Ultra-Rare '63 ATS Sports Car to Make Auction Debut in London

An ultra-rare 1963 A.T.S. 2500 GTS 3.0-litre sports car (above) will be sold at RM Auctions' Automobiles of London event on October 28, marking the first time one of these highly desirable cars has been offered at auction. One of only eight A.T.S. sports cars produced between 1962 - 1965 to rival Ferrari, this example, chassis number 004, will be offered without reserve and is expected to fetch in excess of £500,000 or about $820,000. Of immense historical significance, A.T.S. (Automobili Turismo Sport) was an Italian car maker and racing team that formed by Carlo Chiti and Giotto Bizzarrini, who established the company as a direct competitor to their former employer, Ferrari. Financially supported by Count Giovanni Volpi, the company produced a small number of road-going sports cars and a Formula One car which boasted Phil Hill as one of its drivers. The car made its debut at the 1963 Geneva Motor Show, and although 12 chassis were produced, only 8 cars were ultimately completed, making each a rare collector's item.