The Formula Junior category was introduced in Italy in 1958 by Count Giovanni Lurani, and in 1959 it became an International Formula. Shortly thereafter, in 1960, the British began to take a serious interest in the category, thus starting the rivalry between British and Italian cars.
The original FIA Formula Junior regulations defined the cars as single-seater racing cars with the mechanical components coming from a touring car of which a minimum of 1,000 units had been produced in 12 months’ time. The chassis was built within certain dimensions and to a weight minimum. The engine, gearbox, brakes, etc., had to be as derived from a production touring car. Therefore, there were a great variety of choices to be found on different cars, such as engines from BMC, Fiat and Ford, as well as gearboxes from Citroen, Renault and VW.
Formula Junior was, in effect, Formula Two and Formula Three combined with a maximum engine capacity of 1 or 1.1-liters, depending on the car’s weight. It was a single-seater training ground for young drivers from 1959 to 1963. It produced an endless list of future Formula One stars, including Chris Amon, Richard Attwood, Peter Arundell, Jim Clark, Denis Hulme, Peter Revson, Jochen Rindt, Joe Siffert and John Surtees.
Lotus was the dominant force in Formula Junior, winning the British National Championship from 1960 to 1963; however, a dozen other small companies also produced cars including Bandini, Brabham, Cooper, Elva, Lola, Merlyn, Osca, Stanguellini and Taraschi.
These were, in effect, mini–Grand Prix teams with first-class drivers, designers and mechanics. Ironically, Formula Junior, which started as a cost-savings effort, was ultimately stopped because the Formula One technology of the day was being used in this lower formula. The monocoque design of the Lotus 27 was a prime example of this technology.
Today, the large number of premium venues combined with very competitive grids has translated into a very strong market for Formula Juniors, especially in Europe. Having a legitimate Formula Junior allows one the opportunity to race at Goodwood, the Monaco Historic and the Monterey Historic, to name but a few events.
1958 Stanguellini
These beautiful Italian front-engine Formula Juniors, designed by engineer Massimino for Vittorio Stanguellini, were immensely successful in the early years of Formula Junior racing. They were tested by multiple World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio and raced by the likes of Wolfgang von Trips, Lorenzo Bandini, Ritchie Ginther and other notable drivers. They featured Fiat power and Borrani wire wheels and went on to win the Italian, European and international championships in 1958 and 1959.
1961 Lotus 20
The successor to the Lotus 18, the 20, had smoother lines and a lower frontal area. It still ran drum brakes and a pre-Hewland modified VW or Renault gearbox. The works drivers were Trevor Taylor and Peter Arundell. Powered by the Ford 105E 1,100-cc engine, this 800 pound car dominated the 1961 season. It is of note that many historic clubs run these cars in a class with the other drum brake, pre-Hewland Juniors. The 22 is another example of Colin Chapman’s design and engineering genius.
Criteria Used For Assessing Valuations for this Guide:
- Degree of Originality
- Overall Condition, Restoration
- Technology, Design, Coachbuilder
- Production Numbers/Rarity
- Competition History
- Ownership History, Documentation
- Modern Event Eligibility
Regional Variances
The prices stated in this guide are based on U.S. values. The values of historic racing cars can vary as much as 25%-35% in other countries, depending on local market appeal, currency rates, import duties, and VAT. Most of the time, we are able to document known sales or closed escrows, as they say in real estate. When this is not possible, a logical estimate of the car’s value is given, based on its sales history and relationship to cars of its type.
The prices stated in this guide are based on U.S. values. The values of historic racing cars can vary as much as 25%-35% in other countries, depending on local market appeal, currency rates, import duties, and VAT.
LEVEL | VALUATION CATEGORIES |
|---|---|
I | The best combination of all criteria. |
II | Satisfies mid-range of criteria. |
III | In need of restoration. Meets only a few points of criteria |
