Equipment
3-litre 300hp sohc V-8, four 38IDM Weber carbs, 5-speed transaxle, Borrani wire wheels, covered headlights, original jack, tool roll, sales brochures, Heuer Speed Pilot, lap and shoulder belts.
Condition
One of only eight cars built, of which only four were complete. Originally powered by a 2.5-litre V-8, given to Alf Francis in exchange for services, re-engined at some point and eventually ended up with a 2.5-litre engine with Norbert McNamara in California who also owned s/n 2001. Acquired from McNamara's estate in 2004 and restored in Costa Rica. Disassembled again in 2008 and restored again. Displayed at Pebble Beach in 2009, invited to Villa d'Este in 2010. Believed to have fewer than 7,000 km from new. Pristine and ready for anything, with great paint, panels, chrome and interior. No Reserve.
Market commentary
This result discloses a significant gap between perception and reality. The auction company thought a million bucks was starters and the bidders thought $462,000 (GBP 280,000) was enough. The history of ATS has been submerged, and never accomplished much. So, isn't half a million bucks enough, even for a beautifully restored and presented example of a dead-end marque? I think it is.