The 1979 Guanci SJJ-1 isn’t just rare—it’s a piece of supercar history. 1 of 2 and only 4,200 miles from new, it represents the bold vision of America’s answer to European exotics. A true time capsule, and one of the most significant survivors of its era.
Overview
SBX Cars is proud to offer for sale this 1979 Guanci SJJ-1 showing just 4,154 mi (6,685 km) on the odometer at the time of cataloging. Finished in blue over a black leather cabin, this mid-engined GT is an incredibly rare piece of American sports car history.
When John Guanci, a Chicago businessman, couldn’t find an American performance car that combined Lotus driving dynamics with everyday reliability, he set out to build his own. Gathering a team of heavy hitters in the industry, he did just that.
Chrysler designer Mike Williams, with input from Alessandro de Tomaso of Pantera fame, penned the design. Can-Am race car designer Bob McKee developed the chassis. Dick Kleber was on suspension and engineering duty, while the factory-optional 350 cubic inch L-82 engine out of the period Corvette provided power.
Transversely mounted and making 220 horsepower, the SJJ-1 looked good on paper. But only 2 were built, with Corvette V8s, before a variety of issues, like the era’s oil crisis, cropped up to limit the Guanci’s prospects. Today’s blue-finished example is 1 of those cars and represents an exceptionally rare chance to own the Guanci SJJ-1.
Specifications & Options
Exterior
- Blue finish
- 15” five-spoke American Racing wheels
- Goodyear Wingfoot radial tires measuring 245/60
- Quad pop-up headlights
- Integrated fog lamps
- Fender flares
- Black bodyside graphics
- Scalloped side air intakes
- Flying buttress B-to-C pillar with mesh grilles
- Mast radio antenna
- Louvered engine cover
- Guanci and SJJ1 GT tailgate badging
- Dual exhaust outlets
Interior
- Black leather Recaro seats
- Black leather and suede door panels
- Four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel
- VDO analog gauge set:
- 120-mph speedometer with odometer reading 4,154 mi
- 7,000-rpm tachometer
- Fuel level
- Battery voltage
- Amperage
- Coolant temperature
- Oil temperature
- Oil pressure
- Clock
- Console plate reading “SJJ1 NR. 0001 Specially Constructed for Mr. Frank Thurner”
- Number 1 of 2 door sill plates
- Cobra cassette deck stereo
- Air conditioning
Mechanical
- Mid-mounted Chevrolet 5.7L V8
- Automatic transmission
- Factory rated for 220 horsepower
- Blue-finished rear brake calipers
Service History
The vehicle has not received any recent services.
Condition & Reports
Per the seller, the vehicle comes from a collection and the sale is being managed by Louwman Exclusive.
A 21% VAT will be due if the vehicle is purchased by a reside of the Netherlands. If the buyer resides elsewhere in the EU, the VAT of the supplier's country is usually applied. Buyers outside the EU may be subject to import taxes imposed by their resident country.
Included in the Sale
John Guanci had a vision for an American GT with race-car DNA that could go up against exotics from Lotus and Maserati. To get there, he pulled out all the stops on a ground-up design featuring a stout Corvette powertrain and looks that still turn heads today.
Though his vision was not fully realized, today’s 1979 SJJ-1 offers a window into this fascinating idea. Developed by a who's who of period auto industry leaders, this Guanci SJJ-1 would make for an incredible addition to any major collection as a rarely-seen slice of American automotive history.
As part of the consignment process, SBX Cars requests a range of information from the seller pertaining to the subject of their offering. The auction listing description therefore is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. However, it is the responsibility of a potential buyer to satisfy themself as to the accuracy of the auction listing description. This includes conducting an in-person inspection, which may be arranged between the buyer and seller, as well as verifying the condition, authenticity, value, and title before committing to bid or buy. Please see our Terms of Service for full details.
Buyer's Premium
The Buyer’s Premium will be added to the final sale price and is payable directly to SBX Cars. Sales tax applicability will be determined by buyer's location.
- Buyer's premium: 5%
Bid History
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michaelp1usa Yes, the Guanci runs, brakes, steers and rolls just as it should. Everything is in working order.