Ariel Atom Supercharged: Spotted

Few cars will set your hair on fire as effectively as a supercharged - and aero-kitted - Ariel Atom

If you've ever seen (or driven) an Ariel Atom at a track day, you'll know just how blindingly quick they are on the asphalt. They're pretty much the closest thing to a thoroughbred racing car you can stick number plates on, after all, with the design comprising little more than a bare skeleton chassis, powertrain and a pair of seats.

That's certainly been the case since the Ariel was launched back in 2000, when it evolved from a Coventry University project to an actual for-sale track car. Today, of course, the segment is more crowded than ever, and the competition more intense than ever - see Caterham 620S and BAC Mono as two compelling alternatives. Yet to many, nothing can match the Atom for its mixture of rawness and open-to-the-elements focus.

This is especially true when you find an Atom with £10k worth of upgrades fitted, like today's Spotted. This 2005 car uses a 310hp supercharged Honda VTEC motor that provides it with 560hp per tonne, so it's presumably not short of eye-watering pace. It also features the optional Ariel aero kit, comprised of front and rear wings.

Add in a set of 200-mile-old Toyo 888Rs and you've got yourself a machine capable of reaching some rather extreme levels of lateral G. Hypercars aside, there isn't much else you can legitimately strap a number plate to and expect to lap much quicker in. Certainly not for the price of high-spec hot hatch.

The current owner has certainly put this to the test, as shown by the pictures of the car at the Nurburgring. Following its stints on circuit it looks to have been well maintained, with upgraded bearings and driveshafts fitted three months ago and a recent oil change in its service history. It's described as being "in perfect condition".

As far as plug and play track cars capable of shaming just about anything on track go, this has to be one of the most exciting options in the classifieds. We can't think of a more thrilling way to part with £34k...

SPECIFICATION - ARIEL ATOM SUPERCHARGED
Engine: 1,997cc, four-cylinder, supercharged
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 310
Torque (lb ft): NA (car is remapped)
MPG: NA
CO2: NA
First registered: 2005
Recorded mileage: 17,000
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £33,995