Rare Ascari F/GT Prototype: A Hidden Gem in British Supercar History

💣Forgotten ONES💣 - Prototype cars always have a unique allure, capturing the pure intentions of designers before the compromises of mass production set in. This was certainly true for the Ascari F/GT, a creation of British supercar specialist Lee Noble. Noble, known for founding Noble Automotive, left his mark on the automotive world long before his own company took off. Early in his career, he designed the Ascari F/GT, but he left the company before the car went into production. This departure meant that the final production version bore some differences from the original design, a common occurrence in the world of prototypes where initial ideas often undergo significant transformation.

The Ascari F/GT was a creation of British supercar specialist Lee Noble. Noble, known for founding Noble Automotive. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Ascari may not be as widely recognized as Aston Martin, Jaguar, or Bentley, but it has its own place in British automotive history. Named after Alberto Ascari, the first driver to win the World Championship of Drivers twice, Ascari Cars is a brand that embodies the spirit of racing and advanced engineering. The company was founded in 1992, and it wasn't long before it caught the attention of Dutch millionaire and racing driver Klaas Zwart. Zwart saw the potential in the company and decided to acquire it, solidifying Ascari’s reputation in the world of high-performance vehicles. 

The Ascari F/GT prototype, presented in a glorious green, was registered for road use in 1993 and served as a promotional and press car for Ascari. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Unfortunately, despite the promise it showed, the company struggled financially and eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2010. The official website, once a hub for the brand's innovations, has been dormant since 2009, leaving a gap in the history of this fascinating carmaker. During its active years, Ascari produced several remarkable sports cars, including the Ecosse, KZ1, and A10.

The Ascari F/GT's design evolving into what became the Ascari Ecosse, featuring fixed headlights as opposed to the original design’s more dynamic look. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Yet, the Ascari F/GT remains one of its most intriguing models, largely because of its rarity and the story behind its development. Information about the F/GT is limited, adding an air of mystery to the vehicle. It is believed that the production of this prototype ended in the late 1990s, with the design evolving into what became the Ascari Ecosse, featuring fixed headlights as opposed to the original design’s more dynamic look.

The Ascari Ecosse features fixed headlights, in contrast to the more dynamic pop-up design of the original Ascari F/GT. (Picture from: Motor1)

This Ascari F/GT prototype was part of a limited series of prototypes, with reportedly only three units ever made. The car was first showcased to the world at various motoring events, starting with the British International Motor Show in 1995. It was at this event that Klaas Zwart first encountered the vehicle, sparking his interest in acquiring Ascari Cars Ltd. and putting the F/GT into production. This moment marked a significant turn in the company’s history, as Zwart’s involvement brought the prototype closer to becoming a reality.

The Ascari F/GT prototype offered a mix of luxury and practicality, with leather-wrapped sports seats, air conditioning, and an Alcantara-covered dashboard providing both comfort and style. (Picture from: Silodrome)

The heart of the Ascari F/GT is a mid-mounted Ford 4.6-liter V8 engine, capable of producing around 400 horsepower. This power is channeled to the rear wheels through a Porsche five-speed transaxle, making the car a formidable presence on the road. The body of the prototype is made from unstressed fiberglass, mounted on a high-carbon steel frame. This combination of materials ensured a balance between strength and weight, crucial for high-performance vehicles. 

The Ascari F/GT prototype powered by a mid-mounted Ford 4.6-liter V8 engine, capable of producing around 400 horsepower. (Picture from: Silodrome)

Additionally, carbon fiber was used for the rear wing, rear valance panel, and dashboard, further reducing weight and enhancing the car's performance. Inside, the F/GT offered a mix of luxury and practicality, with leather-wrapped sports seats, air conditioning, and an Alcantara-covered dashboard providing both comfort and style.

The Ascari F/GT prototype's body is made from unstressed fiberglass mounted on a high-carbon steel frame, ensuring a balance between strength and weight. (Picture from: Silodrome)

In 2014, one of the rare Ascari F/GT prototypes made a surprising appearance on eBay Motors, listed for sale. The seller described the car as a 2004 model, a detail that did not align with the car’s production timeline, as it was known that the production had ended in the late 1990s. This discrepancy highlights the importance of thorough research when dealing with unique vehicles like this one. For collectors and enthusiasts, understanding the true history and specifications of such a car is crucial before making a purchase. The appeal of owning a one-off prototype is undeniable, but it also comes with the responsibility of being well-informed.

The Ascari F/GT prototype features a rear wing and rear valance panel made of carbon fiber. (Picture from: Silodrome)

For those curious about the value of such a rare British sports car, it’s interesting to note that in 2021, RM Sotheby's auctioned one of the Ascari F/GT prototypes in London. The car fetched a high bid of £19,550, a figure that reflects both its rarity and the niche appeal it holds among collectors. This price serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the Ascari F/GT and the continued interest in this unique piece of automotive history. | gMQ1qLxDD0w |

The story of the Ascari F/GT prototype is one of ambition, innovation, and the challenges of bringing a vision to life. While the brand may not have achieved the same level of fame as other British sports car manufacturers, the F/GT stands as a testament to the creativity and determination of its creators. As time goes on, vehicles like the Ascari F/GT not only offer a glimpse into what might have been but also serve as a lasting tribute to the ingenuity and passion that drive the automotive industry forward. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | AUTOBLOG | TOPGEAR | SILODROME | RMSOTHEBYS ]

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