This is at least 12 months away yet, but I like to plan my car owning.
And seeing as I only live 5 miles away from the factory, and that I have always been smitten with them, I decided to pop along to see if it was a scratch that really needed itching, or just a small nip that would go away if ignored..........................
Well the car is question, was a supercharged number, weighing in at 650kgs (ish) with 300 horses.................
Ariel atom 3 300.
I popped along today, and must say that they put other workshops to shame, to say that it was clean, and ultimately professional was an understatement.................... First impressions looking like it was an itch that needed scratching.
We spoke about all aspects of ownership, and spent 1.5 hours chatting about cars and their latest V8 development, and the Atom 3.
First impressions suddenly meant a rather large itch developed. Before I knew it, I heard myself can I test one? Sure was the cry................ and I could tell by the smile he knew he had me by the short and curly's!
20 mins later we were pootling in 5th, in traffic, through town, with normal car manners, no Vibration felt or untoward sounds often associated with a stiffly sprung car with a poly-bushed engine, and rose jointed suspension.
The car in question had Alcon’s f+r, LSD, supercharger, Sticky tyres, err and sound track to die for. Extremely simple, but very special engineering none the less.
Well the town was behind us, and the road became clearer, and all I can say is F**K my tall hat!
I have never been in, or on something that seemed to accelerate so quickly, I say seem, because I am sure my old R1, or ZX7-RR did, but the effect of being so low accentuates the fact.
The car was ballistic, but so well mannered, it would open up overtaking opportunities that would only be available on a bike; it was massively quick, something less than 3 to 60, and sub not a lot after to the 100.
We went down some of my favourite roads, near my house, on the 25 mile drive. After about 10 miles it was my turn. Strap in, thumb the isolation switch, press the tit, and the VTec donkey settled into a nice thrum. Then indicate and pull away, no heavy clutch, easy gear change, then sit at 50 in traffic, and get chance to open the taps.................
F**k my tall hat ................3rd
same again for 4th, 5th etc. then brake, down a cog, slap her in and the G force does make the neck ache.
One part I have not mentioned is the noise of the Charger...................F**k my tallen hatten! What a sound track.
Blip on the down shifts and the charger emits a bark into the induction, what fun.
Not my pic, but look at the engineering............
I will be selling a kidney soon, and having an Atom 300. With a small Van as a daily.........
Atom 300 at the ring.............
