Rare Japanese classic family car.
One of only a handful in Australia.
Offered with No Reserve.

One of the few Hino Contessas assembled outside of Japan, this example was built in New Zealand by Campbell Industries Ltd of Thames, who ultimately became Toyota New Zealand in May 1979. The original Hino dealer’s warranty policy survives in the name of a Mrs Helen Hunt from New Lynn, a suburb of West Auckland, showing the delivery date was March 30, 1967. The first registration certificate also survives, showing the original plate was FE-695.

One of only a handful known to be in Australia, we don’t know when the car crossed the Tasman but it has been here for a number of years and was previously registered in West Australia. The current Sydney owner, a collector with a particular interest in early Japanese cars, was attracted by not only the Contessa’s rarity but also the very original, unmodified condition.

Showing just 57,010 miles on the clock, believed to be the original mileage, the Hino has evidently had at least one repaint over the years but the interior looks to be all original. The car starts easily and drives well, although it needs a few minor adjustments to the brakes and would benefit from a tune-up. Turning heads like few other cars we have driven, the Hino would be a real conversation starter at your next Cars & Coffee event and is perfect for any Japanese classic car enthusiast. Currently registered on non-transferable historic plates in NSW and therefore sold unregistered, the Contessa will be sold with No Reserve and comes with an original workshop manual, owner’s handbook and spare key