1959 Stanguellini Monoposto Formula Junior Racer

Stanguellini Formula Junior CS 00139 History

CS00139 was the first Stanguellini Formula Junior to be imported into the United States by the Momo Corporation, jointly owned by Briggs Cunningham and Alfred Momo.

Entered by Cunningham in the SCCA Nationals meeting held at Montogomery, New York on 9th August 1959, driven by Walt Hansgen. Finished 2nd overall - CS00139 is believed to be the first Formula Junior car to race in the US.

The Cunningham team entered Hansgen in a Stanguellini for three further events in September 1959
- 6th September - Thompson Raceway - 3rd overall and 2nd in un-restricted class
-12th September - Elkhart Lake, Road America - 1st overall but not awarded any points as no Formula Junior Class.
- 26th September - Watkins Glen, Seneca Cup - 1st overall and 1st in Formula Junior class, thereby posting the first official sanctioned win by an FJ car in the US.

The Cunningham Team ordered another Stanguellini for the 1959 US Grand Prix Formula Junior support at Sebring on 11th December 1959. Contemporary photographs show Cunningham driving the newer car in the race. Hansgen won the race, the first all-Formula Junior race in the US, in the older car, (believed to be CS00139, but subject to further research).

The date at which 00139 was sold by Cunningham is uncertain.

The history of 00139 during the 1960s and 1970s is not well documented, it passed through a number of owners in the US, understood to include Steve Weed of New York and Ali Lugo, also of New York. The final owner in the US was Robert Auten of Bedminster, New Jersey.

The car was purchased by Michael Lavers of London, UK in 1980 in an unrestored condition. Sold to Brian Horwood of Mayfield, Sussex, UK, and restored by him over a three-year period.

Between 1983 and 1986, the car was raced extensively in the UK by Brian Horwood - the race history is still being researched by the current owner.

In 1986, it was purchased by Tony Hildebrand of Speed Six, Edgeware, Middlesex, UK. It was then sold to Martin Bunn of Pulborough, Surrey, UK.

From 1986 through 2006 it was raced extensively by Martin Bunn at historic events in the UK and Europe including Monza, Spa, and Nurburgring. Participated in the inaugural Goodwood Revival Meeting in 1998 and the 2003 Goodwood Revival.

In 2005 it was purchased by the present owner, Gordon Wright. It has been raced in UK Historic Formula Junior Championships in 2006 and 2007. It earned 2nd in Class A1 of the FJHRA 'Millers Oils' UK Championship in both 2006 and 2007. It was the Winner of the Italian engined class in the 2006 FJHRA UK Front Engined FJ Championship.

In 2007, it was repainted blue, matched by traces of the original paint found on the car. It was the overall winner of the 2007 FJHRA UK Front Engined Formula Junior Championship.