ATS 2500 GT

vs

AC 428

Italy vs United Kingdom — 1963 vs 1965

ATS 2500 GT (1963)
AC 428 (1965)
Specifications
2500 GT Allemano Coupe428 Frua Coupe
Horsepower245 hp345 hp
Torque188 lb-ft440 lb-ft
Engine Size2,467 cc7,014 cc
0-60 mph6.5 sec5.9 sec
Top Speed155 mph142 mph
¼ Mile14.8 sec14.0 sec
Weight2,072 lbs3,250 lbs
Wheelbase2,350 mm2,578 mm
Length4,090 mm4,597 mm
Units Produced1281
Value (Excellent)$1,500,000$450,000
Collectibility10/109/10
Rarity10/1010/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1963 ATS 2500 GT Allemano Coupe brings higher top speed, lighter weight, greater rarity to the table, and the 1965 AC 428 Frua Coupe answers with more power, quicker acceleration, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

The rivalry between Italy and United Kingdom automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1963 ATS 2500 GT Allemano Coupe versus 1965 AC 428 Frua Coupe is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1965 AC 428 Frua Coupe holds a clear advantage in raw power with 345 hp compared to 245 hp, a 100-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the ATS 2500 GT uses a V8 DOHC displacing 2,467 cc, while the AC 428 relies on a V8 OHV (Ford FE 428) with 7,014 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1965 AC 428 Frua Coupe edges ahead at 5.9 seconds versus 6.5 seconds. The ATS 2500 GT carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1178 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 12 units built, the 1963 ATS 2500 GT Allemano Coupe is considerably scarcer than the AC 428's 81 examples. On the collector market, the 1963 ATS 2500 GT Allemano Coupe commands a significant premium over the 1965 AC 428 Frua Coupe, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.