Phil Hill's ATS races again after a 37-year break

The ex-Phil Hill ATS Tipo 100 Formula 1 Car (chassis 0001) raced for the first time since 1963 at Goodwood’s Revival meeting in September, and its completion of the Glover Trophy race has been hailed as a triumph by owner Philip Walker and driver/engineer Andy Wolfe.

Formed by ex-Ferrari personnel, including Carlo Chiti, Bologna-based Automobili Turismo e Sport ambitiously entered the world championship in 1963. Phil Hill and Giancarlo Baghetti struggled with the cars, powered by ATS’ own 1500cc V8.

“This long-wheelbase chassis is as Hill raced it, with original engine and Colotti Type 34 six-speed gearbox,” said Wolfe. “At Goodwood, it ran as it did in period — smokily — because the piston rings aren’t up to it, but once this and a misfire are sorted, we expect to see the 200bhp claimed in period.

“As the first person since Hill to race it, and with exactly the same set-up, I can see some of the problems he faced. It’s a fascinating project, which Philip has got very deeply into, and we’re confident we can make it work, 37 years on.”

Legendary mechanic Alf Francis built an evolution of the ATS for ’64, the Derrington-Francis, after the team collapsed, but it appeared only in the Italian Grand Prix, piloted by Mario Cabral. ATS 0001 was sold directly to Tom Wheatcroft’s Donington Collection in 1970. It passed through John Harper’s hands before Walker bought it at auction in 1999. Since then Philip has acquired a second chassis, plus the Derrington-Francis (which demonstrated at the Coys Festival in July). He has also rounded up further engines and spares. MP