2007 ARIEL ATOM 2 245

A car made to put a smile on its owner’s face, this Ariel Atom 2 is waiting for a new owner to enjoy it around the country’s B-roads or unleash the performance on its race tracks. Powered by a 245bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine, it has a prodigious power-to-weight ratio that puts it firmly among the nimblest and fastest cars on the road. The odometer shows 21,200 miles.

This car was first registered on 1 March 2007, and it has since passed through the hands of three previous registered keepers, and was acquired by the latest private owner in May 2017. It is now offered for sale by the trade.

This Atom’s bodywork is in good condition, with nearly-new white paint adorning the few coloured panels that grace the exoskeleton. Intended to look even more striking next to the dark hues of the frame, tub and wheels, the paint is a fresh addition that replaced the original red colour. The vendor is not aware of any previous damage, and the car is HPI clear.

The car’s spartan cockpit is in good order. The original dials sit beneath domed aero screens, and bare metal pedals sit waiting in the footwell. The seats are in good condition with only minor marks, and the seller has recently fitted some black-and-yellow Schroth harnesses, but everything else in there is original. Although the cabin is open to the elements, the only real signs of wear are to be found on the Alcantara steering wheel, which is looking slightly worn. The seller reports that everything works as it should, with no faults or warning lights.

There is no service book or maintenance history with the Atom, though a review of the car’s online MOT history provides some insight as to mileage accrual and previous work. Its first test was in February 2011 at 8,262 miles, which was a clean pass with no advisories, and it had the same result for the next three years, up to 16,314 miles.

In 2017, it initially failed an MOT on emissions and a faulty registration plate lamp, with an advisory about a perished steering rack gaiter, before passing on 30 May 2017 at 18,106 miles. In May 2018, it required new rear tyres, new steering rack gaiters, and repairs to the headlamps, before passing a test on 1 June 2018 at 18,403 miles.

The most recent MOT test was on 26 February 2020 at 20,993 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. The Yokohama Advan tyres are seven years old at the front and three years old at the rear, with 3.5mm and 5mm of tread respectively.

An unapologetic track-day toy, this Ariel Atom 2 245 is a grown-up go-kart for the road. While vastly capable on a closed circuit, this is a head-turning and hair-raising road car, which is a thrill to drive on winding B-roads. Covered by a clean MOT and with some recent cosmetic refurbishment, this example is a smart and usable performance car, which deserves to be driven as intended.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.