The Toyota concept car from 1983 that previewed the first-generation MR2 was the SV-3.
Toyota displayed the SV-3 at the 25th Tokyo Motor Show, held from October 28 to November 8, 1983. It was presented as a mid-engine sports concept, signaling Toyota’s intention to bring exotic-car-like engine placement and handling to a more attainable two-seat model.
The production car arrived in Japan in 1984 as the Toyota MR2, described by Toyota as Japan’s first two-seat, mid-engine sports car. Its name refers to “Mid-Ship Runabout 2-Seater.” Instead of placing the engine ahead of the cabin or behind the rear axle, the MR2 mounted it between the occupants and the rear axle, helping balance the car’s weight.
The SV-3 is sometimes confused with other Toyota concepts from the same 1983 show, especially the FX-1. The FX-1 previewed a futuristic technology-focused sports car, while the SV-3 was specifically identified as the MR2 preview vehicle.