2020 ARIEL ATOM 4 - 700 MILES FROM NEW

This Ariel Atom 4 is a sensational stripped-back sports car, with very low mileage, offered by the first and only owner. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged Honda Type R engine producing 320hp, coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows just 779 miles from new.

Far from being just an upgraded model, the Ariel Atom 4 featured a brand-new chassis and suspension, as well as significant improvements to the steering and braking systems. Its engine is the powerful K20C1 motor from the latest Honda Civic Type R, and the bodywork features several aerodynamic enhancements to improve outright performance. This example was first registered in May 2020.

This Atom 4 was specified with the Bilstein dampers and Eibach springs, as well as the optional limited-slip differential, and the Sport brake package upgrade kit for the front and rear. Its chassis is finished in gloss black, with stainless steel fixings throughout, and the bodywork is fitted with an aero windscreen. It rides on a set of black powder-coated alloy wheels.

There are lightweight composite bucket seats, fitted with four-point harnesses for both driver and passenger. Its interior was also specified with driver and passenger footrests, as well as a 12-volt power socket. The factory-fitted kit is rounded off with the towing eye kit and offset number plate bracket at the front, and a high-level third brake light at the rear.

Having been treated to a professional paint correction and application of ceramic coating protection – which is marketed as lasting for two years – the bodywork and paint are in pristine condition throughout, with no scuffs, scrapes, or stone chips around the panels. As you would expect given the car is barely two months old, the chassis frame is as-new, and the various body trims are in great shape. Its alloy wheels are also in superb order.

In the cabin, there are a few small water spots on the floor, on the passenger side in particular, but otherwise the interior trim is in outstanding condition. The Alcantara trim around the steering wheel is in great shape, and the pedal pads also show no signs of wear. All of the switchgear and electrics - including the digital display - work perfectly as you would expect.

Its first annual service will not be due until May 2021, though an oil and filter change is recommended by Ariel before 1,200 road miles. It will not need an MOT test until 2023. The wheels are shod in Avon ZZS tyres in size 195/50 R16 at the front and 255/40 R17 at the rear, which are essentially in as-new condition given the mileage.

At launch, Top Gear magazine praised the Atom 4’s extra breadth of capability, while still being bowled over by its engine response: “The performance is frankly ridiculous. It’s supercar fast, Ferrari 488 or McLaren 720S pace, but with extra outdoors astonishment”. It was named by Autocar magazine as Britain's Best Driver's Car 2019.

This Ariel Atom 4 is an extreme lightweight sports car with intoxicating performance, offered by the first and only owner. It is presented in virtually as-new condition, with not much more than running-in mileage, and with numerous desirable factory-fitted options. Comfortably one of the most celebrated contemporary driver’s cars, the bespoke nature of Ariel’s builds means that they remain a rare sight on the road - so this is a great opportunity to beat the waiting list for the latest model.