In 1964, Stanguellini ventured into the world of racing with a new car, the Formula 3, Vittorio’s last sporting creation. In fact, the Junior “Delfino” was converted into a Formula 3 due to the new technical rules that required the use of a standard engine already found in road cars.
While most of his rivals opted for Ford engines due to a series of features that allowed extensive modifications to be easily made, Stanguellini, who always defended Italian products since he had a well-established relationship with Fiat having had a dealership for over ten years, chose an engine from this car manufacturer from Turin. However, this decision did not prove to be just as competitive.
Nevertheless, the Formula 3 is still important evidence of Stanguellini’s creative genius, his courage and his vision.
Features
The main feature of the Formula 3 is its Fiat 1300-based engine reduced to 1000 cc and mounted onto a 30-degree inclined chassis. By using special four-exhaust manifolds and a twin-barrel Weber carburettor, this engine provides 100 hp at 8500 rpm.
The chassis is formed of a steel tube trellis, reinforced by the metal sheets of the bodywork which are attached to the frame and form a single body.
The fully adjustable suspensions are independent with transverse links and coil springs featuring hydraulic shock absorbers built into the bodywork. Both the height and length of the rack steering wheel can be adjusted by the driver.
It has disc brakes on the front wheels and rear inboard disc brakes. The wheels are made from lightweight alloy and are manufactured by Campagnolo.
Finally, the bodywork with a new aerodynamic line strictly made from aluminium by Gran Sport in Modena is different from the Junior “Delfino” due to the more streamlined front profile and the modifications to the nose which is no longer like a “shark’s mouth”. While at the back, a protruding section was added onto the engine bonnet for repairing the carburettor. This used to be done even before aerodynamics had become a key factor in developing single-seaters right up until the modern era. This innovative car celebrates the part Stanguellini played in the Formula 3 battle and demonstrates Vittorio’s determination to defend the tradition and passion for Italian motor racing. Come and discover the spirit of Stanguellini at the Museum.