UK Folks - Any Atoms there?

[Ron Earp]

Hey,

fellows I'm really interested in these Ariel Atoms. Anyone in the UK have one or know of second hand ones for sale? I'm thinking about coming over to visit their factory, anyone live near there with GT40s I could visit? I'd have to fly into London, any you fellows around there (I'm sure!)?

I know it is winter but flights are cheap, I've business to do in the UK, and figured I'd spend some extra time if I can, maybe visit with some folks I've met on the net if they can put up with another yank.

Thanks much,
Ron

 

[Frank Catt]

Ron, there was a guy throwing an arial atom aroung the Bedford autodrome circuit on Saturday when we were there testing a gtd40. I am sure I should be able to locate him, and he will I am sure demonstrate his car (He also had a ride in the GTD, so now he desparately wants one of those as well! We would also be very pleased to meet with you and show you around our cars, just make the arrangements and let us know. (there are even a few test dates available over here, now that would be fun to get you out on a circuit!. Frank

 

[Ron Earp]

Guys,

Thanks for the emails on the visit offers! My email is down (I still have web access remotely) and I'll reply to the emails hopefully this weekend.

I'll work on the dates for the trip and get back to folks. When are there any upcoming events where cars can be seen in action?

Thanks again for the hospitally offers, I will certainly take some folks up on them but I don't take much space and won't be there too long. I just wish to visit some cars, see the Atom factory, and relax a bit before heading to Germany for a few days.

Thanks,

Ron

 

[Guest]

Hi Ron

Where is the Atom factory?

From the GTD club perspective there are no events planned for the immediate future except for a a Christmas lunch we are working on now. I am also unaware of any of our regular members planning any track days or other driving events as the weather has gone sour here big time. Ol' Wyecliff was out last weekend so you missed that one. You need to come in the summer, ie the week between the rain/floods and the half inch of snow that grinds our country to a halt!

Maybe someone from the Enthusiasts Club can post about any events planned, although this time of year they could be in the same boat as the GTD club.

Malcolm

 

[Julian West]

Ron,

I considered an Atom a while back & visited the factory. All I can say is Do it! Ariel is a true English 'cottage' industry, selling a very high quality product.

If you think an Atom looks good in the photo's, wait 'till you see one on the road!

 

[MWGT40]

I went out with the guy in his Atom at Bedford Autodrome and what it lacks in power it makes up for through its light weight. Apparently it is only 600KG. So he was braking in roughly half the distance of most of the other cars.

However, it was a bit uncomfortable and you got buffeted a fair bit by the wind.

As Frank mentioned, I took the guy out in my GTD after, and he said that he had just wasted £60K on his Ferrari, he should have got a GTD!

For any of the UK guys, there is another track day at the Autodrome on Saturday 23rd November that I am planning to go on. This time it is the full Gran Turismo circuit which is 3.7 miles. Highly recommended. If you want to join me, give me a shout.

Martin

 

[Guest]

Hi Martin,

May come and watch as it would interesting to see the circuit. Frank says you had a trip into the kitty litter early on in the day. Top man, shows you mean business! Hope the weather is playing along for you.

Malcolm

 

[charles]

Ron, they have a website with contact details at www.arielmotor.co.uk and are based in Somerset, in the west of England.

I would think it's an absolute maximum of 3 hours driving from London.

Charles

 

[MWGT40]

I thought it wouldn't be long before that one got out! I supposed he also mentioned my sideway slide around one of the bends in front of a Ferrari 360 Modena!
Now that was more hairy than the trip into the kitty litter!