A surreal moment

[autobackup]

I returned to where I had parked my Atom in Limassol yesterday and had to politely request the 3 English lads (squaddies I think based at Episkopi Army base) clustered around the car, and who were preventing my access, if they would mind giving me some space so I could climb in!

Quoth Squaddie 1 : "Why don't you get a 'proper real' Atom as this one's obviously one of those home-built fakes you can buy on eBay"
Me : " Oh - why do you say that?"
Sq 2 : " I were discussing it with my mates and we all know that Atoms don't have 3.5L engines as I know a lot about Ariel Atoms like (sic!)"
Sq 3 : "We all know a fake when we see one!"
Me : " You are quite right in that it doesn't have a 3.5L engine fitted - it's a supercharged Honda 2.0L vTEC!"
Sq2 : "Bollocks - we all know that Honda only have turbocharged engines not supercharged engines - I seen it on Top Gear!"

So I climbed in and drove away with "why don't you buy a proper one you cheap git" shouted after me.

Couldn't help but laugh!!

[AlanP]

Yes, I've had the 3 1/2 litre conversation! A couple of suggestions it was the 3 1/2 litre V8. Good story.
A

[Karl V]

But... I thought you built it yourself Paul?

Like we all did, according to white van man...

[autobackup]

Karl

Only managed to build it by closely following your comprehensive forum instructions on how install a luggage box, personalized silencer guard, whip aerials (that was fun), lights, roof and screen waterproofing.

- trouble is that now nobody now recognises it as a non eBay sourced genuine Atom!

- this is obviously the reason for my problem with the squaddies!!

[Namastebuzz]

So far, in my nascent Atom owning experience, people that come up seem to either have absolutely no idea what it is or else they know EXACTLY what it is.

Haven't had the squaddie experience yet though.....

[Hedge]

Never ceases to amaze me how many people ask you how much it costs. Weird.

Cheers,
Hedge