Ariel.Club Forum

Unless it's the noise of the SC that you want Carspath, which I personally don't like, then a N/A Atom is more than adequate for on the road.

I have a N/A 245 bhp Atom 2, which I bought new in 2006, and I now drive it mainly on the road, plus I do a couple of local Track Days at Aintree Motor Racing Circuit, but I used to do more up & down the country, as well as driving American Atoms at both the AtomFests they held at Hallet Motor Racing Circuit.

Admittedly, I wasn't the fastest on track, but then again, I was there to enjoy myself, not be the fastest as if I was trying to win a race.

Even at Aintree, where I go in their Group 4 session for open wheelers & race prepared cars, I'm still not the slowest.

Whatever you choose, you'll be amazed at how much fun it is to drive.

One caution before you decide on buying a N/A Atom intending to upgradie it by adding a supercharger is to speak to the factory BEFORE buying to ensure that you/they can source a Jackson supercharger as they can be very difficult to find as, as far as I'm aware, they are no longer produced - but the factory might either have one in stock or, alternatively, they might know where they can source one for you!
I would strongly urge you to check before committing to any purchase!

Hi all , Thank you for all your replies and my apologies for the delay in replying but I had some difficulty in logging into this forum … now resolved !

Fast lane , Thanks again . I too will be using the car mainly on country roads . I live in West Dorset , so not far from you at all , and would love to see your car when I am next in Cornwall .

JT1020 , as above I live in West Dorset , but am happy to travel to see a car or to gather information and knowledge about Atoms .

Ian’s , Thank you for all your advice . Is there any way that I can make contact with you ( and Fastlane and JT1020) so that I can talk to you on the phone in detail about your transition from NA to SC please ?

I too am looking for another 3.5 S/C. Cash waiting.

Hi Carspath

No Accident damage

Not a problem if it’s been repaired by the factory or they have inspected it after the accident

Minimal Track use

Again not a major problem as most track cars have been well looked after.

Full Service History , preferably with the Factory

Always a good idea to talk to the factory but they aren’t hard to service yourself and the factory are always on hand to advise with anything.
Having the factory collect a car can work out expensive as well as the service for some owners in the certain parts of the country.

No non-factory modifications

Not sure what you mean but owners always add something to their cars

Preferably a low previous owner count

Again if it’s been well looked after as most owners do not a problem

I brought mine as a N/A then had a charger fitted on the road never really noticed that there was a big difference in speed as you always arrive at warp speed.

It mostly depends on the driver a good driver in a N/A will be as quick as a supercharged one just depends if you need the whine

Set your self a budget and talk to the factory on any car you like the look of they will always help.

Ian

Where are you based Carspath?

No problem. The na Atom is still ballistically fast and more than adequate for road use, but once you've tried a supercharged car, it's difficult not to be tempted by the noise and the way it fires you towards the horizon with a banshee wail!

I only use mine on road and I would really miss the supercharger whine, as it really adds to the drama. I wanted an adrenaline buzz below 60, as I live in Cornwall and there aren't many A roads, and it gives that in spades.

I have no idea how fast my car is from 10-80, but I would guess maybe a second or so faster than an na Atom.

Your best bet would be to drive them both, but I suspect if you do, you'll go for the supercharger...

Thank you Fastlane … that was exactly the sort of information that I was looking for

1) i would be keen to hear your and other forum members opinions on just what I would be losing by going for a NA versus a SC car , other than that glorious whine . I would not be using the car at all on the track so top speed and high speed acceleration is immaterial to me .
But how different is the Low Speed acceleration, say from 10 mph to 80 mph ?

2 ) Would others please chime in to add to Fastlane,s much appreciated thoughts on what I can expect for £30/35/40/45 k


Rooney1000 thanks for replying … I have already noted your car from the Autotrader and PH adverts .

Thanks everyone

My one is for sale on here and autotrader, £43.5k and aligns to the above post from Fastlane. viewtopic.php?f=33&t=19005

Not sure on your budget but mine is a 2018 with only 7,800 miles and comes with some spare wheels, cover and a few other bits and pieces, I think this is a fair price. Message me if you are interested.

Thanks

Welcome. Firstly, I would wait until the Spring when more cars will be advertised and so you will have more choice. Based on your criteria, my thoughts:

£30k - You won't get a 3.5 for that
£35k - A lower-spec non-supercharged 3.5, with 15k+ miles
£40k - A lower-spec supercharged 3.5, with 25k+ miles
£43k - Will get you a nicely spec'd supercharged 3.5, with lower miles, or a higher mileage, higher spec'd one

An equivalent Atom 3 will be a good £5k cheaper and as most will have had 3.5 upgrades by now, and drive the same, are a great alternative.

I would also suggest you ring the factory for advice on Atoms if you haven't already. They often hear about cars for sale too. If you are looking at a particular car, then ring them before making any decisions to check its provenance.

Good luck.

Please would you get in touch if you are considering selling your Atom 3.5
This would be for my own use
I have the funds immediately available for a fairly priced car

The car needs to be in very good if not immaculate condition :

No Accident damage .
Minimal Track use
Full Service History , preferably with the Factory
No non-factory modifications
Preferably a low previous owner count

I will be using the car almost exclusively on the road only , so am not looking for high spec track spec or carbon fibre accessories.

It would be great if non-sellers / sellers could also chime in and give me an indication ( their thoughts on ) what £30k / £35k / £40k would buy please .
For some months I have been scouring the classifieds and the historic adverts on this forum so have some idea but would appreciate your thoughts too please

Thank you