Hino Contessa Sprint 900

Vehicle Overview

The Hino Contessa Sprint 900, built on the Contessa 900 chassis, epitomizes elegance and innovation. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti, this sleek 2 + 2 coupé made its debut at the Turin Motor Show in 1962, captivating audiences with its refined aesthetics. Notably, its design would later influence the Jaguar Le Mans D-Type Michelotti, serving as a smaller counterpart to the iconic Jaguar. Following its debut, the Contessa Sprint 900 made appearances at prestigious international events, including showcases in New York and Tokyo in 1963. Equipped with a left-hand steering wheel, the model showcased ambitions for export to European and American markets. Under the hood, the mechanics were borrowed from the basic sedan but meticulously refined by the Italian engineering firm Nardi. The 893 cc engine delivers a respectable 45 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, ensuring a dynamic driving experience. Despite plans for a limited production run of 1000 units in Italy, production costs proved prohibitive, resulting in the Hino Contessa Sprint 900 remaining a rare gem. However, its significance as a prototype for the later Contessa 1300 is undeniable. For many years, this Michelotti-designed coupé slipped into obscurity until its rediscovery and restoration in the early 2000s. Today, it stands as a testament to automotive ingenuity and serves as a cherished piece of automotive history.