ASA [1] (Italy) - AllCarIndex

Autocostruzioni SpA, commonly known as ASA, was an Italian automobile manufacturer based in Milan, active from 1962 to 1967. The company originated from a project initiated by Ferrari in 1958, which involved the development of a double overhead cam (DOHC) 4-cylinder engine with a displacement of 850cc. In 1961, this engine was combined with a chassis designed by Giotto Bizzarrini, resembling a scaled-down version of the Ferrari GTO, and was subsequently bodied by Bertone. However, Ferrari chose not to continue with the project, leading to its acquisition by a group of enthusiastic industrialists who formed ASA.

In 1965, ASA introduced its first model, the Mille, which was available in both coupé and cabriolet variants. Notably, the Mille featured four-wheel disc brakes, a rarity for its time. The engine was a modified version of the Ferrari V12, increased to 1,032cc, producing 84 horsepower and allowing for a top speed of 115 mph (185 km/h). Despite its advanced features, the Mille's peaky torque curve and high production costs limited its market appeal.

The Mille was succeeded in 1967 by the Rollbar GT Spyder, which utilized a 1.3-liter 6-cylinder engine, with an export version offering a more powerful 1,754cc engine producing 140 horsepower. To reduce costs, the Rollbar GT Spyder featured a fiberglass body. Despite its technical specifications, the model struggled to attract buyers, and by the end of its production run, fewer than 50 units of the Rollbar GT Spyder had been manufactured. ASA ultimately ceased operations in 1967.