With a sleek body designed by Franco Scaglione and mechanicals by ex-Ferrari virtuosos Carlo Chiti and Giotto Bizzarrini, the ATS set the motoring world reeling with the first mid-engine Italian sport and GT car. Chiti and Bizarrini were part of the 'palace revolt' at Ferrari, which resulted in Enzo's firing of six key employees in 1961 over complaints of his wife's meddling.
The six ex-Ferrari men immediately set out to seek financing to start their own Formula One and GT car venture. The GT car, which debuted at the 1963 Geneva Show, was a great success in that it was highly praised for its very rigid and advanced space frame chassis, its handling and high-speed performance. Unfortunately, however, the investors withdrew financial support, and the project collapsed. Only a few cars were completed by the factory.
|
