1963 ATS 2500 GT

The ATS 2500 GT was produced by the Italian company Automobili Turismo e Sport in Bologna from 1963 to 1965 with as many as twelve examples constructed. It was one of the earlier sports cars to employ a mid-engine configuration, and its sleek and attractive styling was courtesy of Franco Scaglione at Carrozzeria Allemano.

ATS
ATS (Automobili Turismo e Sport) was founded in the early 1960s following the 'great walkout / palace revolt' where several important Ferrari personnel left due to disagreements with Enzo Ferrari. Carlo Chiti and Giotto Bizzarrini were among the defectors and funding was provided by three rich Italian industrialists including Count Volpi. Setting its sights on Ferrari, ATS constructed a Formula 1 racer and a 'GT' sports car.

ATS 2500 GT
The ATS 2500 GT rested on a 98.5-inch wheelbase, had a length of 170.5 inches, a width of 63.5 inches, and a height of 46.5 inches.

The spaceframe chassis was formed from alloy and the suspension was independent via double wishbones. Dunlop disc brakes provided the stopping power, with the rear ones mounted inboard and next to the final drive unit.

The mid-mounted engine was compact and built from aluminum alloys. It was a V8 unit that had twin overhead camshafts, two valves per cylinder and was initially equipped with four Weber carburetors. Later, a Lucas fuel-injection system became optional. Displacing 2,467cc (2.5 liters), the Chiti-engineered engine produced approximately 220 horsepower and gave the 2500 GT a top speed of around 160 mph (257 km/h). The five-speed manual gearbox was made by Colotti to Chiti's design. Later examples employed a ZF five-speed gearbox.

The sleek two-seater coachwork was designed by former Bertone designer Franco Scaglione and brought to life by Turinese coachbuilder Sefarino Allemano. The bodies were constructed from steel except those intended for competition which were done in aluminum ('supperleggera').

Following a year of design and development, the ATS 2500 GT was introduced to the public at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show. While the ATS 2500 GT was being shown at various auto shows, the company was mounting an assault on the world of Formula 1 with its 1.5 liter Formula 1 car and driver Phil Hill.

ATS drained its resources quicker than it could find customers, and the first thing to go was its Formula 1 program. Racing was not totally abandoned, as the company still had its 2500 GTS ('S' for 'Superleggera'). Along with aluminum coachwork, the 2500 GTS received a tuned version of the V8 with an output of 250 bhp. Two examples of the ATS 2500 GTS contested the Targa Florio but both were unable to finish the race after suffering from ignition issues.

Bubbling with enthusiasm, hopes and dreams but devoid of funds, the Bologna-based company's existence was brief. When ATS folded, Chiti established Autodelta which later became part of Alfa Romeo's racing department.

An estimated eight (as many as twelve) examples were built; two all-aluminum GTS are known to exist.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2025