1964 ATS 2500 GTS
● Engineering – The second road-going mid-engine GT car in the world (by a few months), created by the team who helped Ferrari develop its most famous sports racer, the 250 GTO; a sophisticated and powerful DOHC V-8 4-carburator engine, later developed into the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33 engine.
+ Design – Sleek and beautiful styling by Franco Scaglione, built by Carrozzeria Allemano.
= Passion – The product of the short-lived Auto Turismo e Sport (ATS) company, beautiful, rare (one of six extant), one of three alloy 3-liter models; with only one previous private owner from new.
Perhaps the rarest car on view from Nick Begovich’s collection is this ATS 2500 GTS, one of just 12 ever produced. Though the ATS company failed to reach their goals of competing in Formula One and produced far fewer cars than planned, what remains is one of the rarest and most unique Italian sportscars ever created. Delivered new with “Nürburgring” gearing, Nick purchased an additional, lower gear set for the car from the factory and installed it for greater roadability.
For most, working for Enzo Ferrari and his namesake company in 1961 would have been a dream job, though November of that year saw hardship that changed the course of the brand. During the “Great Walkout” in November 1961, Enzo fired several of his top employees including chief engineer Carlo Chiti and development chief Giotto Bizzarrini. These two gentlemen were core members of the team that developed one of the most significant and competitive Ferrari’s of all time: the 250 GTO. Shortly after being let go from Ferrari, Chiti and Bizzarrini established Automobili Turismo e Sports, or ATS, with hefty goals of beating Ferrari on the racetrack and on the road.
The ATS 2500 was the first mid-engined GT car built in Italy, and its introduction coincided with the companies first (and only) Formula One car, the ATS Tipo 100. ATS had goals like many other manufacturers, to build a successful F1 car that would draw interest in the company’s road car, which in return would sell in large numbers and help fund their racing program. Chiti and Bizzarrini based the Tipo 100 on design and engineering plans for the 1957 Ferrari 801 F1 car, with plans to race the car during the 1962 season. The Formula One car competed but did not achieve the lofty goals that Chiti and Bizzarrini had set for the program, and the project was canned.
The ATS 2500 GTS had the underpinnings to earn it a spot amongst the best sports cars in the world. Designed by Carlo Chiti, the all-aluminum 3.0L V8 was completely new for the ATS, providing 250 HP close to 9000 RPM. Bizzarrini is responsible for engineering the advanced tubular steel spaceframe chassis and double-wishbone independent suspension at the front and rear.
The sleek and beautiful styling is credited to Franco Scaglione and built by Carrozzeria Allemano. This GTS is one of just three alloy three-liter cars built. The GTS version of the 2500 did not have bumpers, presumably to save weight and leaving a smoother silhouette at each end. Aerodynamic hood scoops were added to the front of the GTS, and louvres were added to the rear window on the standard version as well.
For Nick Begovich to not only understand the importance of the ATS 2500 GTS in the early 1970’s is remarkable, but to take the next step and become the second owner shows how enthusiastic he was about this special Italian race car. Also, Begovich surely drew a connection to the Porsche GTS, that he bought new 8 years earlier.
ATS Specifications:
List Price, FOB factory: $9,440
Options: Gas heater, as this was a road car.
Engine: 3.0L Aluminum V8
Horsepower: 256 @ 7700 RPM
Torque: 188 ft./lbs. @ 6000 RPM
Transmission: 5-Speed Manual, delivered with “Nürburgring” gearing
Chassis: Lattice frame
Suspension: Unequal length A-arms, coil springs, tube shocks
Top Speed: 162 MPH
Dry Weight: 1650 lbs
