Trade my P-car for an Ariel Atom

[DavidI]

Anyone know of someone willing to trade my 83SC cab for an Ariel Atom? I would love to own one, David

[fastpat]

Originally posted by DavidI
Anyone know of someone willing to trade my 83SC cab for an Ariel Atom? I would love to own one, David

Ariel Atom did you say?
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6514168251893889573

[BlueSkyJaunte]

I've really been lusting after one of those since I saw that video.

A 3.0 in a 550 replica would be pretty nice too. Decisions, decisions....

[Jeff Higgins]

I've chased one around Pacific Raceways at several DE's. I'm not that impressed. The driver is far too exposed and takes a lot of crap coming back off the front tires, and everyone else around him. It seems like it would be worse than a motorcycle in that regard from what I can tell. No storage whatsoever; limited utility outside of track days. I think it would get old very fast. Maybe in addition to your SC, but never instead of. In my opinion.

[Vipergrün]

Dunno, I think I'd do a Lotus Elise.....

[DavidI]

My SC is an awesome car, but it is my weekend toy. After seeing the video, I cannot get the car out of my mind. It would be a toy, but a very very fun one! I would love to have one, David

[yellowline]

I'll trade the 944 for one. The chicks would dig having an air intake next to their hair.

[kach22i]

Long video - but cool.

[wcc]

Is that thing even legal in the States? Since it IS a car don't we HAVE to have windshields?

I think it is pretty sweet, but I think it would look kinda funny on the road with "normal" cars. It looks like an Indy car for the street. I wouldn't replace my P-car for it.

[masraum]

I'd rather have a Caterham 7. Similar car, they make some that are just fast and some that are ridiculously fast depending upon what you want. For me the Caterham has more something, maybe spirit or soul than the Ariel.

[fastpat]

I think the Ariel Atom has a more sophisticated suspension than the Caterham which, if memory serves, is a continuation of the four decades old Lotus 7.

Further, the Atom is rear/mid engined and designed for a much lighter, more powerful engine package.

I'd choose the Atom over the Caterhaqm, but I would install a windscreen of somekind. I'd hate to have to wear a helmet to reduce wind in the mouth and eyes.

Of course, that's what they did back in the '20's when riding in various open sports cars.

[Teutonics]

Originally posted by DavidI
...I cannot get the car out of my mind.

I'm with you... I even looked into it half seriously. It's down to the AA or the F5 Cobra as my next weekend toy...

[Tobra]

I have long wanted a Vintage Spyder(nice 550 replica) with about 150 hp of built type IV VW/914-4 engine. Was going to be more effort than I was willing to expend to get it legally registered in Kalifornia, so I let it go. Like the Atom, look to be impressive little racers.

[89911]

Probably the most impractical car made. I picture it is as an overgrown go kart or a 4 wheel motorcycle. Keep the SC and buy a shifterkart to get over your dilemma.

[dd74]

Just make sure you wear some pants while driving. The car hides nothing.

[johncj8989]

How about making one from scratch. That thing is just a glorified go-cart.

[dd74]

More information on the Ariel Atom:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=105504#12

Here's another Ariel Atom-type car you can drive in a little bit dicier weather:

http://www.weismann.net/rocket.html

[NICKG]

yes they are legal..I also know that most states don't require windshields if you have a set of googles on...pa doesn't care either way...you can get one from them in the usa...the local porsche dealer here in newton nj sells them and the t rex cars

[johncj8989]

Ok..I'm very confused. How is this car legal in the U.S.? I read that it is legal here when sold with the "street pack" which includes lights, signals.etc etc. but airbags are not required. I thought all production cars required bags.

[dd74]

Originally posted by johncj8989
Ok..I'm very confused. How is this car legal in the U.S.? I read that that it is legal here when sold with the "street pack" which includes lights, signals.etc etc. but airbags are not required. I thought all production cars required bags.

Yes, good question which I've wondered about as well. From what I can glean is this isn't really a production car, at least not in the traditional sense of, say, a Ford Mustang, etc.

"Street pack" says more kit car to me.

I guess the same goes for that Rocket car I posted. The only time I saw one was in Beverly Hills near Mulholland, and Jay Leno was driving it. I don't recall lights on the car, but do recall his big ol' lantern jaw protruding halfway down the cowl.

Oh, and the car had a race harness for seatbelts...