1982 Guanci SJJ Prototype

Description

The Guanci SJJ was the brainchild of Chicago industrialist John Guanci, who was dissatisfied with the sports car options of his time. Guanci aimed to create a vehicle that could compete with European exotics like Lotus and Maserati, and he assembled a team of talented designers and engineers to do just that. 

After founding Guanci Automobiles in Woodstock, Illinois, in 1977, the automaker created the Guanci SJJ mid-engine sports car, which featured a steel and aluminum monocoque chassis designed by Can-Am race car designer Bob McKee and a fiberglass body styled by Chrysler designer Mike Williams, with input from Alejandro de Tomaso. 

Unveiled at the 1979 Chicago Auto Show, the sleek Guanci SJJ garnered significant attention, but financial difficulties hindered production, and the project was ultimately shelved. Only three SJJ prototypes were built, two for the ’79 Auto Show and a final one in 1982 — the example you see here. 

Power for the SJJ (initials of Guanci family members) initially came from Chevrolet’s 270 hp L82 V8, giving the car impressive performance credentials for its era. This ’82 version was originally equipped with a Buick turbo V6, but the engine was later updated with an Oldsmobile Aurora V8, adding to its unique place in American automotive history. 

Highlights 

• Third (003) of three Guanci SJJ Prototypes 

• Finished in Silver paint over blue/white corduroy and leather interior 

• Powered by a transverse-mounted, 4.0-liter four-cam Oldsmobile Aurora V8 rated at 250 horsepower 

• Three-speed automatic transmission  

• Scheel-Mann bucket seats  

• Blaupunkt AM/FM/Cassette stereo with Blaupunkt speakers 

Features 

• Scalloped intake just behind the driver’s door 

• Flying buttresses with screened grills in the traditional quarter window location 

• Two-piece hatchback for engine and trunk access 

• Retractable headlight covers that lower down in front of the lights 

• Dash instrumentation: 140 mph speedometer and odometer, 7000 rpm tachometer, oil pressure, and fuel level 

• Michelin Pilot Radial X P225/50R16 tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Rear bumper is scuffed and chipped 

• Windshield trim needs paint 

• Headliner is sagging and needs attention 

Included 

• Brake light for the rear hatch 

• Tire jack 

• 1996 G Platform Service Manual, books 1 & 2 

• 1996 GM Transmission Repair Manual 

Ownership History 

This 1982 Guanci Prototype was donated by John J. W. Guanci III to the Genius Garage Student Racing Team in Bowling Green, Ohio, in January 2024. 

Additional Notes  

Please note that this car does not have a title and is being sold on BOS only. The non-titled prototype vehicle is owned by the nonprofit organization mentioned above. It was driven occasionally by the Guanci family.