This is a 1996 Ascari Ecosse, car number 6 of just 17 total examples believed to have been constructed worldwide, 1 of 7 being right-hand drive configuration. The Ecosse was essentially a road-going version of the Ascari FGT concept car. The FGT was originally developed by Noble Motorsport Ltd. in 1992 after having been designed by the companies founder, British entrepreneur, car designer and engineer, Lee Noble. Soon after putting the one-off FGT prototype together, Noble was approached by another company known as Ascari Cars Ltd., who became heavily interested in the design, so much so that they went on to purchase the blueprints and the rights to the entire car. The founder of Ascari Cars Ltd., a Dutch millionaire by the name of Klaas Zwart, named the Ascari company after Italian racing driver, Alberto Ascari (1918–1955). The company was first established in England in December of 1994. Zwart had immediate plans to use the FGT in racing, and with his investment and efforts. The FGT was raced in a number of events, including a win at an event at the Silverstone Circuit in 1995, as well as being entered into the 1996 British GT Championship and an attempt to qualify for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1997, Zwart partnered with William Hewland, the owner of British engineering company, Hewland Engineering, for a partial racing season, resulting in a best finish of 4th place at Donington Park. The Ascari Ecosse, which is a similarly designed model (also designed by Lee Noble) was produced by Ascari cars from 1998 until 1999 in just 17 total units. This example shown here was showcased in the brand’s official brochure and unveiled as the launch model at the Motor Show, also gained recognition when Tiff Needell drove it on Top Gear. Equipped with a 5.0L Hartge-tuned BMW V8 and a lightweight, race-focused interior, it remains the sole road-legal, track-prepared example in the UK.
How many made? 17 (1 of 7 RHD)
Engine: 5.0L BMW/Hartge V8
Debut: 1999 Earls Court Motor Show
Top Speed: 175mph (estimated)
0-60mph: 4.7 seconds (estimated)
Photo Credit: @mkierse
Research: @rarecarsonl
1996 Ascari Ecosse
18.03.2025
Ascari