I am that man, as Clarkson said, between 35 and 40
Discussion
Hi All.
The Ariel Atom commercial that Clarkson did describes me to a tee – I’m between 35 and 40, have glandular problems so would look ridiculous in a romper suit, wasn’t allowed a motorbike in my youth and find it cheaper to have an Atom than a mistress.
I’ve just bought a 2004 Atom 2 from Ariel and will probably be looking to do a few track days when I have time. (Most of my time is spent working). I’m in West Yorkshire – Nr Pontefract. Anybody else in the area?
Other cars include:-
Mk1 Golf Gti Campaign.
Golf 4motion.
Merc V220 CDI although this and the Mk1 might be going soon.
Regards Simon.
The Ariel Atom commercial that Clarkson did describes me to a tee – I’m between 35 and 40, have glandular problems so would look ridiculous in a romper suit, wasn’t allowed a motorbike in my youth and find it cheaper to have an Atom than a mistress.
I’ve just bought a 2004 Atom 2 from Ariel and will probably be looking to do a few track days when I have time. (Most of my time is spent working). I’m in West Yorkshire – Nr Pontefract. Anybody else in the area?
Other cars include:-
Mk1 Golf Gti Campaign.
Golf 4motion.
Merc V220 CDI although this and the Mk1 might be going soon.
Regards Simon.
Welcome and well done on your purchase of the Atom 2.
I wonder what the spec is?
Most people come on here a while before taking the plunge, sometimes for advice on how to deceive the 'other half'!
Mine's on order and due sometime in September - the waiting is quite dreadful!
I've been in an Atom 2 just once with John Lloyd, a regular contributor on here. He very kindly took me out for an hour and that was it for me!
John's at the Cadwell track day today and is driving down to Wales when it's finished and staying overnight. We're then off to a track day at Llandow Circuit tomorrow and as it's my first, I'm so excited about it.
Be very interested in your initial thoughts of your Atom - what do you like and dislike?
Whatever, have fun, for me, that's what it's all about.
John
I forgot to mention, it was Clarkson who got me thinking but I don't qualify for much of his description! I'm 52, got no spare money however I would look hideous in a romper suit!!
>> Edited by datasafe on Friday 10th June 12:22
I wonder what the spec is?
Most people come on here a while before taking the plunge, sometimes for advice on how to deceive the 'other half'!
Mine's on order and due sometime in September - the waiting is quite dreadful!
I've been in an Atom 2 just once with John Lloyd, a regular contributor on here. He very kindly took me out for an hour and that was it for me!
John's at the Cadwell track day today and is driving down to Wales when it's finished and staying overnight. We're then off to a track day at Llandow Circuit tomorrow and as it's my first, I'm so excited about it.
Be very interested in your initial thoughts of your Atom - what do you like and dislike?
Whatever, have fun, for me, that's what it's all about.
John
I forgot to mention, it was Clarkson who got me thinking but I don't qualify for much of his description! I'm 52, got no spare money however I would look hideous in a romper suit!!
>> Edited by datasafe on Friday 10th June 12:22
Hi Chaps, the spec is
Atom 2 220
Road Pack
Limited Slip Differential
Baffled Sump
Bilstein Adjustable Bounce and rebound dampers
Eibach two piece springs
Removeable steering wheel
16" wheel pack
Polished stainless exhaust system
Stainless fixings
Locking fuel cap
Seat anti slip
Aluminium gear knob and brake grip
plus the drivers side rear indicator light has vibrated itself to bits!
I think it looks cool, its Silver tube with red bits. rear cover and guards are black.
I think the 3000 miles a year might have been a mistake!
Atom 2 220
Road Pack
Limited Slip Differential
Baffled Sump
Bilstein Adjustable Bounce and rebound dampers
Eibach two piece springs
Removeable steering wheel
16" wheel pack
Polished stainless exhaust system
Stainless fixings
Locking fuel cap
Seat anti slip
Aluminium gear knob and brake grip
plus the drivers side rear indicator light has vibrated itself to bits!
I think it looks cool, its Silver tube with red bits. rear cover and guards are black.
I think the 3000 miles a year might have been a mistake!
'I’m in West Yorkshire – Nr Pontefract. Anybody else in the area? '
Simon
I'm not exactly in the area (living in London) but I return to Pontefract regularly. I don't have an atom, having recently scratched the motor bike itch but as Clarkson said I also looked rediculous in a leather romper suit & so it had to go...
I scare myself in a GT3, but I'm considering changing it next year & an atom is a favourite on the list.
It would be great if we could meet up for a blat next time I'm in your neck of the woods.
Al
sjc11 said:
The Ariel Atom commercial that Clarkson did describes me to a tee – I’m between 35 and 40, have glandular problems so would look ridiculous in a romper suit, wasn’t allowed a motorbike in my youth and find it cheaper to have an Atom than a mistress.
As other threads on here suggest sell everyting, including the dog, the children and if you have to, and can get anything for her, the wife and put it all on the Atom. You will in the long run be a saner person.
The kids are gorgeous and would be worth a fortune; it’s the wife that’s the problem! Think of her as an old lada, it would cost me to get rid - she’s good with the kids though!
The deal I struck with her to buy the atom was
• 2 of the other 3 motors had to go with a small replacement city type car in there place
• she could have a new patio and
• She could drive the atom! Which is easier said than done, she’s 5”2 and I’m 6”1
All’s going well apart from - I haven’t advertised the motors yet and I should have hired a jcb for the patio – think if I move the seats in the atom and let her play that should get me off the hook.
The deal I struck with her to buy the atom was
• 2 of the other 3 motors had to go with a small replacement city type car in there place
• she could have a new patio and
• She could drive the atom! Which is easier said than done, she’s 5”2 and I’m 6”1
All’s going well apart from - I haven’t advertised the motors yet and I should have hired a jcb for the patio – think if I move the seats in the atom and let her play that should get me off the hook.
Mine's on order and due sometime in September - the waiting is quite dreadful!
Be very interested in your initial thoughts of your Atom - what do you like and dislike?
I was going to be in the same boat, if I had ordered a new one it would have been September delivery, that’s why I decided to buy a second hand one first – it’s a 2004 car brought up to 2005 spec.
I was lucky as it only had 800 miles on the clock; it was just about run in. Its the kind of spec I would have liked but not necessarily ordered as it was over budget by a few k. the idea with this one is to run it while the weather is good and order a new one at the back end of the year for delivery next spring – I just couldn’t justify waiting!
The cars great fun, the only thing I can compare it to is a single seater. It shakes, bumps, rattles and vibrates but moves like s…. off a shovel. The only downside I have found so far is:-
• I can’t seem to get the passenger side mirror adjusted correctly, I think it might be moving with the vibration.
• The rear light cluster (driver side) has vibrated its self apart (think it just needs a bigger washer.)
• It’s not as happy on the country lanes where I live as the 4motion. It tends to move about quite a bit if you are pressing on - probably due to the fact it’s a third of the weight of the golf! It just means you can’t use the throttle as an on/off switch (which isn’t a bad thing!)
• Fuel gauge is like most, tends to fluctuate
• Fuel consumption?? Haven’t looked closely but have visited the petrol station quite a lot. I would guess between 10 and 20mpg – that’s why I haven’t checked. I have been getting used to the car though.
Looking forward to a few track days, all the car needs is some good weather and a good smooth road. I’ve been lucky recently as a friend loaned me a --Lamborghini for a week, which was quick, sounded superb and handled brilliantly! The atom is simply different, it raw. As said, it’s the closest thing I’ve had to a single seater formula ford type – only quicker?
I’m still smiling anyway. (oh, other thing, it still takes me a while to get in and get the belts on – being generous you could say I was built to last, this or I’m a fat b……..)
Be very interested in your initial thoughts of your Atom - what do you like and dislike?
I was going to be in the same boat, if I had ordered a new one it would have been September delivery, that’s why I decided to buy a second hand one first – it’s a 2004 car brought up to 2005 spec.
I was lucky as it only had 800 miles on the clock; it was just about run in. Its the kind of spec I would have liked but not necessarily ordered as it was over budget by a few k. the idea with this one is to run it while the weather is good and order a new one at the back end of the year for delivery next spring – I just couldn’t justify waiting!
The cars great fun, the only thing I can compare it to is a single seater. It shakes, bumps, rattles and vibrates but moves like s…. off a shovel. The only downside I have found so far is:-
• I can’t seem to get the passenger side mirror adjusted correctly, I think it might be moving with the vibration.
• The rear light cluster (driver side) has vibrated its self apart (think it just needs a bigger washer.)
• It’s not as happy on the country lanes where I live as the 4motion. It tends to move about quite a bit if you are pressing on - probably due to the fact it’s a third of the weight of the golf! It just means you can’t use the throttle as an on/off switch (which isn’t a bad thing!)
• Fuel gauge is like most, tends to fluctuate
• Fuel consumption?? Haven’t looked closely but have visited the petrol station quite a lot. I would guess between 10 and 20mpg – that’s why I haven’t checked. I have been getting used to the car though.
Looking forward to a few track days, all the car needs is some good weather and a good smooth road. I’ve been lucky recently as a friend loaned me a --Lamborghini for a week, which was quick, sounded superb and handled brilliantly! The atom is simply different, it raw. As said, it’s the closest thing I’ve had to a single seater formula ford type – only quicker?
I’m still smiling anyway. (oh, other thing, it still takes me a while to get in and get the belts on – being generous you could say I was built to last, this or I’m a fat b……..)
sjc11 said:
I’ve just bought a 2004 Atom 2 from Ariel and will probably be looking to do a few track days when I have time.
Atom have "targeted" Oulton Park on 19th July as a get together. There are still some places here is the link: www.easytrack.co.uk/events/allevents.asp
John Lloyd said:
Is this an open invite from the factory?
It's a bit short notice.
Sorry for the confusion. I mean owners of Atoms who do trackdays target certain dates so as we can all meet up. You will have to pay!!!
To make it VERY clear this has nothing to do with factory.
Is this in place of or as well as the planned meet at Bedford on July 9th ?
Was also thinking of doing Brunters again on the 24th(ish)
Ben
Then you can at least watch Atoms go round whilst your working. Hello Simon
I'm in Scallyfax and work in Leeds. It's good to hear there's a Atom nearby. Sounds like our motors are virtually identical. I've had mine about 5 weeks now and like you I bought second hand and spent far more than I intended, just so I could have the car for summer - I guess if you've got an itch, you have to scratch it!
Must be something in the air in Ponte-Carlo...I have a newly aquired chum who's in Pontefract - Paul Steele, who has just picked up a brand spanking Radical SR3 this week (Paul helped me & my car get home after my Cadwell shinanigins). Paul knows his stuff when it comes to monkeying around with cars.
I'm temporarily not on the road for a few days due to a minor mishap (see my pics on the 'Cadwell' posting). We must get together for an jaunt. Due to family holidays and work commitments, July is looking bad as far as trackdays are concerned, but I need to get some in somehow. I'll drop you a mail with my numbers etc.
Cheers
Mike
I'm in Scallyfax and work in Leeds. It's good to hear there's a Atom nearby. Sounds like our motors are virtually identical. I've had mine about 5 weeks now and like you I bought second hand and spent far more than I intended, just so I could have the car for summer - I guess if you've got an itch, you have to scratch it!
Must be something in the air in Ponte-Carlo...I have a newly aquired chum who's in Pontefract - Paul Steele, who has just picked up a brand spanking Radical SR3 this week (Paul helped me & my car get home after my Cadwell shinanigins). Paul knows his stuff when it comes to monkeying around with cars.
I'm temporarily not on the road for a few days due to a minor mishap (see my pics on the 'Cadwell' posting). We must get together for an jaunt. Due to family holidays and work commitments, July is looking bad as far as trackdays are concerned, but I need to get some in somehow. I'll drop you a mail with my numbers etc.
Cheers
Mike
thanks for the posting and will do (meet up) - that's my problem too - time!
very busy at the moment, Even though i often work from home i haven't been out in the car week days between 8am and 8pm due to work load. sometimes it difficult though - the Atom's just stilling in the garage waiting to play. S.
very busy at the moment, Even though i often work from home i haven't been out in the car week days between 8am and 8pm due to work load. sometimes it difficult though - the Atom's just stilling in the garage waiting to play. S.
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