Paris Van Gorder
Paris Van Gorder Associate editor
11/13/24 4:49 p.m.

Exclusive and something no one has ever heard of before? How about one of the three prototypes from the short-lived Guanci company, which was based in Woodstock, Illinois?

Revealed in 1979 at the Chicago Auto Show, the Guanci became an instant hit–the show prototype was sold during the event and the other found a home soon after. 

However, a series of unfortunate events led the creator, John Guanci, to construct the last prototype in 1982.

This prototype, while visually similar to the Maserati Merak, received its frame from Can Am race car designer Bob McKee, and its body style from Chrysler designer Mike Williams.

After 25 years with the Guanci family, who converted it from a Buick V6 engine to an Oldsmobile Aurora V8 in the ’90s, this prototype has reemerged on the market.

This Guanci stands recently refurbished to running order, sporting only 208 miles and its original paint, frame and body.

Find this 1982 Guanci SJJ Prototype listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace with an asking price of $48,000.

Paris Van Gorder
Paris Van Gorder Associate editor
11/14/24 9:29 a.m.

Never heard of this company before finding this car but honestly, it was cool to read about it. Even though it had a short life, the company seemed to have interesting ideas and it would have been cool to see what else they would have created. 

ktisdale
ktisdale New Reader
11/14/24 11:44 a.m.

Is the body fiberglass or metal?

J.A. Ackley
J.A. Ackley Senior Editor
11/14/24 12:25 p.m.
ktisdale said:

Is the body fiberglass or metal?

I believe it's fiberglass.

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