Owning the fastest scaffolding in the West (Midlands) isn't without the odd drawback, says PHer Mark Harries - aka
356speedster
PHer Mark Harries at the wheel
"You need commitment and preparation to own an Atom. The obvious lack of bodywork, windows and a roof mean that you need to check weather forecasts every five minutes, pack a Berghaus or prepare yourself for a possible early shower.
"More than that though, you must be prepared to be the centre of attention...all the time. Every journey on Her Majesty's highways is a new experience.
"Planning for naff weather is one thing, but before every journey you have to prepare your noggin. Now, for such an accelerative car, that seems like an obvious statement to make, but to be honest you mostly need to prep for other humans.
"Beeping horns, frantic waves and weaving cars are understandable, but I never expected I'd need to scan the footpaths for suicidal snappers. These guys are ready to jump clean into the road, with nothing more than a Nokia protecting squidgy organs from oncoming sports car. I've never had so much emergency stop practice since I took my driving test. That said, in the face of such enthusiasm and positive reaction you can't help but salute that kind of reckless endangerment and commitment!
"Then there are the questions. You try, but can't possibly prepare for them all. They come from anyone and everyone, old and young, and again... whether you're stationary or moving. Most folk still have no idea what an Atom is, with a good majority thinking that it's actually something knocked together in a back garden shed which uses a lawn mower engine. Speed is an obvious query, as are concerns of road legality (number plate / tax disc) and utter bewilderment that a helmet is not mandated (although eye protection is essential).
"If you're thinking of buying an Atom, be prepared for passenger ride requests every time you go out. Thanks partly to some organised charity work I've done - selling passenger rides for donations - I think my spare seat has seen more backsides than a portaloo at Glastonbury. And that's absolutely fine, but I do have two issues with passenger requests: Firstly, you do need to ask! Fifteen stone lager louts trying to jump into the spare seat while I'm mooching in traffic is not on. And secondly (more importantly), there aren't enough pretty ladies interested in the second seat. And that makes me sad. To be fair that could be to do with my mug, but apparently the Atom isn't exactly hair-do friendly.
"In case you're wondering, Atom ownership is fantastic and I love it. It's an extrovert car, aimed at the eternal show-off, who has no regard for their own Barnet. Since buying it, I've become an armchair weather forecaster and I'm quite adept at folding all-weather clothing into the six square inch boot (yes, it has a storage compartment in the front), origami style. However, I don't think I'll ever be prepared for all the questions and attention it attracts. Now, if I could find a cure the lack of female interest in mobile scaffolding, it'd be just about perfect."
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