2018 ARIEL NOMAD

The Ariel Nomad is truly in a class of its own. Few vehicles offer the versatility to transition seamlessly between off-road exploration, track-focused performance driving, and spirited road use—all within a single, uncompromising package. With suspension that is readily accessible and easily adjustable, thanks to the absence of conventional bodywork, the Nomad can be quickly set up for sharper track dynamics or softened for rugged terrain, making adaptability one of its defining strengths.

One cannot help but wonder what inspires the team in Somerset, home to Ariel Motor Company’s headquarters. Whatever the secret may be, it consistently results in machines of remarkable character and capability.

With the recent launch of the Ariel Nomad 2 and anticipated waiting times of approximately 18 to 24 months, this presents an excellent opportunity to acquire one of the original examples. The vehicle offered here boasts a stunning specification; notably, the extensive factory options fitted to this supercharged Nomad amounted to nearly double the original recommended retail price, underscoring both its exclusivity and its exceptional level of equipment.

Every Ariel Nomad was individually assembled by a single technician, allowing each example to be tailored precisely to its owner’s requirements. And that level of personalisation is not a marketing exaggeration—it is fundamental to the Nomad’s ethos. Virtually every aspect of the car can be specified to suit individual preferences, from winches and auxiliary lighting to engine and gearbox upgrades, damper configurations, wheels, tyres, nudge bars, and luggage carriers—this merely scratches the surface.

Whether the brief calls for aggressive off-road tyres, a striking orange chassis and matching wheels, a winch paired with a hydraulic handbrake, or even a supercharged powertrain, the factory is equipped—and willing—to deliver. For Ariel Motor Company, almost no request is too ambitious, and the options list is extensive in the truest sense of the word.

Engineered to be driven as intended, the Nomad’s chassis setup reflects its serious performance credentials. The front wheels run 1.5 degrees of negative camber to enhance turn-in response, while the rear wheels remain upright to maximise traction. Each coilover suspension unit features a substantial primary spring paired with a shorter, stiffer secondary spring. This dual-rate arrangement delivers impressive compliance over uneven surfaces—absorbing potholes and undulations—while maintaining composure under heavier impacts. The result is suspension travel and capability comparable to that of a contemporary World Rally Championship contender.

This particular Ariel Nomad presents in excellent condition and benefits from an impressive specification (full details listed below) and with only a few light surface marks consistent with general road use. Please refer to the gallery for detailed images.

Originally specified in naturally aspirated form, this example was subsequently returned by its original owner to Ariel Motor Company for conversion to full Supercharged specification. As a result, output increased from 235bhp and 221 lb-ft of torque to an impressive 300bhp and 251 lb-ft. In a vehicle weighing approximately 700kg, this translates into truly exhilarating performance: 0–60mph is dispatched in just over three seconds, while 0–100mph takes a mere 7.4 seconds.

For context, consider the following benchmarks:

Nissan GT-R (R35) – 0–100mph in 8.5 seconds

Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991) – 0–100mph in 7.8 seconds

Porsche 911 Turbo S (991) – 0–100mph in 7.1 seconds

Mercedes-AMG GT R – 0–100mph in 7.3 seconds

Even among such formidable company, the Nomad demonstrates genuine supercar-level acceleration. Top speed is ultimately dictated by aerodynamic configuration and tyre choice, though it comfortably exceeds the circa 125mph suggested by Ariel.

As Top Gear aptly summarised:

“What we have here is a car that’s part special forces all-terrain fast attack vehicle, part latter-day beach buggy, with a light dusting of quad bike and the spirit of Baja oozing from every pore. It’s Tamiya made real.”

Specification:

2018 Ariel Nomad 6 speed - £33,996.00

Supercharger system for Honda K24 engine - £5,215.56

Heavy duty clutch including K20 flywheel - £1,232.40

Raised air intake (snorkel) - £689.83

Oil cooler system - £1,197.18

Catalyst bypass pipe (currently not fitted) £134.10

Exhaust system guard in black - £198.28

Stainless fittings on clutch and brake lines - £234.00

AP Racing 4 pot calliper/290mm 2 piece brake discs set front and rear, including handbrake - £4,584.00

Hydraulic handbrake system - £1,192.00

Cockpit adjustable remote brake bias - £172.20

Bilstein remote reservoir 2 way adjustable dampers with 2-piece springs - £3,496.45

Quick release steering wheel - £231.66

Clear side panels (including attachment tags) - £540.00

3 inch seat harnesses (pair) - £427.20

15 inch wheel package with all terrain sport 50% road/50% off road tyres - No cost

Upgrade to rally-specification high-strength wheels - £480.00

Spare wheel carrier - £390.00

Spare matching 15 inch wheel and tyre - £378.00

Stainless steel fixings £518.40

Full heated front windscreen including washers and wipers - £1,938.00

Locking fuel cap - £22.44

12v auxiliary feed with cigarette-type power socket - £48.60

Fitted TomTom Rider Europe GPS - £434.04

Passenger and clutch footrest - £237.00

Front winch bumper including front tow eye and radiator guard - £1,025.08

Coolant pipe guard; engine bay to body tub - £170.54

Sump guard/bash plate - £209.98

Light mounting bar with x4 daytime running lights/driving lights - £1,198.44

LED marker light/whip - £300.00

Paint brushed aluminium parts black (such as bulkheads, fuel tank etc) - £594.00

Road package (all lights and switchgear required for road use) - £2,859.30

IVA test - £358.80

Road tax and registration - £335.00