1952 Stanguellini Barchetta 1100S - No Sale at $77,877

1952 Stanguellini Barchetta 1100S Sport Internationale

At the age of 19 Vittorio Stanguellini, a young, Modanese engineer formed his own business, in 1929 with a partnership with auto giant FIAT. Sig. Stanguellini repaired and marketed FIAT cars. During his many year relationship with FIAT, Stanguellini built a series of specials based on the then current FIAT models. It was duing the post World War II era of 1947-53 that FIAT built the very rare 1100S model. The 1100S, at 1,089cc and a mighty 51 bhp, was a success in motorsports at the time, competiting with the small bore racers of the day. Only the Porsche 356 gave it trouble.

Of 401 original 1100S models that were constructed a handful fell into Stanguellini's hands. During that period a number of beautiful "Barchetta's were constructed from the 1100S platform, by Stanguellini. It was in 1952, that the design house "Autocarrozzeria Giorgetti" formed the voluptuous body to be placed on chassis #500116. Resembling the indomitable Maserati A6GCS's design.

Born was the FIAT Stanguellini 1100S Sport Internationale. So beautiful was this design, the AC Car Co. may have utilized it's shape in the AC Ace of the mid 1950's.

Brandishing it's bold grill, racing windscreen, aluminum framed windscreen, a bullit mirror, aggressive air intake with it's wire mesh grill, leather straps for both the bonnet and the trunk lid, as well as the Borrani style wire wheels the Stanguellini certainly looked the part in the early 50's.

As with it's original Itailian Certificate of Title, chassis #500116 is listed in the who is who of Italian Sports Cars, the Italian Car Registry, with the addition of "Elaborazione Stanguellini". Furthermore, "Autocarrozzeria Giorgetti" is credited with the car's bodywork.

Clearly on the rear of the title (included with this sale) is ex-Mario Giorgetti 1952. Making for an interesting connection regarding the car's provenance.

Based on the very light 1100S chassis the Stanguellini is very solid and rust free.

The cockpit area displays an array of instruments, water temperature, fuel level, tachometer and the road speed. Located at the center of the dash is a very interesting Magnetti Marelli "bayonet" style ignition switch, that serves as the headlight switch, as well. With the twine wrapped alloy steering wheel in one hand and the 4 speed gear changer in the other, it is much like stepping back more than 50 years to a wonderful time.

Check some of the wonderful details, the light weight, drilled battery box, very interestingly crafted fuel filler and the side venting.

Under the bonnet, Carlo Abarth speed bits are found. The Abarth dual intake manifold, supporting twin 32mm Webers, a most unusual exhaust system exits just before the rear wheels. Enclosed within the confines of the finned aluminum valve cover and matching finned, aluminum oil sump is FIAT engine # 108C 335739, a 1,090cc brute. Compression has been upped and a hotter cam installed, giving superb preformance.

Perhaps it is more that 50 years old, but, it is showing little of it's age. Like many older racing cars having spent a stint or two in a garage or barn, with tales of racing successes, this Stanguellini too may have a wonderful and.. valuable suprise.

In the Spring of 1953, Sig. M. Giorgetti along with co-pilot Belilli entered FIAT Stanguellini #412 in catagoria sport-classe 1100cc, in that years Mille Miglia. This is most likely the very same Mario Giorgetti that clad the very car listed here for auction. Further investigation may be needed to affirm the car's famous racing history. Exciting prospect, indeed.

Further features of this teriffic racing car are the period correct rolled edge, 40 spoke wires, with there nickle plated knock-off's and the beautifully crafted finned and vented drum brakes , with Michelin 145x15 with varying componds front to rear.

Having had a recent sympathitic restoration, this Stanguellini was shown at the very prestigious "Amelia Island Concours" and is eligible for all of the major historic motorsports events. A trully wonderful part of international motorsports.

Specs & Details:

Auction Date: 28 Jul 2007
No Sale: $77,877
# Bids: 31
Engine: 4
Transmission: manual
Exterior Color: red
Interior Color: black