First adopted in 1958 by the FIA, the Formula Junior (FJ) class offered the opportunity for entry-level, young drivers to take their first step into racing, using a single-seat setup. Regulations required FJ class cars to be powered by production-based engines and gearboxes, and to stop via production-based brakes. First held at the famed Monza Circuit, six makes entered, including the winning Stanguellini.

The Stanguellini proved to be one of the foremost front-engine formula cars during the late 1950s, both in the US and in Europe. With nearly 150 Stanguellini Formula Juniors built between 1958 and 1960, it was an established player in its class. This example, chassis CS00139, played a key role in Stanguellini’s success. According to a history report on file commissioned by the consignor in 2020, this Stanguellini was built on July 10, 1959, and imported to the US shortly thereafter by Alfred Momo for Briggs Cunningham. Mr. Momo, a staple of the racing community, was also the team manager and friend of Mr. Cunningham. Although Mr. Momo ordered and imported several examples, CS00139 was reportedly the first to be delivered.

Chassis CS00139 was immediately entered into the SCCA Nationals meeting held in Montgomery, New York, in August 1959, making it one of the first FJ cars to race in the US. For the remainder of the season, it went on to promote the FJ class in the US, and encourage entries for the first official US FJ race, which was held at the 1959 Sebring Grand Prix. Raced successfully over that period by Walt Hansgen, it held multiple pole positions, culminating in a 1st Place finish at the Sebring Grand Prix in the FJ support race.

The Cunningham team ultimately sold CS00139 by summer 1960. It then passed through the hands of several owners in the New York area while being kept in largely the same condition. Chassis CS00139 was subsequently sold to the UK in 1980, and subject to a comprehensive three-year restoration in order to be race ready. Thoroughly enjoyed throughout the years, CS00139 made appearances at a multitude of historic events, including Monza, Nürburgring, and the inaugural Goodwood Revival Meeting in 1998.

In recent years, the car was returned to its factory-original color, matched from traces of original paint found on the car, and has successfully competed in numerous historic FJ championships. In addition to race results on file verifying its history, the Stanguellini is accompanied by 1983 restoration and post-restoration photos, FIA papers, and most recent service records.

The Stanguellini Formula Junior proved itself successful upon introduction, as well as in subsequent historic racing. This is a rare opportunity to own an extraordinary piece of FJ history.