The Ariel Atom is a street-legal English sports car made of lightweight materials, designed for maximum speed. Built in England, the Atom 2 model (produced from 2003 to 2007) is capable of 0 to 60 mph in three seconds, and has a top speed in excess of 150 mph. The seller has one of these (out of 133 total builds), and it has just 3,300 miles and is in great form. Located in Franklin, Tennessee, the current bid here on eBay is $30,100, though the seller also says the price is firm at $50,000 (no reserve; can this be enforced?)
Brains behind the Atom is the British Ariel Motor Co. based out of Somerset, England. Some licensing to build them in the U.S. took place with Atom 3 and later versions of the hot car. Eight generations have emerged since the company was formed in 1999. These vehicles tend to have exposed chassis, sometimes referred to as exoskeletons, so there is no roof or windows. The drag coefficient is practically nil. These look like kit cars but are not.
We understand that driving an Atom is akin to driving a racecar. Atom 2s come with supercharged Honda engines that were rated at 300 hp (a lot for a 1,350-lb. car). Production of the Atom 2 averaged just 25-30 units per year, so a lot of hand assembly was required. Besides being street legal, the seller says this Atom 2 is both registered and insured. For a $50,000 car, the seller is light on photos. We’re told the car has all-new tires and runs and drives as it should. The interior features Sparco seats, but no photos. A 5-speed manual transmission is used, so the gearing isn’t as tight considering the top end.
Must be a blast to drive, and yes only 5 poor photos, all too far away.
These are cool high tech toys, but not race cars. One of these showed up several years ago on a Wednesday night when they had drifting and drag races. Neither association would sign off on its tech card, the open drivers compartment triggers specific safety equipment such as a full fire suit and arm restraints, the owner came with a sweatshirt and helmet, which was a no go as far as the track was concerned.
Steve R