1963 - 1965 ATS 2500 GT - Images, Specifications and Information

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Few could have imagined the impact the fall-out between Enzo Ferrari and several of his key engineers late in 1961 had for the Italian automotive industry. Before they formed Autodelta, designed the Lamborghini V12 engine or started manufacturing complete cars to name just a few of Carlo Chiti and Giotto Bizzarrini's achievements, the Ferrari 'defectors' worked together on a sportscar and Formula 1 racer that would directly challenge their former employer. Shortly after leaving Ferrari, the talented engineers formed Automobili Turismo e Sport (ATS) with backing from three rich Italian industrialists including Count Volpi.

To cut costs and development, it was decided that both the sportscar and the F1 racer would be powered by a similar engine. Just what kind of engine caused the first and possibly fatal get together between Chiti and Bizzarrini. The former was determined to use a V8, while the latter felt his ideas for a V12 were all but ignored. Eventually Bizzarrini decided to leave the company and took with him the vital backing of Count Volpi. Bizzarrini later sold his V12 design to Lamborghini, so it did not go to waste. Undeterred, Chiti continued with his work and developed 1.5 litre (F1) and 2.5 litre (road car) versions of the eight cylinder engine.

The compact eight cylinder engine was constructed completely from lightweight aluminum-alloys. The advanced design featured twin overhead camshafts and two valves per cylinder. Originally the V8 came equipped with four Weber carburetors, but later a Lucas fuel-injection system was added as an option. Despite its modest displacement of 2467cc, the engine was good for 220 bhp. For the lightweight 'Superleggera' model a 250 bhp version of the engine was also developed. The high revving V8 was mated to a five speed gearbox, originally made by Colotti to Chiti's own design. Later cars were equipped with a slightly more civilized ZF five-speed gearbox.

The drivetrain was mounted mid-ships in a spaceframe constructed from another light alloy. Suspension was independent by double wishbones, all-round. Stopping power was provided by Dunlop disc brakes with the rear ones mounted inboard next to the final drive unit. Chiti commissioned former Bertone designer Franco Scaglione to pen a low and sleek two-seater body. As quite often with Scaglione's designs, the result was breathtakingly beautiful. The fine lines were turned into metal (steel for the base model and aluminum for the 'supperleggera') by Turinese coachbuilder Sefarino Allemano.

It took all involved little over a year to complete the first ATS 2500 GT, which made its debut at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show. One of the first mid-engined production cars and most certainly the first Italian car of this type, the elegant coupe was one of the true stars of the show. While the 2500 GT toured the show circuit in search for customers, the company raced the 1.5 litre Formula 1 car with 1961 World Champion as driver. This greatly drained the company's resources and the future looked very dim at the end of the year that had started off so well.

For 1964 the Formula 1 program was axed and instead Chiti focused on the competition oriented 2500 GTS (for Superleggera). Fitted with an aluminum body and the 250 bhp version of the V8, two were entered in the Targa Florio. Both retired with ignition problems. It was the final appearance of an ATS in any form and after at least eight (some suggest as much as nineteen) examples were produced the Bologna based factory shut down. Chiti set up Autodelta, which would grow out to become Alfa Romeo's racing department. Many of the 2500 GT's design elements later found their way in the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 racers and the Scaglione designed 'Stradale' road car.

With few cars built and even fewer survivors, an ATS 2500 GT is a very rare sight these days. A great shame as the mid-engined two-seater was well ahead of its day and remains as one of the finest supercars built in an era that is hardly short on superb motors. Featured is one of the rare examples still in existence. It has survived in a remarkable original condition. One of two show cars built to the highest specification, it was displayed at the Paris Motorshow before being sold to its first owner. He and the subsequent owners rarely used the machine and before it was purchased by the current owner in 2003, it had covered only 1300 km.

Although showing their age, the interior and exterior were in good enough shape to be left virtually untouched. This could not be said from the engine and gearbox, which had proven troublesome throughout the car's life and had stopped functioning altogether. After the extensive rebuilt the engine was dyno tested and unlike most Italian engines of the day actually achieved the claimed performance figures. With the 220 bhp V8 fitted snugly behind the passenger cabin, the Italian supercar made its first public appearance in many, many years during the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. It will be shown again during the 2008 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.