Description
The Hino Contessa 1300 was the second generation of Hino’s compact passenger car line, introduced in 1964 as a successor to the earlier Contessa 900. It represented a major step forward for the company, both technically and stylistically, and demonstrated Hino’s growing confidence as an independent automaker. With Italian design by Giovanni Michelotti and refined engineering derived from the earlier rear-engined layout, the Contessa 1300 stood out as one of the most sophisticated and stylish small cars to come out of Japan in the mid-1960s.
The design of the Contessa 1300 was a sharp departure from the rounded forms of its predecessor. Michelotti’s influence gave the car clean, angular lines, a strong shoulder line, and balanced proportions. The front featured quad headlights set into a wide grille, giving it a distinctly European appearance. The rear-engine layout allowed for a low, flat bonnet and an extended tail section that contributed to its aerodynamic look. In coupé form, the Contessa was particularly elegant, with a long roofline and crisp detailing that made it one of the best-looking Japanese cars of its time. Even the sedan version carried a sense of refinement and modernity uncommon in its class.
Inside, the Contessa 1300 offered a cabin that was both functional and attractive. Seating was arranged for four adults, with good headroom and visibility. The dashboard featured a full instrument cluster with clear gauges and chrome trim, while the materials and fitment reflected Hino’s careful attention to quality. The coupé version, introduced shortly after the sedan, had a sportier interior layout, with bucket seats and a more driver-focused design. Overall, the cabin combined European design sensibilities with Japanese practicality, creating an environment that felt upscale yet approachable.
Under the rear engine lid sat the heart of the Contessa 1300—a 1,251 cc water-cooled inline four-cylinder engine with an overhead valve design. In standard form it produced around 55 horsepower, while the higher-performance twin-carburettor “S” version delivered about 65 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, and the light weight of the car meant performance was lively for its size. The top speed ranged from roughly 135 to 150 km/h (84–93 mph), depending on the variant.
The Contessa 1300’s handling was notably good for a rear-engined car, thanks to careful weight distribution and independent rear suspension. It provided stable, predictable cornering and a comfortable ride, making it well suited for both city driving and long-distance touring. Hino also entered the Contessa 1300 in motorsport events, including Japanese touring car races, where its agility and reliability earned it respect among local enthusiasts.
Production of the Contessa 1300 continued until 1967, when Hino ceased passenger car manufacturing following its merger with Toyota. The model marked the high point of Hino’s brief venture into car production, as the company thereafter focused exclusively on commercial vehicles.
Today, the Hino Contessa 1300 is regarded as one of the most interesting and stylish Japanese cars of the 1960s. Its Italian design, solid engineering, and rarity make it a sought-after collector’s item. The car stands as a symbol of what might have been—a glimpse of an alternative path for Hino as a maker of distinctive, European-influenced Japanese automobiles. Elegant, technically sound, and full of character, the Contessa 1300 remains one of the hidden gems of Japan’s early automotive era.