1964 ATS 2500 GTS
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
The design is sleek and beautiful, styling by Franco Scaglione, built by Carrozzeria Allemano
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.
Automobili Turismo e Sport (ATS) was founded in 1963 after the infamous “Palace Revolt” at Ferrari led by former Ferrari Chief Engineer, Carlo Chiti and the brilliant designer Giotto Bizzarrini. Their new sports car company was backed by Italian millionaire, Count Giovanni Volpi and the other esteemed founders included the Formula 1 World Champion Phil Hill, and Giancarlo Baghetti. The bold ATS 2500 GTS was the first mid-engined GT car built in Italy, preceding the Ferrari 250 LM and the Lamborghini Miura. Fewer than a dozen ATS road cars were built, including this car, one of three alloy bodied 3-liter cars built for racing. This striking car has an advanced tubular chassis and fully independent suspension supporting its lightweight body and high revving quad cam V8 engine, which was capable of 160-mph.
The ATS was acquired by the Audrain Collection in 2020, along with a dozen other cars from the Nicholas Begovich collection in California. After arriving in Newport, Rhode Island, it was sent to Automotive Restorations in Stamford, CT to be restored to original factory condition.
After a long restoration, the ATS flew to Europe for its European concours debut at the Concorso D’Eleganza at Villa D’Este in 2023. In 2024, the car was shown at the Wynne Concours in Las Vegas where it was awarded Most Elegant Post War Car. Earlier this year in February 2026, the ATS was in Saint Moritz in Switzerland for The ICE and in May, it was shown at the Lugano Concours d’Elegance where it won the prestigious Best of Show Trophy. Another award came its way in June at the exclusive Heveningham Hall Concours in England where it won the Mid-Century Class Award. The car’s final show this year was in London at the Concours of Elegance at Hampton Court Palace.
Specifications
Engine Type: All-alloy 90° V8, single overhead camshaft per bank
Displacement: Originally 2,467 cc, enlarged to 3 liters for the race versions
Horsepower: 250 bhp @ 7,700 rpm
Top Speed: 160 mph
0–60 mph Acceleration: Under 5.0 seconds
Layout: Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive
Chassis: Braced chrome-molybdenum tubular steel space frame
Body: Lightweight aluminum (distinguishing the GTS from the standard steel-bodied GT)
Body Design: Styled by Franco Scaglione, coachbuilt by Carrozzeria Allemano