Don’t look now, but lighting is about to strike twice as we have yet another Hino Contessa listed on the site. A few days ago, Ross Dixon wrote up this Hino Contessa sedan; well, we now have a sharp Contessa coupe offered here on eBay. I didn’t know much about these pre-Toyota vehicles, but this model has a fascinating history both in terms of engineering and mild racing pedigree. The Contessa coupe shown here has been tastefully modified but also contains lots of details that has made the seller wonder if it was built as a factory lightweight racer when new. The asking price is $18,950.
The Contessa design is one of the first things you notice about this unusual Japanese market offering. Designed by Giorgio Michelotti, the forward-facing roof and glass paired with the miles-long rear engine lid is a fascinating bit of contract. The nose panel with its twin headlight design on each side looks like a Corvair, and the rear engine layout only strengthens the connection. The dual exhaust jutting out from beneath the rear bumper gives the Contessa a distinctively aggressive look, and the seller’s period-correct BBS-style mesh wheels look perfect on a car with supposed competition history.
Hino was eventually absorbed by Toyota as a standalone truck brand, and the Contessa was retired in favor of Toyota’s own small car, the Corolla. Before this happened, Hino was attempting to market the Contessa via a racing partnership with Pete Brock and his BRE Racing team. The idea was sound and Brock was a fan of the car (apparently, the seller took the Contessa to Brock for him to evaluate and he gave the car strong marks for condition – it’s all hearsay, but a fun anecdote nonetheless.) The 1300 coupe came with a 1.3L four-cylinder engine utilizing a water-cooled design, which was somewhat rare in a rear-engine configuration.
Because of a few key details, most of it pertaining to the Contessa’s curb weight, the seller speculates that this may be one of 20 “L” model lightweight coupes built by the factory for racing purposes. The seller states that the wet weight of the car is 1940 pounds, or 880KG; a stock Contessa Coupe weighed 945KG. In addition, this one is lacking sidemarker lenses, which were not an option on the lightweight models. Regardless of whether it is a factory competition vehicle, a Contessa coupe in this sort of condition is a rare find and one that will appeal to almost any JDM enthusiast.
This car made the rounds last summer, including here on BF, written up by Elizabeth. At the time, he was asking somewhere between $33K and $25K (it was listed a few times with price cuts). I think it’s a cool and unique piece, but even at the current $18.5, it still seems overpriced to me. This is going to have to wait for someone who really wants it. A niche vehicle, for sure.
WOW! – That’s two in the last week.
Been for sale a VERY long time-
Nice write up. Right hand drive, no thanks. My center of gravity fights me every time I drive one…
The one posted earlier is LH drive and has its bumpers. Maybe between the 2 someone could come up with a really nice car.
Hello, Yes. We did take the Contessa out to Pete Brock. He was impressed with the car and said it brought back fond memories. Mr’s Brock immediately noticed the front disc brakes and said their 66 model race cars still had drums. Pete was kind enough to sign the glove box door and two of his Hino racing memorabilia photos. One goes with the car. I’m keeping the other. Yes, we have both bumpers, brackets etc. Yes, we’ve had the car for about a year now. The JCCS show in Long Beach Ca was great. Very cool for people to be able to see old school JDM in person. Next is 2026 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, Laguna Seca has announced that it will celebrate icons of Japanese motorsports as the featured marque for its August 2026 gathering.
this is an amazing piece of JDM and Trans-Am history. totally unique and utterly cool. this gives out all kinds of cool vibes. i’m a fan.
I like it, it is undeniably cool and probably a hoot to drive.
Two unicorns in short order? Crazy! But honestly, if you owned it and took it to your local cars and coffee meet would you ever see another one? As a BMW 2002 owner who grew up around Corvairs, I find myself strangely drawn to this thing!
Reminds me of an Alfa Romeo 2000 .it’s cool
Yeah, some Alpha, some Fiat 124 (some years). Cool car.
I had a Fiat 124. What a fun car to drive!!
Love this little car but me in a right hand drive car? I’d be a menace on the road!
I reckon it can be a challenge. With practice, I’ll bet anyone can drive.
It is really cool and different. Would love to take it to a track day! But would be afraid to hurt it. Parts would be unobtainium. I hope to get to Monterey this year. (I’m having withdrawal for missing a couple of years.) If I make it. I will enjoy seeing this car.
Laguna Seca’s featured theme for this year is ” icons of Japanese Motorsports”. This thing would steal the show.
At its current pricing, that’s not bad. Agree it would gather inquisitive minds if at gatherings, driving, or vintage track. This is very cool! 😎
Toyota has a dedicated Hino museum. I believe it’s just outside of Tokyo near the Hino factory that produces Hilux pickups and Lexus SUVs. They might be a good source for more information on this particular chassis. It also has a few rotary engines Hino produced for Zero fighters during WWII
In India, during the 80’s, you could also buy a contessa. It was considered a high-end local car. It was different from this japanese one, and wasn’t a toyota.
The hardest thing about driving right hand drive cars is not turning the windshield wipers on when reaching for the turn signals LOL
I was able to drive a RHD Mini at an autocross. The car was all setup to scream through the course. But I couldn’t get the hang of shifting with my left hand. And I’m ambidextrous!