Okay, I want an Ariel Atom

[FastCarFan]

I have always wanted a Lotus (or Caterham) 7. I love them for their pure, minimalist approach to performance. Nothing that is not needed to go fast.

But now, I want -- no, really want -- an Ariel Atom. I have read about them over the years & I have always liked them. But this morning I caught part of My Classic Car on SpeedTV & they did a story on Jay Leno's Atom.

I love it! Even more minimalist/pure than the 7, & far more modern. The photo below of Jeremy Clarkson driving one, with his cheeks flapping in the wind, sums it up. In today's show Jay's cheeks looked just the same. And the car did a great job of straightening out Dennis Gage's ridiculous mustache.

I'm curious, does anyone on the board own one? Has anyone driven one? They are more $ than I can spend at this time, but someday....But don't worry -- the 911 will stay!

I wouldn't want to have a head-on collision (or more appropriately, a "head-off" collision?) with a Ford Expedition, but I still want one.

[the]

Have you ever seen one in real life?

If you do, you'll REALLY want one! They are amazing in person.

[bell]

i've always wanted a car which i HAVE to wear a helmet while driving on the street

[m21sniper]

It needs a body. And a windshield.

[masraum]

I'd still far prefer a "7".

[FastCarFan]

Originally Posted by m21sniper

It needs a body. And a windshield.

Body = weight. No windshield = goggles!

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by m21sniper

It needs a body. And a windshield.

You don't get it. People like you should get a Cobra.

[941MXVET]

I'd love that car, but would need to add a bigger garage first!

Best thing is it's powered by a Honda engine!!

[jorian]

I followed one around the track at Pacific Raceways in Wa state. He had a passenger with him so wasn't really getting on the throttle much. As I passed by I noticed a giant smile on his face and fear on hers.

I think it a Honda S2000 motor in it. In the pits it looked great - very good build quality and ergonomics.

[tangerine911S]

They now make it with a 500 hp V8!!!

[Porsche-O-Phile]

If I ever sell my motorcycle, that's what I'm replacing it with. Or a Noble (slightly more "civilized"/conventional. Either one is fine.

[RM512]

Saw this on Leno's garage. LS2 powered, Porsche G50 transaxle:
Derondausa.com

[ERH]

As long as you are dreaming..... might as well dream BIG.

400hp in 1200 lbs.

http://dpcars.aprsworld.com/atom/ab.htm and

http://www.h1v8.com/page/page/1562068.htm







Ed

[Don Plumley]

I've seen them out at the track - they look to be an absolute blast!

[porsche4life]

How about a Campagna T-Rex? They look just as mind numbingly fast. Maybe not great at the track though. And you can get a windshield(sorta) on it.

[911Rob]

Nice Doug, congrats! I'd say from your post that the only thing between you and your Ariel is "t" for time..... she's as good as yours!

Collect all the data you can on them, go test drive one a few times, focus on it everyday and then change your desire from "I want an Ariel Atom" TO: "I NEED an Ariel Atom". Spot on buddy. Thanks for posting, very cool.

[FastCarFan]

Originally Posted by 911Rob

Nice Doug, congrats! I'd say from your post that the only thing between you and your Ariel is "t" for time..... she's as good as yours!

Collect all the data you can on them, go test drive one a few times, focus on it everyday and then change your desire from "I want an Ariel Atom" TO: "I NEED an Ariel Atom". Spot on buddy. Thanks for posting, very cool.

Rob,

I agree the only thing between me & an Atom is "t", except it doesn't stand for "time", it stands for "tuition". As in 1 son a senior at a private college (although his final tuition bill is paid, I am still recovering....& he is going to grad school next fall) & 1 son about to start at an even more expensive college in the fall. Oh, & the $ we had socked away for son #2's college was in stocks, & I am afraid stocks are a long way from recovering.

So, for the next few years, a more likely candidate for a new toy is the (far less expensive) Ducati 748 that I also want in a bad way. As an added bonus, it would fit in my garage, whereas the Atom, small as it is, would require more space or putting another car outside all winter.



Ah, to dream....

[911Rob]

wish, want, need.... "GOT"

I guess you're stuck on want then Doug? Oh well a Ducati is pretty sweet, one toy at a time, pay cash. Keep working on it buddy.

I sincerely do beg to disagree with you though. "I NEED this Atom, "BUT"....." There are NO buts buddy. Just move it along to NEED and see what happens. Just because you've taken your typical 4 buckets worth of drinking water from the stream doesn't mean there's no more to be taken from the stream? Just grab another bucket; there's plenty out there!

Put the "HOW" to the side and work on the "NEED", the how will show up if its really a need, so simply make it a need. Ha, Ha ain't it great. Good Luck to ya!

[911Rob]

I NEED this:

[tyro]

This one has been to a few of our track days. Owner/driver says the current tires don't heat up very well given the weight of the thing.