Automobili Turismo e Sport (ATS) was founded in 1962 by a handful of former Ferrari employees in Pontecchio Marconi in Bologna, Italy. The goal was to compete with the Scuderia, by developing an F1 racing car. At the same time, a road-going sports car was planned, derived directly from the F1 car. Initially, the road-going Franco Scaglione-designed 2500 GT showed great promise, with the more powerful 2500 GTS racing derivative following soon after. Unfortunately, both the production car and its racing sibling had very short careers, failing primarily for financial reasons.

The new ATS 2500 GT

ATS is now back, however, at least on the public road. Designer Emanuele Bomboi has re-interpreted the 2500 GT, combining both contemporary and classic styling cues. The modern sports car premieres at the Top Marques Monaco show on 16-19 April. Thanks to its lightweight construction – the new ATS 2500 GT features a carbon monocoque and ultra-light wheels – the whole car weighs only 950 kilogrammes. Power comes from a race-derived V8 that produces 640bhp at 10,000 rpm, providing the two-seater with performance of 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of over 211mph. There is more information available at: www.ats-automobili.com.

Photos: Degler Studio ([email protected])