The Unlikely Beginning of Pete Brock's Racing Legacy: The Hino Contessa

Pete Brock's legacy as a legendary race car designer and founder of Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE) began with an unlikely vehicle: the Hino Contessa. After designing the Daytona Cobra Coupe, which won a World Championship, Brock left Shelby American to pursue his own company. His first factory race car program at BRE consisted of the tiny 1000cc Hino Contessa.

The Hino Contessa was an unexpected choice for a racing vehicle, with its small size and modest engine power. However, Brock saw potential in the car and began modifying it for competition. He added a racing suspension, lightweight body panels, and a modified engine, turning the Contessa into a formidable race car.

Brock and his team debuted the BRE Hino Contessa at the 1964 Riverside Grand Prix, where it managed to finish third in its class. This was just the beginning of the car's success on the track. Over the next few years, the BRE Hino Contessa went on to win numerous SCCA races and set multiple track records.

Despite its initial doubts as a racing vehicle, the Hino Contessa proved to be a valuable starting point for Brock's racing legacy. The lessons he learned while modifying and racing the car would serve as a foundation for his future designs, which would include iconic vehicles like the BRE Datsun 510 and the BRE Datsun 240Z.

Today, the BRE Hino Contessa stands as a testament to Brock's ingenuity and determination. While it may not be as well-known as some of his other designs, it played an important role in the development of his racing career and the success of Brock Racing Enterprises.