-ever World Rally Championship (WRC) title.

The Japanese manufacturer has a hugely successful history in the WRC.

It has won nine manufacturers’ titles and ten drivers’ titles.

So, the Cynos Convertible is in superb company at the event in Yokohama.

Toyota’s most famous models

1951 – Land Cruiser: Originally developed as a military utility vehicle (the “Toyota BJ”), it became the brand’s longest-running series and a global symbol of off-road indestructibility.

1966 – Corolla: Launched as a compact car for the masses, it became the best-selling nameplate in automotive history, renowned for its affordability and reliability.

1967 – 2000GT: Japan’s first true ‘supercar’. With only 351 units made and a starring role in a James Bond film, it proved Toyota could build world-class sports cars.

1978 – Supra: Debuting initially as a high-performance trim for the Celica, it eventually became a standalone legend, with the 1990s Mark IV model becoming a tuner culture icon.

1982 – Camry: Introduced as a standalone model to replace the Corona, it dominated the mid-size sedan market for decades, setting the gold standard for family transportation.

1994 – RAV4: The first ‘Recreational Active Vehicle with 4-wheel drive’, it pioneered the modern crossover SUV segment by combining SUV utility with car-like handling.

1997 – Prius: The world’s first mass-produced hybrid passenger vehicle; it revolutionized the industry and became the global synonym for eco-friendly driving.

Henry joined the Supercar Blondie team in February 2025, and since then has covered a wide array of topics ranging from EVs, American barn finds, and the odd Cold War jet. He’s combined his passion for cars with his keen interest in motorsport and his side hustle as a volunteer steam locomotive fireman at a leading heritage steam railway in England.