From making musical instruments to harmonizing race engines, the Stanguellini family ascended to fame over decades of dedication. Rooted in Modena, perhaps the most car-obsessed of all Italian provinces, first the grandfather, then the father, then the son exercised a passion for all things automotive. When Francesco Stanguellini passed away suddenly, his son Vittorio inherited a FIAT dealership and the company’s racing works, Scuderia Stanguellini. Vittorio was just 19 years old but already steeped in the engineering detail required to create masterpieces dedicated to the track. Staged at Broad Arrow Auctions for its Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event on May 25th is one of Stanguellini’s most illustrious cars, with an unmatched racing pedigree including at least eight firsts in its first year out. This 1947 1100 Sport Internazionale carries its FIVA identity card and ASI certificate, assuring acceptance to the Mille Miglia or any other event the new owner cares to enter. The estimate is €350,000 – €450,000. Thanks once again to Araknid78 for another exotic tip!

Stanguellini preceded Ferrari by a few years on the track, fielding modified Alfas and Maseratis. The company found its niche tuning FIAT engines, then making and installing performance parts. This engine is based on an 1100 inline-four, augmented by Stanguellini’s aluminum head and dual Webers. Output is approximately 60 hp. While that figure sounds skimpy, the lightweight tube chassis was designed in-house and the diminutive bodies were crafted of aluminum by local carrozzeria. Fanatical attention to “dieting” the car even further before delivery could result in speeds of 100 mph. But mind those corners: your brakes are drums all around. This car is said to be in good working order after an extensive restoration by its long-time owners.

The interior is like a slipper, everything close at hand – including the fuel tank behind the driver’s head, nestled next to a spare tire – all in the rear cavity. Only the passenger is given a door, and the cut-down plexi windshield offers the barest of protection from wind. There is no weather equipment – this is, after all, a race car. A machine-turned instrument panel cradles three gauges including a Jaeger tach – the only important one. A glance in the single rear view mirror is your one chance to find out what’s on your tail.

Borrani wires, tiny rear lamps, and larger headlamps set inside the grille complete the minimalist styling. Several 1100 Sport Internazionale examples were made, none of them like any other. All competed, and along with the company’s other models, many won races including the Targa Floria, the Mille Miglia, the 12 hours of Sebring, the Vanderbilt Cup. Almost none of Stanguellini’s cars were built for the road, unlike Ferrari, which needed a road program to earn funds for racing. Stanguellini didn’t stop making race cars until Vittorio died, in 1981. Even today, the company operates a workshop providing restoration services and specialty tuning, proving that craftsmanship remains vibrant in Modena.