A number of top technical specialists at Ferrari left the firm in the autumn of 1961 following a row with the director, Enzo Ferrari.  The multi-millionaire Count Volpi took several of them under his wing to work in his Scuderia Serenissima and provided the finance for a new company, ATS (Automobili Turismo Sport SpA) in Bologna.  The first cars that Carlo Chiti built in his new role as chief engineer were single seaters for Grand Prix racing.  Unfortunately for all concerned, these cars were not successful.  This was followed by building a GT Coupe which was shown to the press at the 1963 Geneva show.  It was a wonderful looking car with a body by Allemano.