First scale-model of Aeriel Atom available
If you missed out on being one of the original 25 people in the world to get their mitts on the mental, limited-edition Ariel Atom V8, rejoice: the UK-based company has some big news. Well, small news actually. The Ariel Motor Company has announced that after “many attempts and enquiries”, the first scale-model Ariel Atom is now available.
And what better Ariel Atom to base it on than the certifiably insane Ariel Atom V8. Causing jaws to drop since 2008/2009, the rear-wheel-drive Ariel Atom V8 was limited to 25 units and featured a naturally aspirated 3.0-litre small-block V8 engine with 373kW (500hp) and a six-speed sequential Sadev transmission.
Weighing a mere 500kg, the Atom V8 claimed 0-100km/h in under 2.5 seconds and famously upset the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport with a blistering 1:15.1 lap of the 2.82-kilometre Dunsfold Top Gear test track.
Put together by Spain’s Soul Models – with ‘assistance’ from Ariel – the 1:18 scale model is super detailed with elements such as the car’s gold chassis and Dymag magnesium wheels, carbon-fibre bodywork and side pods, chromoly aerofoil wishbones, and Alcon brakes all impeccably replicated.
The car’s unique colour scheme is also spot-on, as is the real cars’ builder’s plaque. Simon Saunders from Ariel said the company has been keen to see the creation of a scale model version of an Atom for some time, but that this is the first time the task has been achieved and with such great detail.
“We have been approached by a few model makers over the years but when they understand the complexity of modelling the Atom they have all given up at an early stage,” Saunders said.
Just like the real car, the model will only be built in limited numbers, with 1500 units offered worldwide. Available through Soul Models or the Ariel Motor Company, a 1:18 Ariel Atom V8 will set you back around £150 or just shy of $NZ318. With the real car costing nearer to £150,000 ($NZ318,000), as Saunders says, it’s an Ariel Atom for “a thousandth of the price of the real one.”
-CARADVICE.COM.AU
