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The Foundation Era
1975 - 1998
The iconic ring: a revolutionary concept in its shape and dimension
Originally established by FIAT, the proving ground soon gained recognition for its groundbreaking 12.6-kilometer circular track.
The test center was established as "S.A.S.N. - Società Autopiste Sperimentale Nardò" on July 1st, 1975.
The first nucleus of Nardò Technical Center included the ring track with lanes for cars and trucks, a dynamic platform for cars, two workshops, a control tower, the ancient Masseria Fattizze (now used as administrative offices) and a fuel station.
Further development of the test center followed seven years later with the construction of a dynamic track for trucks and the off-roads.
Step into our history in picture
The ring track (1975)
The entrance (1975)
The workshops (1975)
The workshops interior (1975)
The fuel station (1975)
131 Mirafiori Abarth press event at NTC (1976)
131 Mirafiori Abarth on the ring track (1976)
The ring track (1977)
Masseria Fattizze (1977)
The car circular track and lorry circular track (1989)
Lorry circular track (1989)
The ring track (1989)
The car circular track (1989)
Car dynamic platform (1989)
Curvilinear test on the car dynamic platform (1989)
Off-road (1989)
Off-road for commercial vehicles (1989)
Workshops and offices (1989)
Engineering offices (1989)
The first test
In 1977, Niki Lauda tested the six-wheeled Ferrari 312T.
The Ferrari 312 T2 that Niki Lauda tested on the circuit on 13th March 1977 was a unique prototype. It aimed to improve the aerodynamics of the car and for this reason it was equipped with 6 wheels, mounting 4 front wheels on the rear axle.
The first records
From its early years, Nardò Technical Center became a proving ground for world-class speed and endurance tests.
The accomplishments reflected both the engineering prowess behind the vehicles and Nardò’s distinctive role as a premier facility for rigorous, sustained high-speed trials — in an era marked by the development of pioneering and design-forward models.
The control tower
The operational brain of the test center back in the day.
Built at the highest point of the NTC Proving Ground reaching a height of 51.35 m, the control tower was the operational brain of the entire testing center with several functionalities and highly advanced technologies - such as security, monitoring and communication systems.
The first-generation GPS system enabling speed detection and vehicles’ tracking on track: through a transceiver mounted on board, vehicle position was thus sent to the antenna in the tower, where a synoptic panel displayed its precise location on the track.
Today, the control tower houses thermal monitoring camera systems designed to continuously detect potential fires and smoke at an early stage, enabling prompt intervention.
The tower's perspective
The control tower in 1975
The control room in 1975
Operating from the control room of the tower
Monitors
The control room today
The thermal camera
The view from the control tower
The transition era
The evolution era