2008 ARIEL ATOM 3 SUPERCHARGED

This Ariel Atom 3 is a fabulously focused super-lightweight road and track car, boasting incredible outright pace and sublime handling. It is powered by the 2.0-litre supercharged Honda Type R inline-four, understood to now produce around 310bhp, coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 20,158 miles.

Ariel only builds around 100 cars per year, with each car assembled by one technician, so the Atom remains a very rare sight on the road. First registered on 1 March 2008, this Atom 3 has two previous keepers on the V5C. It was acquired by the vendor in April 2019, and remains original and unmodified from its factory specification. The Atom-related registration ‘AT04 RRR’ is included in the sale.

Today, its chassis and body panels are in generally good condition, with minor wear and marks that you would expect from such an exposed sports car with around 20,000 miles on the clock. There are some chips in the extrusions and paintwork around the tip of the nose, and the carbon-dipped finish on the wings is starting to peel in places. A few nicks and marks are also present on the chassis and lower body in particular. It rides on a set of 15-inch Dymag alloy wheels, which would benefit from refurbishment.

In the cabin, the lightweight seating remains in good order, and driver and passenger both have high-quality Willans safety harnesses. Ahead of the driver, the Racetech quick-release steering wheel is worn around the rim, but the instrument cluster presents well. This Atom 3 is equipped with a passenger footrest and brake bias adjuster, and there are no known faults with any of the switches or other controls.

Its last routine maintenance was a major service carried out in January 2020 at 19,454 miles. The car returned to the Ariel Motor Company headquarters, where it was treated to a full 18,000-mile service, and fitted with a replacement supercharger drive belt. A few damper bushes were also changed for new items, along with the indicator bulbs and reversing lamp. Its seat was modified slightly to reduce flexing, an Atom 4 specification double USB socket was fitted, and some orange vinyl wrap was removed from the original white panels.

In March 2016, also at Ariel’s headquarters, the car was given new rear big bearing uprights, a front wheel bearing kit, and a replacement supercharger belt. The invoice on file also notes that the car had an Atom 3.5 specification ECU reflash.

The most recent MOT test was on 23 December 2020 at 20,155 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories or defects. For the last four years of tests, covering some 5,000 miles, it has achieved the same clean result. The wheels are shod in Yokohama Advan A052 tyres, which were fitted just 700 miles ago, so they remain in excellent condition with a nearly-new level of tread.

This Ariel Atom 3 is a no-frills lightweight performance car that delivers sensational acceleration and handling. Whether the next owner chooses to use it on the track, road, or both, this is a pared-back British icon that offers addictive performance. While some minor cosmetic refurbishment would bring this Ariel back up to a superb standard, it is a great weekend toy as-is, and is ready to drive and enjoy immediately.

Specification:

• Supercharged 300bhp engine
• 15-inch Dymag wheels
• Alcon upgraded front and rear brakes
• Brake bias adjuster
• Fully adjustable dampers
• Polished exhaust
• Quick-release steering wheel
• Passenger footrest
• Stainless steel fixings

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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.