ATS 2500 GT Allemano Coupe
The ATS 2500 GT is one of the most fascinating and rarest cars in automotive history, born from one of the greatest corporate dramas in motoring — the 'Palace Revolt' at Ferrari. In 1961, several key Ferrari engineers and managers, including chief engineer Carlo Chiti and team manager Romolo Tavoni, walked out of Ferrari following a dispute with Enzo Ferrari. They were bankrolled by wealthy Italian industrialists, including Giovanni Volpi and Jaime Ortiz-Patiño, to create ATS (Automobili Turismo e Sport) — a company that would simultaneously build a Formula 1 car and a road-going GT.
The 2500 GT was the road car. Its tiny 2.5-liter V8 engine, designed by Chiti, was a masterpiece of engineering — a high-revving, quad-cam unit with four Weber carburetors producing 245 horsepower. The chassis featured fully independent suspension on all four corners and disc brakes all around. The body was designed and built by Allemano in Turin.
Despite its engineering excellence, ATS was plagued by management disputes, funding problems, and the practical difficulties of starting both a road car and F1 program simultaneously. The F1 campaign with Phil Hill and Giancarlo Baghetti was a disaster, and the road car suffered from quality issues and an astronomical price tag. Only 12 examples of the 2500 GT were completed before ATS collapsed.
Today, the ATS 2500 GT is one of the rarest and most intriguing collector cars in existence. Its story — revenge against Ferrari, engineering brilliance, commercial failure — makes it irresistible to students of automotive history. Surviving examples are museum-quality pieces that appear occasionally at the world's most prestigious concours events.
With only 12 built, every car is documented and known. Provenance verification is straightforward but essential. Engine is complex and parts essentially do not exist — any work requires specialist recreation. Allemano bodywork should be inspected for corrosion and previous restoration quality. Suspension components are bespoke. Any purchase at this level requires expert assessment and extensive pre-purchase inspection. Museum and concours provenance adds significant value.
Founded by ex-Ferrari engineers and managers after the 'Palace Revolt' of 1961. V8 engine designed by Carlo Chiti (ex-Ferrari chief engineer). Body by Allemano, Turin. Only 12 road cars completed before the company failed. ATS also competed in Formula 1 in 1963 with Phil Hill and Giancarlo Baghetti.