Ariel Atom Kit. Is it real?

[txjeepn]

Actually, Dennis sold all the cars he had available (20) then closed the site.

As far as I know yes all 20 were sold. The Altra domain expired and the owners forum is now on the palatov domain.

[ckalkhof]

As far as I know yes all 20 were sold. The Altra domain expired and the owners forum is now on the palatov domain.

Are you pleased with yours? Any shortcomings related to quality?

[ckalkhof]

I've seen enough Atoms to spot a fake close up..and I am sure most seasoned Atom owners/modifiers will spot any sub standard construction clues as well.
There is not an easy way to hide poor quality or crude construction on an Atom..and if there is no valid paper trail to Ariel Motor company for the car or major components, that's a pretty big red flag; it's not from the factory.

People familiar with Atoms will see the difference I'm sure. However, most people looking to buy an Atom would probably be first time buyers and not notice all the clues like you. It's been a while since I had my Atom and I already forgot some of the details. At any rate, it would not be hard to dupe a first time Atom buyer into thinking he was buying the real thing.

[MadMaxAtom]

If there isn't a legit paper trail,chances are you are dealing with illegitimate merchandise. Simple even for those who can't tell genuine merchandise from fake.

Buyers beware has never rung so clearly. There would be no reason for someone selling an Atom or parts on the cheap, unless something was wrong..

[txjeepn]

I have had no issues with quality. The frame is a UK style frame. Mine showed up with the welded steel upwrights and I was given a set of the forged auminum. The aluminum were great and if I have any problems with them I have replacement steel ones. I just find it odd that some of the small parts have Ariel logos and part numbers. I have a theory, at least with my car, but I will keep it to myself.

[Napalm]

Is yours fully complete at this point? I was following it on the s2ki forums.

[txjeepn]

Is yours fully complete at this point? I was following it on the s2ki forums.

For the most part yes. Just as fun as the Atom at Brammo that I drove and when I did the Ariel Atom Experience. I just do not have it street legal yet.

[planters49]

Has TMI ever offered a complete official atom kit car? I have been involved with kit airplanes (not R/C models) in the past where everything you needed including the engine came in one big box with instructions. You bolted together the entire plane.

[planters49]

I was looking over this Hadron XR twitter account. They are saying they will have a complete rolling chassis for under 9K. I understand the atom copying thing, but this also seems like it is a scam??

[planters49]

Looks like they missed their world launch again.