1959 Stanguellini Monoposto Formula Junior Racer

This car competed all over Europe during the 1959 and 1960 Formula Jr. racing period, and then was brought to Cuba for the 1960 Grand Prix, when the driver and owner, Peter Carpenter, finished second. Its last known race was at Sebring in April 1960. By that time, rear-engine cars became dominant, obsoleting the front-engine cars, just like in Formula One. The car had been displayed for many years in a private Italian Car Museum in Miami, FL. The current owner purchased it from the museum in 1994.

When Peter Carpenter went searching for a single-seat 'monoposto' formula car in the late 1950s, he weeded through the field of manufacturers and selected Automobili Stanguellini. Based in Modena, Italy, the small firm was enjoying tremendous success and had become synonymous with Formula Junior. The list of drivers who drove a Stangeullini formula car included Lorenzo Bandini, Wolfgang von Trips, Colin Davis, Walt Hansgen, Juan Manuel Fangio, and Michael May.

Mr. Carpenter piloted chassis number 00137 throughout the 1959 Formula Junior Campionato Italiano season. Low on cash but flush with enthusiasm and passion, Mr. Carpenter enjoyed a rather impressive season, with a 5th place at Monza and a 2nd place podium finish at the Circuito Di Salerno in July 1959.

The Stanguellini Formula Junior monoposto was brought to America in February 1960 and was raced by Mr. Carpenter to 2nd and 11th place finishes in the 'Gran Premio' races in Havana, Cuba. Its last known outing resulted in a 12th place finish at Sebring in April of that year.

Mr. Carpenter retired his Stanguellini after purchasing a rear-engined Lotus for 1961. It is believed that Mr. Carpenter retained the car until 1971, after which it entered a Miami, Florida, automobile museum collection.

The car was purchased by its third owner in 1994 who returned it to operational condition without fully restoring it. A fresh coat of paint was applied, and the reapplication of Carpenter's start number 31. It is believed that 00137 retains its original aluminum bodywork by Carrozzeria Gransport and its original 1,089 cc Fiat Topolino engine along with a host of other original racing components, like its steering wheel, Borrani wire wheels, and Veglia and Allemano gauges from that Northern Italian mecca of race car construction.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2024