Description
“That” is a 1967 Hino Contessa 1300 Michelotti Coupe.
We discovered and purchased this car in a Southern California warehouse. While we could have returned every part to perfect, we undertook a sympathetic refurbishment of this vehicle with an eye to maintaining its unique place in history as a Driver’s car, a weekend racer that you could drive to the track. Most of the work done recently was what you would expect: cleaning, cajoling, gently prodding and coaxing a stored car back to life. Fuel systems were cleaned. Brakes cleaned and unfrozen. Electrical systems checked - charging good, battery replaced. Polishing, waxing and some general TLC.
Rarity
Comparable sales are pretty hard to come by. Just a few thousand Hino Coupes were produced before the Contessa was set aside in favor of the Toyota Corolla nearly 60 years ago. Toyota acquired Hino in 1966 for its manufacturing capacity and Hino became the truck producing division of Toyota. Hino car production ceased. it is questionable if there are ANY Hino Contessa Coupes in continental Europe.
The Contessa 1300 Coupe was designed by the famed Giorgio Michelotti and was lauded for its contemporary lines and sweeping greenhouse. Note his GM logo on the rear quarter panels.
This Contessa remained in Japan until 2019. During the last 58 years, just 48113 KM were recorded on the odometer.
Hino wanted to bring a passenger car product to the U. S. They felt that a good method of exposure would be through racing. the aligned with Pete Brock (designer of the corvette, and the shelby cobra daytonoa coupe), to go racing. BRE formed "Team Samauri", which later became the famed B. R. E. with Datsun cars. Brock and the Hino Contessas surprised everyone in the racing world with a first and second place finish at the Mission Bell 100 event at the first Trans Am race at Riverside Raceway. However, Toyota had then become interested in absorbing Hino into their fold as a truck producer, and the Contessa project was abruptly halted although the Contessa's place in automotive racing history won't be soon forgotten. The Pete Brock autographed print commemorates the BRE Contessas and is included.
On Jun 9, 2025 we took the Contessa out to BRE for Peter to see. He commented that this was a very nice example of the cars he used to race. He lamented that this 67 model had Disc Brakes, a feature not present on his record setting 1966 race cars. The staff at BRE remarked that although they knew the Hino Contessa story well, most had never actually seen one in person. They loved the period-correct SSR wheels but Peter commented that they were likely too delicate for the thrashing of Trans AM racing.
“IS THIS ONE OF THE 20 FAMED “L MODEL” LIGHTWEIGHT COUPES BUILT FOR COMPETITION?”
Perhaps not but we can’t explain why it weighs 65KG less than a stock spec car.
Here’s what we do know:
The certificate shows 1940 LBS which equates to 880KG
A stock Contessa Coupe weighed 945KG dry per the brochure.
Build Quality. Every aspect of this car exudes a level of build quality normally associated with much more expensive cars from 1967. Pete Brock pointed this out when he was signing the glove box door. He said that a small group of guys at Hino were car guys and they wanted to make great cars. As an example, he pointed out that the glove box door was built much better than it needed to be. It is solid, well designed in and out and weighs about 4 lbs which is surprising for its small size. Typically, you would expect to see a thin light weight part.
Exterior.
Resprayed in glossy white over the factory eggshell (perhaps to match the BRE cars?). It was done quite a while ago and was a quality job but the emblems were not removed so you can see tiny masking errors.
Excellent body fit and finish
Solid underneath and in the spare tire storage bin.
Stainless steel bolts have been used throughout the car, replacing the standard fasteners.
95% Original survivor chrome
Wide rear grille is polished stainless steel
The emblems exhibit some minor pitting commensurate with age
Lowered in the rear with race springs.
Lowered in the front with torsion bars
Tilt out rear quarter windows, minor bubbling on lower door corners
Front and rear bumpers and brackets are included. The rear bumper is freshly rechromed.
Wheels, Tires
Gorgeous 13” SSR, JDM Formula, 3 piece wheels
Lightweight aluminum alloy lug nuts
Brakes
Front disc calipers have been rebuilt. Fresh pads.
Rear drums serviced
Fluids serviced
E Brake works well
Engine
1251 4 cylinder Hino water cooled motor with "S" performance upgrades. Engine serial number 107422.
Dual Hino branded SOLEX licensed side draft 40MM carburetors built by Mikuni. (freshly rebuilt)
Exhaust Header
OEM Hino/ Hitachi distributor.
Genuine Marmitte Anza muffler with twin chrome tips and vintage tags
Fresh tune
The missing engine compartment cooling tin is included.
Many of the accessory parts are Hino branded including the carburetors, distributor and water pump.
Transmission
4 Speed Manual transmission
Interior
Nice clean interior.
Correct Hino Sport steering wheel.
Wood dash
Glove box autographed by Peter Brock.
11000 RPM Tachometer
Gauges (plus two additional gauges, see photos)
There is no carpet. The bare floor shows a bit of paint wear from usage
Two Hino branded keys
The door and engine compartment locks are functional with the factory keys
Trunk/ Frunk
Nice condition. All covers and panels in place
New battery
Cleaned fuel tank and lines. New pump.
Spare tire and wheel
Underneath
No rust.
Solid and damage free frame and pan.
No drivetrain leaks.
Documentation
Clean and clear California title
California plates and registration tags till October 2025
2019 Export documentation from Japan
BRE Hino Contessa framed artwork featuring the autograph of Peter Brock.
Photo of Peter Brock with this car in front of his BRE shop.
Photo disc of our collected research documentation on the Hino Contessa 1300 Coupe.
Inspection
Please feel free to inspect this great car via whatsapp before the listing ends. We are happy to meet you and show her off. The details contained in this listing are based on our review of the vehicle and any errors or omissions are unintentional. Please keep in mind that this is a 51 year old used car. It will need periodic attention just as any classic does. It is not a new car and will not be fresh and perfect like that new soul sucking Metro your Aunt Betty drives. If that’s what you are after, this is not your era, nor your car so please move on to something boring. worldwide shipping available.
