Description
EQUIPMENT
Adjustable Brake Bias, Titanium/ steel powder coated chassis, vivid green body panels, limited slip differential (LSD), 6 speed manual sequential gearbox with uprated gear shift cable bushings, baffled engine oil sump, high performance track / hot country cooling package, AP Racing 4 pot brake calipers (£2388 option) / 290mm grooved and vented discs (inc handbrake) front + rear, Brembo pads, stainless steel fittings on brake + clutch lines, cockpit adjustable remote brake bias control, Ohlins TTX 3 way adjustable inline reservoir dampers (£4987 option!), quick release Alcantara suede steering wheel, protective side panels, Lifeline fire extinguisher (stand-alone) – road/ track day use, front / rear towing eye road/ track day use (1 x hook), roadside temporary puncture repair kit, locking wheel nut set, stainless steel fittings, machined aluminium wing mirror set, Aero screens, high level brake light, locking fuel cap, 12v Aux socket, clutch footrest, outdoor showerproof car cover with draw string stowage bag, custom designed Display Unit featuring everyday road screen, traction control, rear fog lights, push button start, 3 stage variable boost control, insurance approved factory fitted immobiliser, Willas 3” inch 4-point safety harnesses with alloy chest adjusters for driver and passenger with quick release feature and V type crutch strap, adjustable seats with six seating positions, bonnet stowage area, Italian Speedline 11 spoke lightweight alloy wheels finished in gloss black, PPF to cockpit entry areas.
EXTERIOR
The now very familiar Simon Saunders design is virtually unique among current roadgoing vehicles, having majority of moving parts visible and on display via the tubular “exoskeleton”. Some minor protection from the elements, plus any airborne debris is afforded by a slim Aero screen, which also aids cockpit wind buffering, and side panels, however the raw naked and visceral experience is what defines the appeal of the Ariel. The Atom 4 benefits from a wider chassis, which helps to accommodate more comfortable seating for both driver and passenger.
As to be expected from a very lightly used example, condition throughout is excellent, the vivid green body panels lift the visual appearance and complements the dynamic impact of the car. The large air intake, behind the occupants, now incorporates the safety rollover hoop.
INTERIOR
Best described as sparse but driver-focused, with one high-resolution central display screen, all equipment, controls and instruments operating as intended having just returned from a factory service. Very little visible wear to any surfaces including seats and Alcantara suede steering wheel.
WHEELS AND TYRES
16”/ 17” inch 11 Spoke Italian Speedline lightweight alloys, Gloss Black finish, Ariel motif centre caps
Tyres: Avon ZZS - Front 185/ 50 R16 (88V) - Rear 255/ 40 R17 (98W)
All alloys remain in excellent condition; tyres retain considerable tread depth having covered a mere 3621 miles.
SERVICE HISTORY AND PROVENANCE
Originally supplied by Ariel Motor Company – 30/ 0/ 2021
23/ 12/ 21 – 1065 miles - Ariel Motor Company – Engine oil + filter
02/ 11/ 22 – 3621 miles – Ariel Motor Company – Brake, Clutch fluid/ Transmission oil/ Engine oil, filter
ADDITIONAL WORKS
None required to date. Road tested by Ariel on two occasions, vehicle software updates completed, all security wires for nuts checked / replaced as necessary.
(It is recommended that, all parties check and cross reference all dates/ miles and details, to satisfy their own interests)
THE DRIVE AND ENGINE
Following success with the Ariel Moto Company from 1896, and at the first-ever Brooklands race car meeting, plus, the well-documented motorcycle campaign at the Isle of Man TT, the historic name had been well established over many years. Their motto “Leaders by Design”, these individual vehicles are still proudly hand-built by British craftsmen in Crewkerne, Somerset.
The first Atom however, originally designed by Simon Saunders, was not conceived until the mid/ late 1990’s and launched in mid-2000. The Rover K series engine cars were superseded by the introduction of the Atom 2, utilising the dependable Honda Civic and Type R power units. Output increased from max of 190 bhp to a thumping 275 bhp when a Jackson supercharger was added. Further developments saw the standard normally aspirated version achieve 245 bhp and forced induction hitting the heights of 300 bhp. Ongoing improvements for the Atom 3 included a wider chassis which help to accommodate more comfortable seating for driver and passenger plus adjustable suspension set ups courtesy of Bilstein.
A lightweight V8 powered derivation based around a 2. 4 litre supercharged engine developed a mind-altering 525 bhp and naturally aspirated 3. 0 litre made 475 bhp.
The Atom 4 began development from 2018, finally extracting 320 bhp/ 310 lb ft of torque from the tried and tested 4-cylinder 1996cc K20C i-VTEC Honda Civic Type R Turbo. At only approx. 598/ 680 kgs, 0-60 mph achieved in 3. 2 secs, (with potential to crack the 3. 0 sec mark, given the right circumstances) top speed of 162 mph. Braking is un-assisted, via grooved and ventilated AP Racing discs and pads all round. Slick six speed sequential gearbox, to avoid accidental engagement, reverse benefits from an electronic lock out, and can only be selected below 5 mph. Further improvements have included an uprated ECU, anti-dive and anti-squat geometry, resulting in increased chassis rigidity. Service intervals, for such a driver and performance focused vehicle, are also reasonable. Recommending annual servicing or every 4500 miles, which ever is reached first, obviously, track use will have an influence on this, 40 litre capacity fuel tank for 97+ RON fuel.
The Ariel Atom 4 remains pure to the original ethos, as an uncompromising, stripped back, lightweight driver’s cars. Continual and progressive development have provided enhanced quality, plus Supercar levels of performance and excitement for a fraction of the cost.
