Hino Contessa Sprint 900

Vehicle Overview

The Hino Contessa Sprint 900, built on the Contessa 900 chassis, represents a remarkable fusion of elegance and innovation. Designed by renowned Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti, this sleek 2+2 coupé made its debut at the Turin Motor Show in 1962, where it captured attention with its sophisticated styling and aerodynamic lines. The car’s refined design would later inspire Michelotti’s work on the Jaguar Le Mans D-Type, serving as a smaller yet equally elegant counterpart to the iconic Jaguar. Following its debut, the Contessa Sprint 900 was showcased at prominent international events, including exhibitions in New York and Tokyo in 1963, signaling its aspirations for international appeal. With a left-hand steering configuration, the model was clearly intended for export to the European and American markets. The car was based on the mechanical foundation of the Contessa 900 sedan, but its engine and performance were fine-tuned by the Italian engineering firm Nardi. The 893 cc engine produced a modest 45 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, offering a lively driving experience despite its small size. The interior of the Hino Contessa Sprint 900 was carefully crafted with a focus on comfort and safety. The dashboard, pillars, roof, and doors were padded, and all protruding parts were eliminated wherever possible, creating a secure environment for both driver and passengers. Despite plans for a limited production run of 1,000 units in Italy, high production costs made the project economically unfeasible. As a result, the Sprint 900 became a rare collector’s item, with only a few prototypes ever produced. Although the car never achieved mass production, its importance as a prototype for the later Contessa 1300 is undeniable. For many years, this Michelotti-designed coupé remained largely forgotten until it was rediscovered and restored in the early 2000s. Today, the Hino Contessa Sprint 900 stands as a rare gem in automotive history, cherished for its unique blend of Japanese craftsmanship and Italian design.