ATS

ATS (Automobili Turismo e Sport) is an Italian car manufacturer with a storied history, known for its high-performance sports cars and racing heritage. Founded in 1961 by a group of former Ferrari employees, including Carlo Chiti and Giotto Bizzarrini, ATS emerged from a desire to create a company that could compete with the best in the automotive and racing worlds. The founders were motivated by a falling out with Enzo Ferrari, leading them to form ATS with the ambition of challenging Ferrari both on the road and the track. The company’s most notable early creation was the ATS 2500 GT, introduced in 1963. This car was designed to be a direct competitor to Ferrari, featuring a lightweight aluminum body and a mid-mounted 2.5-liter V8 engine. The 2500 GT was a groundbreaking design for its time, incorporating advanced engineering and sophisticated styling. Despite its potential and innovative features, the 2500 GT struggled in the marketplace due to limited production and high costs, and only a handful were ever built. In addition to road cars, ATS also ventured into Formula One racing. The ATS Formula One team debuted in the 1963 season, making it the first Italian constructor to enter F1 since Ferrari. Despite having talented drivers and a promising start, the team faced numerous challenges, including reliability issues and financial constraints, which hampered its success. The team ultimately withdrew from the championship after the 1964 season, marking a brief and turbulent entry into the pinnacle of motorsport. After a period of dormancy, ATS was revived in the 2010s by automotive enthusiast and entrepreneur Daniele Maritan. The modern incarnation of ATS aimed to continue the legacy of high-performance engineering and craftsmanship. In 2017, ATS unveiled the ATS GT, a new supercar inspired by the original 2500 GT but incorporating modern technology and design.