2008 Ariel Atom 3

Highlights 

• Iconic open-wheel race car for the road

• Desirable third-gen model with a good spec

• 245bhp inline four-cylinder Honda engine and six-speed manual gearbox

• Well-maintained

• Low mileage

• Recently serviced

• Long, advisory-free MOT

Overview

Once upon a time, if you wanted the ultimate track weapon then a Caterham was the obvious choice, but on the brink of the millennium Ariel exploded onto the scene with the Atom and things have never quite been the same since. British through and through, the now iconic Atom is an open-wheel, street-legal race car. It began life as a humble student project at Coventry University before evolving into one of the most revered and impressive performance machines of all time, setting the standard by which such cars are measured in the process, regardless of price.

Now onto its fourth generation, the Atom's stats have never been anything but extraordinary and whether you opt for the original 1.8-litre Rover K Series-equipped model or the latest Atom 4R with its tuned, turbocharged Honda engine producing 400bhp, you're in for an absolute blast. Experiencing an Atom, in the words of the company that unleashed it, really is like nothing else you’ll drive.

Sitting somewhere in a sweet spot between the OG Atom 1 and the frankly bonkers 4R is the Atom 3, which is exactly what we have available here for your bidding pleasure. Debuting in 2007, the third incarnation of the Atom featured a completely revised chassis in order to incorporate the new K20Z4 Honda Type R engine – available as a naturally-aspirated lump developing 245bhp or with a supercharger for 300bhp. Suspension, braking and bodywork were also further refined making the Atom 3 a very popular choice among those looking for a highly engaging race car for the road.

This particular low mileage 2008 example features the non-supercharged engine – arguably the more usable choice – allowing for a 0-60mph time of just 3.2 seconds and it remains an incredibly well-built and reliable machine. With an impressive factory spec (detailed below) and coming to market in great condition throughout, the car has been well maintained, as evinced by the history that accompanies it. Complete with a fresh service as well as a clean MOT, this Atom then is ready to be enjoyed on track and on the road as well as taking pride of place at any show it might care to grace with its presence.

History and documentation

• 2008 model year

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• In current ownership since 17 May 2019

• First registered 10 Jun 2008

• Three registered former keepers

• Two keys plus immobiliser

• Cherished plate AT03 OMT is included in the sale

• Vendor informs us that the car was purchased directly from Ariel Motors in 2019 and he's only used it on track on a couple of occasions

• Record of Ariel inspections at the following intervals: service+brake fluid at 7,926 miles (2019), service+brake fluid at 9,303 miles (2020), service+brake fluid at 9,430 miles (2022)

• Specialist invoices showing servicing and inspections at the following intervals: service+brake fluid at 9,560 miles (2024), service+brake fluid at 9,587 miles (2026)

• Vendor reports car was consigned to Ariel for resale by a previous owner and purchased again at 3,583 miles

• The vendor advises us that the car was serviced at the Atom factory in 2014, 2017

• Believed to have been based in Jersey between 2010 and 2019 , hence no MOT history prior to 2019 on the UK online system 

• Numerous old MOTs

• HPI clear

• Advisory-free MOT until 1 Jun 2027

• London ULEZ compliant

• 9,631 indicated miles

Interior

• The black cabin is in excellent, clean condition throughout

• No signs of any damage

• Some light wear and tear commensurate with age and mileage

• Moulded plastic seats

• Alcantara steering wheel

• Aluminium gear knob and handbrake handle

• Ram Mounts device mount fitted

• TB&C brake bias adjustment valve

• 3” Willans harnesses for driver and passenger

• TB&C 600 Series pedal box

• Drilled aluminium passenger footrest

• Ariel-branded SPA Design instrument cluster

• No reports of any electrical issues or problems with the switchgear

Exterior

• In excellent condition for its age

• White with a contrasting black frame and body panels

• No evidence of any major damage 

• Some expected light wear in places

• Paintwork is in good order with only some small crazing imperfections on the rear arches to note

• Full aero screen and perspex side panels (original low-profile wind shield is also provided)

• Aero deflectors

• Roll-over hoop

• Clear light lenses with coloured bulbs, bolt-on headlights and high-level brake light

• Rear towing eye kit

• Stainless fixings

• Locking fuel cap

• Polished stainless manifold and silencer

• 16” metallic grey Dymag five-spoke alloy wheels are in superb shape with no signs of any major kerb marks although there is a slight imperfection to the offside rear

• Yokohama Advan A052 tyres all round

• An additional set of four standard Ariel wheels with road tyres is included

• All visible suspension and braking components look good with only some small areas of surface rust here and there to mention

• Some of the red paint has flaked from the valve cover in places

Mechanical

• 245bhp, 2.0-litre Honda K-series inline four-cylinder engine with VTEC

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Limited slip differential

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 3.2s

• 150mph top speed

• Adjustable coilover suspension with Eibach springs

• Alcon front big brake kit 

• Rear sport brake package

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor informs us that the car is typical of the breed and sounds great

Summary

Almost 20 years on from when this car was built it's still hard to beat the Ariel Atom for visceral and involving four-wheel fun. At these levels of performance, superchargers could be argued to be superfluous so don't feel like you're missing out with this naturally-aspirated third-gen; we can guarantee there's not much that will keep up with it round a track, even at the hands of an amateur, and the induction noise of the N/A cars very much has its own appeal.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in North West London.