Atalanta Sports Two-Seater (2018)

Rekindling on old British Marque is always a worthwhile exercise. Founded in 1937, Atalanta of Middlesex’ time was short lived, although one of the most advanced brands of the time. The brand built 22 cars in two years of production powered by both a 4- cylinder and in the second year, a V12 powerplant. In 1939 when the war broke out, the company abandoned production of cars, instead turning to pumping equipment.

Atalanta had big dreams. In 1938, the brand would head to Le Mans with their 1.5 litre 4-cylinder powered model. Unfortunately the car retired early due to a broken driveshaft. Born again in 2011 under the stewardship of Martyn Corfield, an avid fan and supporter from Staffordshire, acquired an original car from an auction and the proceeded to acquiring the required licensing to build a modern day example. Corfield sought the finest materials to ensure perfect fit and fit finish, a re-engineered, re-mastered version of the orginal. This is one of just three newly built Atalantas.

The second of just three newly built Atalanta cars, this Sports Two-Seater, was built from the ground up, using entirely bespoke componentry, devised from a host of innovative methods; as per the original. Mr Corfield’s intention was to restore a motor company, and not just a motor car – therefore, during the build process, ensuring the upkeep of the company’s original ethos was paramount.

With the 1938 works Le Mans entrant serving as inspiration, every component on the new cars was reverse engineered, allowing for any weaknesses to be noted and consequently improved in order to update overall compliance.

At great expense, components were conceived using CAD (computer-aided design), with a number of elements also being stainless steel printed; not common practice in the early 2010s. The Atalantas of the 1930s used lightweight alloys, intended for the aerospace industry; forward-thinking that couldn’t to be ignored when reviving the name.

Power is delivered by a four-cylinder, Ford-sourced engine; with adjusted cams, variable valve timing, and a heavy flywheel, it boasts an output of 200hp and 215lb ft of torque. The engine is mated to a manual five-speed Borg Warner unit with a revised and updated Atalanta aluminium casing. The result? Paired with the short-wheel-base chassis, lightweight non-assisted rack and pinion steering, and fully independent suspension – akin to the original – we’re left with a car that out-performs, yet still retains the charm, of a 1930s sports car.

Not to be mistaken for a faithful continuation, but instead the result of a huge personal investment; both financially and emotionally, this Atalanta Two-Seat Sports represents the revival of one of the most advanced pre-war marques. Retaining the same period construction techniques of alloy over ash, the revival exercises a huge degree of restraint, with its on-the-road footprint no larger than that of the original cars. Well-documented and used extensively in Atalanta Cars’ promotional and marketing material, the car presents in black over British Racing Green leather. The second of just three new-revived Atalantas, available to view at our showrooms just outside of London immediately.

• The result of a multi-million-pound investment to revive one of Britain’s most innovative manufacturers
• Entirely bespoke and lightweight components
• One of just three newly built Atalanta cars, sharing their on-the-road footprint with the originals
• Alloy metalwork over ash frame as the original cars were completed
• Inspired by Atalanta’s 1938 works Le Mans entrant; now owned by the gentleman behind the company’s revival
• A 1930s aesthetic, with contemporary enhancements