Description:

The Stanguellini name is synonymous with Formula Junior. Before Vittorio Stanguellini started his successful single seater manufacturing the beginnings of the family business started 2 generations prior with his grandfathers Engineering business in Modena in 1879. His father would take over the business and was the first ever to register car in Modena (1910 Registration “MO 1”). By the time Vittorio took the reins it included a FIAT agency.

Vittorio later formed Squadra Corse Stanguellini in 1938 and immediately proved to be successful  when he modified a Maserati 6CM which he built took the overall victory at the 1938 Targa Florio. He modified Fiats and competed in many sports car races, often against Enzo Ferrari and also had an entry into the 1957 24 Hours of Le Mans. He started building his own cars, often featuring 750 and 1100cc engines.

Count Giovanni "Johnny" Lurani identified the need for an entry level single seater series aimed at providing younger drivers with an affordable avenue in which to begin their motor sport careers. The rules required the engine and much of the running gear be production based, with a maximum capacity of 1100cc and minimum weight of 400kg, Formula Junior was born. The rules were adopted by the FIA in 1958 In 1958 and the first event was held at the famed Monza Circuit, six makes entered, including the winning Stanguellini.

With its Italian origins the Fiat 1100 was an obvious choice for many manufactures including Stanguellini. Stanguellini had Alberto Massimino design the Formula Junior and its general appearance is much akin to a smaller version of the beautiful and iconic Maserati 250F Grand Prix car. Juan Manuel Fangio actually tested the prototype for the Stanguellini Factory.

As well as the engine, most of the car’s components were from the Fiat 1100 and were placed in a tubular chassis. The Fiat 1098 c.c. engine ran with two Weber DCOE carburetors, and was mated to a Fiat 4 speed gearbox. Brakes were 9.8 inch Fiat drum brakes, front suspension was independent with coil springs, with the rear being live axle with coil springs with parallel trailing arms. The body was fabricated by Carrozzeria Gransport of Modena in lightweight aluminum.

The Stanguellini proved a popular and successful car, winning over 40 national and international races and almost 150 Formula Juniors built between 1958 and 1960. Notable drivers including Wolfgang von Trips, Lorenzo Bandini, Walt Hansgen and Ritchie Ginther getting their careers started in a FJ Stanguellini.

With the growth of Formula Junior as an international category, the Stanguellini, while beautiful in it’s design and appearance couldn’t match the newer rear engined Lotus, Cooper and Brabham cars in later years.

This car, Number CS00156 was built and exported to the MOMO corporation in the United States. The car was raced by Sandy MacArthur and Mike Harrison before finding a new home in 1977 with Jack Mayes. He owned the car up until 2007 where it was in a sorry state. The car was imported into Australia in 2007 by the current owner and a thorough and complete restoration ensued.

Restored to an impeccable standard by noted specialist Jim Hardman, no expense has been spared in the running and maintenance of this magnificent machine. It has been successfully campaigned throughout Australia at circuits such as Phillip Island, Sandown, Winton, Calder, Wakefield Park and Sydney Motor Sport Park (Eastern Creek). In keeping with the international ethos of Formula Junior the car has also seen action in South Africa at Zwartkops, Killarney and East London, as well as New Zealand at Hampton Downs and Pukekohe.

This car presents in ready to race condition and has been meticulously maintained by Jim Hardman. It comes with a Motor Sport Australia Certificate of Description and group Lb Log Book and would be eligible for the FIA Lurani Trophy, Historic Monaco and Goodwood.

Pricing: 117,800 USD = 165,000 AUD as at conversion on 2/02/2023

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