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The
mid-engine ATS sports car built by Carlo Chiti and designed
by Franco Scaglione caused a minor sensation when it debuted
at the 1963 Paris Motor Show, and last weekend the
ultra-rare sports car was thrilling onlookers again during
the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este at Lake Como. The ATS
sports car sadly was not destined to be a commercial
success, however, and only very few examples left the ATS
automobile factory in the 1960s before it closed its gates
permanently.
After the
Paris Show, the ATS 2500 GT went to a French collection,
where it remained until 1984. Its current owner managed to
obtain the car in 2003 and presented it at the Concorso
d’Eleganza Villa d’Este last weekend with its original
odometer count of just 1,300 kilometres.
Over the
weekend of 25–27 April 2008, the splendid grounds of the
Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and the Villa Erba in Cernobbio on
Lake Como were once again transformed into a unique backdrop
for the most beautiful cars from eras past and the most
flamboyant concept cars of today. First staged in 1929 at
this same location, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este
today ranks as the world’s most tradition-steeped event of
its kind. The rare ATS 2500GT was one of the star
attractions of this year's event, drawing many interested
admirers all weekend long.
ATS
ATS (Automobili Turismo
Sport) was founded in 1962 to produce both road cars and
with the ambition of competing in Formula One Grands Prix.
Several personnel came from Ferrari, including the famous
Carlo Chiti. The first road car, the 2500GT, was presented
in 1963 whilst in Formula one they took over the Serenissima
team which was in financial trouble.
Unfortunately little better awaited ATS, and production of
the 2500GT ceased the following year (1964). That year also
saw a race entry in the Targa Florio. 1968 saw an open, mid-engined
race-car emerge, using a tuned Ford 1000 engine and an
aluminium body constructed by Fantuzzi. The Formula One
program continued until 1969.
The first
and last ATS production road car, the 2500GT was an
alloy bodied, two seat, mid-engined sportscar. Powered
by a twin-cam V8 displacing 2467cc and producing 220bhp,
it was equipped with a five speed gearbox and disc
brakes all round. The tubular steel spaceframe chassis
used double wishbones and coil springs on all four
corners and was clothed by a body from Allemano. An
aluminium bodied version with an extra 40bhp, known as
the GTS, was also offered.
Later, Volpi
(one of the backers of the failed Serenissima team)
reappeared and provided the backing to produce some
2500GT cars badged as Serenissima's, fitted with a
quad-cam V8, but success was never attained. Supposedly
a total of around 12 cars were built.
ATS 2500GT -
Technical Specifications
Engine: 2467cc
(76x68mmmm) 90º V8 with 220bhp @ 7,500rpm (260bhp @ 7,700rpm
in the GTS)/Suspension: Front : independent with double
wishbones, coil springs and telescopic dampers; Rear :
independent with double wishbones, coil springs and
telescopic dampers; Wheelbase : 2500mm; Track (front/rear) :
1390mm/1360mm; tyres (front & rear) : 185 - 15/Brakes: discs
all round; dual hydraulic circuit; handbrake on rear via
cable/Steering: Rack and pinion/Transmission: 5 speed
manual; limited slip differential/Empty weight: 810 kg (GTS:
750 kg).
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