ATS 2500 GT 1963-1965

The ATS 2500 GT is a sports car made by Italian company Automobili Turismo e Sport in Bologna. It was the first Italian and one of the first GT or sports car in the world to have a mid-engine layout. The group behind the ATS project consisted mainly of Ferrari defectors, where family troubles had created an uncomfortable working atmosphere for the personnel. ATS, intent on beating Ferrari on all fronts, also produced a Formula One car for 1963, "a ghastly mess, one of the most inept racing cars ever, and its appalling performances did not help the road car." Even noted driver Phil Hill was unable to provide ATS with any results on track.

The space frame 2500 GT was introduced in 1963 Paris Motor Show. Designed by Franco Scaglione and engineered by Carlo Chiti and Giotto Bizzarrini the car was built only in limited numbers before investors withdrew financial support and the project collapsed. The car's drawings were later used for Count Volpi's (an early backer) failed Serenissima sportcars project. A Moreno Baldi attempted another revival of the ATS concept in 1970, and failed even more disastrously.

With its 220 bhp (164 kW) (210 bhp according to some) and 255 N·m (188 ft·lbf) of torque it was claimed to be capable of top speed 240 kilometres per hour (150 mph). A competition version (ATS 2500 GTS) produced 245 bhp (183 kW) but never amounted to much. The coachbuilt was by Allemano, and the 5-speed transmission by Colotti.

[SIZE=1]Source: wikipedia.org[/SIZE]

ATS 2500 GT #2

(Note: The red car is a GTS, the competition version of the road going GT)

ATS 2500 GT #3