2013 Ariel Atom 3 - Atom Cup Track Version

Highlights

• Factory built Atom Cup car
• Uprated suspension, brakes and more
• Chassis replaced in 2019
• Transport trailer included
• Complete track day kit

Overview

Although the first Ariel Atoms were sold in the year 2000, it wasn’t until 2012 that Ariel announced the introduction of their very own one-make race series. They produced a very limited run of Atom 3.5 cars specifically for this task, with improved Öhlins suspension, MSA-approved roll-bar, Alcon brakes, among other tweaks.

And who wouldn’t want to take their featherweight — at just 520kg — Atom and pit their driving prowess against a grid full of identical cars? The car we see here was used exclusively for this purpose, competing in the Atom Cup in 2013 and 2014. And when from 2015 the Cup was run as part of the Pirelli race series, the owner bought the car from Atom Cup management and added a few extra developments, including carbon-fibre racing seats, an oil cooler, a fast-fuelling rig, and quick-adjust suspension parts.

The car is now being sold having never been registered for use on the road. It comes complete with a 2018 Brian James A4 Transporter Trailer with accessories. The package includes 3 sets of mounted tires: a transit set on original Atom rims and two extra sets of ‘track only’ tires, for dry and wet running, mounted on Ariel-approved lightweight magnesium wheels.

In 2019 the car was fitted with a new chassis supplied by the Ariel factory, and retains its original VIN. Being an ‘exoskeleton’ the chassis — along with most of the car’s structural and mechanical components — can easily be inspected and seen in the accompanying photos.

So if you’re looking for a complete track day kit, including car, trailer, wheels,refuelling system, and spare parts, then this awesome Atom is ready for you to jump in and go.

History and documentation

• Built in 2013 and sold for use in the Atom Cup race series
• Extensive history and documentation stored in a large lever-arch file
• Sales invoices show the car was sold by Atom Race Management Ltd in 2013
• The current owner purchased the car in Dec 2014 from the manager of the Atom Cup race series
• 2015 was the last year of the Atom Cup race series, so the car was then occasionally run in the MSV Allcomers series, but the main use shifted to test and track days
• The car has reportedly only been used for five to six track days per year since 2021
• Collection of invoices for parts and servicing
• Two keys
• No MOT, V5 or HPI check, as the car has never been road registered
• 2018 Brian James A4 Transporter Trailer: 4 m x 2 m, 2,600 kg GVW
• Includes 2.4 m ramp upgrade, high-level tyre rack, and locking coupling head
• The seller informs us that the trailer has been serviced every year

Interior

• The ‘interior’ — as much as there can be an interior on a car with no roof — is pared-back to the extreme
• Tillet carbon fibre bucket seats with just enough upholstery
• Stitched ‘Atom’ branded headrests
• There is very little wear to the seats or their upholstery
• The six-point racing harnesses are in excellent condition, although their FIA homologation expired in 2023
• No carpets — there is a little cosmetic wear to the exposed floor pans
• Two plaques next to the gear lever: original Ariel build plaque, and Right Stuff Racing rebuild plaque
• Fire extinguisher mounted on the transmission tunnel
• Alcantara steering wheel
• Simple dashboard with digital instrument cluster and large, tactile controls for ease of use during a race
• Adjusting knob for the front-rear brake balance
• Dashboard and rollcage mounted cameras connect to the VBOX system
• No stereo
• The seller informs us that everything works, except the lap time display on the VBOX (the rest of the VBOX system works, fitted in 2015)
• This connects to ‘Circuit Tools’ software that tracks a full range of performance data

Exterior

• With its dart-like shape and distinctive exoskeleton, the Atom is totally unmistakable
• This car wears a vinyl wrap livery which can easily be changed or removed
• There are a few small blemishes from stones
• The Cup model features a beefed-up roll cage for race use
• It still has little in the way of bodywork
• Small perspex ‘windscreen’ is the only protection from the elements
• The car comes with two extra sets of magnesium alloy wheels in addition to the standard Atom Cup wheels
• Two sets fitted with tyres for use on track in either wet or dry conditions, and a ‘transit’ set
• There is just one reportedly scratched alloy wheel
• The front ‘cycle’ wings have a couple of small areas of cracking
• Rain lights
• Underneath, the car is very clean, thanks to its lack of road use
• Proudly displayed coil springs and shock absorbers
• Externally mounted battery kill-switch and fire extinguisher trigger
• To the rear, the engine, transmission, axle, and exhaust can all be clearly seen and inspected

Mechanical

• Honda K20Z i-VTEC 1,998 cc four-cylinder engine
• Produces 245 bhp at 8,200 rpm
• Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive
• Six-speed Honda transmission
• Weighing only 520 kg, it has a power-to-weight ratio of 471 bhp per tonne
• In Jul 2020 the gearbox was replaced with a second-hand unit which had been professionally inspected. The differential seals were replaced at the same time
• The chassis and rear axle were replaced in 2019, supplied by Ariel and retaining the same VIN
• The vendor tells us that the car has always been overseen and maintained by the ex. Chief-Mechanic of the Atom Cup series, and that it starts easily
• The gear shift is said to be a little stiff when cold, but fine once warm
• It has reportedly only ever been fitted with parts from Ariel or their approved Atom vendors
• No unusual sounds reported, and we’re told it is well within noise limits for track days
• The engine can be seen from all angles and looks very clean and tidy
• Öhlins racing suspension
• Quick-adjust suspension rose joints fitted
• Alcon brakes
• The heavy-duty brake pads may need to be replaced
• Heavy-duty racing clutch
• Comes with an ATL fast refuelling rig, including pump and two 20-litre containers
• The offer also includes a custom-made rain cover, a digital camber camber gauge, custom made rods used to measure toe-in as well as a selection of spare parts and fluids

Summary

Perhaps the easiest and fastest way to get out on the track. Just hitch up the trailer and head straight for your nearest circuit. Cup series Atoms don’t often come on the market, so don’t miss this chance to own one and experience the purest form of driving joy.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located near Haslemere, Surrey.