Cars

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.

Oh, and in case you were wondering what a GT12 is, it’s what the Vantage GT3 has become since Porsche threw its toys out of its Panamera. The newly renamed model sits at the top of the Vantage tree, and is limited to 100 examples worldwide.

Photos/Video: Aston Martin

From 15 to 19 April 2015, the world’s passion for classic cars, motorcycles and collectables again focuses on Essen, in Germany. More than 1,250 exhibitors are booked, while the organisers themselves are presenting an exhibition of historic racing cars from the late 1920s, all of which took part in the legendary Tourist Trophy in Ireland. At the time, this road race (held from 1905 to 1936) counted as part of the World Sportscar Championship. Models ranging from Alfa Romeo and Alvis, Austin, Bentley and Bugatti, to Mercedes-Benz, OM and Riley are expected at the exhibition in Hall 6.

These matching Mercedes SLs could be the perfect gift for the perfect parents. Recently extracted by Classic Driver dealer William Loughran from the private collection in which they have resided for 20 years, the parental pair is now for sale – available individually, or as a twosome.

Earlier in the 1960s, Turin-born Frua had been tasked with the responsibility of styling an entire new range for Glas, a small Bavaria-based manufacturer that had made the leap from scooters and microcars to mid-range saloons and sports cars. In 1968, BMW completed the takeover of its smaller neighbour – but it was for reasons to do with engineering patents and factory space, rather than a fondness for the marque’s styling.

Wash first, then add salt

Step inside Garage Novo and you immediately think you are back in 1950, when Henri, the grandfather, created this place. Nothing has really changed; it’s all still about craftsmanship, about knowledge that has been passed from father to son amidst the smell of old grease, and traditional tools that are used to maintain and repair these rare machines. We met Jean, the father, and Frederic, the son, the two generations now working in this historic garage.