• 1,079cc four-cylinder engine, four-speed gearbox
• Present ownership since 2006
• Reportedly rebuilt during previous ownership

An engineering firm founded in Modena in 1879, Stanguellini, headed by the founder's grandson Vittorio, began tuning and racing FIATs in the 1930s. After WW2 the company branched out into the manufacture of its own sports and racing cars, embracing the new Formula Junior when the latter commenced in Italy in 1957. Brainchild of Count Giovanni 'Johnny' Lurani, Formula Junior was intended to provide an entry-level gateway to single-seater racing for younger drivers. To keep costs down, the rules stipulated that production-car components must be used.

Juan Manuel Fangio tested Stanguellini's prototype in Modena, after which the Italian company became the first manufacturer to commence volume production. Styled like a Maserati 250F, the Stanguellini employed a tubular ladder-frame chassis that offset the driver to the left to clear the propshaft, and was powered by a tuned FIAT 1100 engine. The elevation of Formula Junior to international status for 1958 helped swell Stanguellini's order books, and the cars dominated European racing throughout 1958 and 1959. In 1959 the first international Formula Junior Championship was won by the Swiss driver/engineer Michael May driving a Stanguellini. There has never been a Formula Junior world championship, but if there had then Stanguellini would surely have won it. Up-and-coming drivers that cut their racing teeth on Stanguellinis included Lorenzo Bandini, Ritchie Ginther and Wolfgang von Trips.

This example was purchased by the collection at a UK auction in 2006, at which time the vendor described the car as in 'excellent' condition and reported that it had been cosmetically refurbished by Flavien Marcais prior to entering their ownership in 2005. At that time this car was one of two Stanguellini FJs laying claim to the chassis number '0186'. Between 2007-2008 the seat and headrest were re-upholstered, and some light mechanical work was carried out. It was also said to have been mechanically rebuilt following its 'purchase from a Munich racing school by Gottfried Richrath in 1991'. According to the FIA papers, the aluminium-bodied car is fitted with a correct 4-cylinder FIAT engine and 1100 gearbox.

This Stanguellini has been on static display since acquisition and will require recommissioning and thus is sold strictly as viewed.

Representing an affordable entry into the increasingly popular historic Formula Junior events, this beautiful Stanguellini is offered with old FIA papers dated 1991; a list of works carried out between 2012 and 2017; photographs of the engine and bodywork; and the 2006 purchase invoice.

Please note that this vehicle is from outside the UK. Our customs agents, CARS UK, will manage all post sale customs administration. A fee of £350+VAT will be charged on the buyer's invoice to administer both import or export customs movements. If the buyer also chooses to ship with CARS UK, this will be quoted separately. If this vehicle is to remain in the UK, it will be subject to Import VAT at the reduced rate of 5% on the hammer price. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance formalities. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department.