If you have driven an Ariel Atom you can stop reading and just bid now. For those of you who haven't experienced one of these phenomenal cars the best way we can describe the feeling of driving one, is like that of a rollercoaster. The feeling you have the first time you go on a rollercoaster and it’s just crested the top and begins to accelerate down, the adrenaline dump, the smile as the acceleration piles on, that is the feeling of what happens when you push the throttle on an Atom 3.5.
Fast is just a word, and one that doesn't do justice to this car. It’s searingly quick, with a 0-60 of well under three seconds you’ll be the quickest thing on the road or track. But it’s not just acceleration, the ludicrously light weight and low design coupled with some serious suspension makes this Atom stick to corners like nothing else. Of course that's not to say it won’t go sideways, stepping on the throttle mid corner makes for an exciting experience that raises the pulse and leaves you grinning ear to ear.
The surprising thing is just how driveable the Atom 3.5 is day to day on UK roads. The overall handling is very predictable and even the throttle response isn't too much. Sure it doesn’t have a roof, or even sides to speak of, but if the weather is dry this is a car you can hop in and drive without worry, it may excel on the track, but it also excels on the road.
This Atom 3.5 has carbon fibre wings front and back for those of you who like your corners really fast, along with 16” Avon Zz s racing spec road legal tyres, carbon nose cone, 10 way adjustable Billstein shock absorbers and Alcon big brakes front and rear. Fully loaded, and in great condition throughout it offers an unparalleled driving experience that nothing else can match. We might just have to keep this one for ourselves.
The History and Paperwork
V5 Present and correct
Original owners manual
Service record shows yearly servicing up to 2020/12,400 miles
Invoice for a service at 14,032 miles including a supercharger belt, new spark plugs and oil change
MOT to June 2024
The Condition
All carbon fibre elements present very well
Four point harnesses for driver and passenger both in good condition
Black, grey, carbon and red colour scheme looks fantastic
Paint protection stickers on chassis wear points
The seats are in very good condition with only light signs of use
Removable alcantara steering shows signs of use but presents well
Carbon fibre floor tub and pedals in good condition
Carbon fibre digital dash and controls all in very good condition
Wheels, nosecone, wings and all other external components present superbly
This is the part where we tell you how great a car looks, and this Atom 3.5 is certainly a great looking car, but when you’re behind the wheel with the accelerator down, the great condition won;lt even factor in. The interior interior condition is very good, not that the Atom has much of an interior to speak of, but then you won’t be missing the radio when you’re heading into a corner at 120mph. What there is, the steering wheel, seats, four point harnesses, digital dashboard and the controls all present very well.
The exterior with the distinctive exposed tubular chassis and heaps of carbon fibre, certainly makes for an eye-catching design. The addition of the aerofoils, both front and rear, only add to the car's road presence and they are both in excellent condition. The chassis benefits from paint protection stickers along the top, so getting in and out doesn’t result in wear to the paint and the overall presentation of the exterior is superb. With under 15,000 on the clock and evidently having been very well cared for, this Atom is in fantastic condition inside and out.
The Mechanics
2.0 Litre Honda K20Z4 supercharged engine
6-speed manual gearbox
10-way adjustable Bilstein suspension
310bhp
Alcon brakes
Starts on a touch of the button and idles perfectly
Sounds fantastic
Accelerates terrifyingly fast
Drives perfectly with quick decisive gear changes and rapid braking
All visible mechanical components (which is almost everything) present superbly
Did we mention how fast this car is? The supercharged Honda engine springs to life the moment you touch the starter button with a distinctive rumble from the twin exhausts and things only get better from there. The car drives extremely well, the steering is quick and responsive without feeling twitchy, the gear changes are positive and fast and the whole set up feels dialled in from the first moment you drive it.
Even factoring in the very low mileage the presentation of the mechanical aspects of this car are superb and it’s clearly been very well cared for. From the engine block to the exposed Bilstein shocks, every aspect presents superbly and with plenty of MOT and a service less than 1000 miles ago it’s ready to drive away and enjoy.
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
