2015model Morgan 3-Wheele

“From the exquisitely crafted one-off exhaust, a remarkable sound emerges—one that defies the expectations of a Japanese classic car…”

From its high-compression engine, a sound emerges that resonates through the air, vibrating the surroundings. It’s a tone that captivates any car enthusiast, echoing with a powerful presence in the parking lot of the park chosen for the photoshoot. The strong, slanted rays of the winter morning sun mercilessly expose the condition of the paintwork, but the original body condition—untouched and unrepaired since its birth in 1967—is a testament to its authenticity. Despite faint traces of rust that attest to its history, these marks only enhance the aura of this car, showcasing a level of preservation that could only result from decades of deep affection and care. This unparalleled condition beautifully reflects the owner’s profound love for the Contessa.

The owner first encountered this incredibly rare 1967 Hino Contessa 1300S 32 years ago. A self-professed car enthusiast even before obtaining a driver’s license, the owner humorously recounts their early days of driving. At just 16, they were already behind the wheel of a modified Nissan Skyline Hakosuka, thanks to the influence of their older brother, also a car enthusiast. The owner fondly recalls learning to drive before getting a license, admitting with a smile that a driving instructor once caught them cutting the steering wheel too sharply during training.

After moving from the Hakosuka to the Whale Crown, both of which are now highly coveted classic Japanese cars, the owner encountered their first Contessa 1300 Coupe at a used car dealership at the age of 23. Struck by its stunning body design, they were captivated. Soon, they were visiting Tsukuba Circuit with the car, equipped with a Mitsubishi Saturn engine. Later, the allure of the rare sedan-style Contessa S captured their heart. It became the family car for a time, filled with cherished memories as the family grew.

While working as a carpenter under their brother since obtaining their license, the owner had a realization: “For my family and the Contessa!” Driven by this passion, they started a construction-related business, pouring their heart into balancing work and their hobby. Unfortunately, circumstances forced them to part with their beloved Contessa S.

Even after letting it go, their longing for the Contessa only grew stronger. Then, at the age of 35, during the booming Japanese economy, the owner stumbled upon this 1967 Hino Contessa 1300S at a used car dealership. It was a one-owner car with only 17,000 kilometers on the odometer and original paintwork intact. Feeling this was destiny, they immediately decided to purchase it.

Initially, the Contessa 1300S faced a series of mechanical issues. Yet, the owner turned these challenges into opportunities, channeling their “Contessa love” into a mission. Determined to transform the car into the ultimate masterpiece, they traveled the country in search of rare original parts and donor vehicles. Where parts couldn’t be found, they used ingenuity to adapt components from other cars—or even crafted custom one-off pieces. The result was a Contessa 1300S that perfectly blended the essence of 1960s racing with the thrill of everyday driving.

With a cheerful smile, the owner jokes, “I love the Contessa more than my wife!” Their commitment to pursuing their passion has been unwavering, even over the past decade. They quit drinking, significantly cut business expenses, and focused entirely on perfecting the 1967 Hino Contessa 1300S.

Now, 32 years after that fateful encounter at the dealership, the car stands as a testament to this journey. Its high-compression engine produces a fierce mid-range exhaust note, perfectly complementing the owner’s deep understanding of the car’s mechanics and the unique dynamics of a rear-engine chassis. Driving through town, the car seems to glide like a fish in water, showcasing its unique charm.

“It revs beautifully up to 7,000 RPM, doesn’t it? And the sound is fantastic! With the rear engine, it’s even more fun in the mountains!” the owner exclaims, savoring every moment behind the wheel.

This perfectly restored 1967 Contessa and the owner’s life story have been featured in notable magazines such as Old Timer No. 198, Retro Car Collection, and Otokono Kakurega. For those familiar with the car, it may feel like meeting an old friend.

Let’s dive into the details of this ultimate 1967 Hino Contessa 1300S and witness its extraordinary performance.