Collectors\' Motor Cars and Automobilia

MOTOR CARS | 169

0talian constructor Volpini first took to the racetracks in the early 1950s
as a builder of single-seater racing cars for the then Formula 3. In
those days the class used 500cc single-cylinder motorcycle engines,
yet despite the success of 0talian manufacturers MV and Gilera on two
wheels, neither showed any interest in seriously developing suitable
engines for cars, and half-litre racing received a cool reception in Italy.
Nevertheless, Volpini raced successfully in France and 0taly using the
Gilera Saturno engine, though with 45bhp on tap compared with the 50-
plus of a Manx Norton, the odds were stacked against it if there were any
of the British-engined machines in the field.

When the 500cc Formula 3 was superseded by Formula Junior for
1100cc production-based engines, Volpini not un-naturally turned to FIAT
for power. The Formula Junior Volpini was front-engined, its lines being
strongly reminiscent of one of the best contemporary Formula 1 cars -
the Vanwall - though sadly for Volpini, the success of the mid-engined
Cooper had already sounded the death knell for its ilk.

Constructed using a ladder-frame chassis, with independent front

suspension by means of double wishbones, live rear axle, and coils

springs all-round, the handsome Volpini made few concessions to more

advanced thinking apart from a lowered transmission line.

Delivered new to the <SA via Beiner 0mported Cars 0nc, this rare 0talian

monoposto was subsequently owned by one R Johnson (1975-1979)

followed by one M Harrison (up to 190). 0t was then exported to the

<K. Owners in this country are as follows: R Potter (190-1990), C

Alford (1990), R Tolhurst (1990-199) and T Gelmini (199-200).

Restored over time (190-199), the car is offered fresh from further

refurbishment carried out by Alternative Engineering of Herlev,

Denmark, as evidenced by a bill on file for 25,24 Danish krone

(approximately ‰2,940). There is also a dynamometer printout (dated

25.11.2015) showing that the 1,190cc engine produces a maximum of

.3 PS (7bhp). Offered with F0A papers, this beautiful Volpini is a sure

head-turner in any Historic paddock.

£65,000 - 85,000

€75,000 - 98,000

156

1959 VOLPINI FORMULA JUNIOR MONOPOSTO

Chassis no. 006

• Supplied new to the USA


• In-period competition history in the USA


• FIAT engine


• Recently refurbished

'006' sweeps through the corkscrew

at Laguna Seca