2020 ARIEL ATOM 4

This Ariel Atom 4 is a sensational ‘no frills’ sports car, boasting a very high factory specification and little more than running-in mileage. Power comes from the lauded 2.0-litre turbocharged Honda Type R engine, which in this car features the optional 350hp upgrade, coupled to a six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows just 780 miles from new.

First registered in January 2020, this Atom 4 has one previous registered keeper before the seller acquired it two months ago. It was specified with an extensive range of options from the factory, including the aforementioned 350hp power upgrade. The other most notable extras include Ohlins TTX three-way adjustable inline remote reservoir dampers, a limited-slip differential, adjustable traction control with launch function, and the AP Racing brake disc and handbrake upgrade with four-piston calipers at the front and rear.

The powertrain also features a baffled engine oil sump, a high-performance sports core engine coolant radiator, and the three-stage variable turbo boost controller. An adjustable brake bias controller is also installed in the cockpit. The other interior fixtures include a carbon-fibre instrument panel, quick-release steering wheel, standalone fire extinguisher, an aero screen, and a 12-volt auxiliary power feed with lighter-style, USB, and motorcycle type sockets. There are also passenger and drive footrests, and a reversing camera system.

It was specified with black alloy wheels, locking wheel nuts, and front and rear towing eyes. The chassis and body also have stainless steel fixings throughout to prevent any surface corrosion, and there are machined aluminium wing mirrors, a locking fuel cap, and a carbon-fibre number plate tidy. The list price for this car came in at £60,972.

As you would expect, the bodywork and paint of this car remain in superb condition, with no damage to the panels, and no visible chips in the paint on the gloss black wheel covers or green accents over the nose and air intake. The car also has paint protection film applied to the suspension arms and other body parts, and a ceramic coating has been applied to the engine and gear box to protect them from the elements and make the components easier to clean.

The chassis frame is in great shape, finished in black and with protective non-slip coatings around the entry and exit points of the cockpit. Its gloss black alloy wheels are unmarked and the wheel bolts are also pristine.

The cockpit is also in very good order, with just a few small marks on the lightweight seats. The Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel shows virtually no wear at all, and the floors and pedals are also in good condition. All of the switchgear and electrics work perfectly as you would expect.

It received its running-in service at approximately 500 miles, carried out by the Ariel factory. The first annual MOT test will not be due until January 2023. The wheels are fitted with Avon ZZR tyres for track or road use in size 195/50 R16 at the front and 255/40 R17 at the rear, which have plenty of tread remaining.

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 a high-specification example of the latest astonishing model built by the celebrated British manufacturer. It boasts incredible performance both on road and on track, and a pared-back driving experience that is quite unlike almost anything else on the market. This particular car is presented in superb condition throughout, and represents a great opportunity to beat the substantial waiting list for a rare and beautifully built sports car.

All 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.