Hand-built Atalantas: Back after 75 years

LONDON, England - The first Atalanta car to be built since 1939 will be shown at the 2014 Concours d'Elegance in London, England from September 5-7.

According to the automaker: “With every curve and from every angle it exhibits the style of Silver Screen glamour combined with the developments derived from 75 years of motoring evolution.

“Atalanta’s presence at the 2014 Concours will be a rare opportunity to see and commission a piece of motoring heritage.”

VINTAGE MOTORING

Despite its classic design, the new Atalanta uses modern  modern technology and safety systems without compromise. The automaker claims that 90% of the car’s component parts were designed and engineered by Atalanta, including castings, forgings and fabrications.

It has a traditionally hand-made aluminium-over-wood coach-built structure. The wood used is ash.

Martyn Corfield, managing director of Atalanta Motors, explained: “Staying true to the original Atalanta design principles, we've enhanced the positive and enjoyable characteristics of vintage motoring in a style that is relevant and exciting today.

“As in the 1930’s, Atalanta Motors will provide the opportunity to commission an individual driving machine to exacting requirements. The new sports car readily offers an exhilarating drive with assured handling and a supremely comfortable ride.”

CHASSIS No. 1

As well as seeing ‘chassis No.1’ of the new model, visitors to the concours will also be able to experience a 1937 Atalanta, both owned by Matthew Le Breton. His 1937 model won ‘Best in Show’ at the 2007 Cartier et Luxe Concours.

A selected number of visitors will be able to experience first-hand the new Atalanta later in 2014 at an exclusive venue.

Rory Watson, son of Neil Watson (Atalanta’s original founder), commented: “I never thought that something my father helped create all those years ago could be revived. I know he would be so very proud of what Martyn Corfield and his team have achieved at the new Atalanta Motors.”

Limited commissions for the Atalanta are being taken and each will be built to individual specifications.

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CONCOURS d'ELEGANCE

Established in 2012, the inaugural Concours d'Elegance was held within the private grounds of Windsor Castle, near London, to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.

According to organisers: “Only the highest calibre of cars are invited to the event, with the rarest cars in the world, from all over the world, selected by the concours steering committee - a respected team of authoritative historic-car experts.”

A key objective is to raise significant sums for charity, with the 2013 event at St James’s Palace, London, generating more than  R4.4-million.

The 2014 concours will showcase 60 of the rarest cars as well as a further 350 ‘top desirable cars’ from all eras within the Hampton Court Palace grounds.