What is the craziest modification you have seen on an Ariel Atom 3?
For the most part, the Ariel Atom 3 is a track day special and weekend toy for enthusiasts. With its stripped down design emphasis on performance, it is not an everyday nor an unusual environment type of choice. But it turns out that some owners have been known to put their Atoms to rather strange and non standard uses. Atom owners have sometimes found themselves in situations that feel like the car was never supposed to be used for. This question aims to find out some of the most unexpected, funniest or downright weirdest situations people have bumped into or used an Ariel Atom 3. The stories can be as practical as showing off the car’s versatility, or as outlandish as proving how dedicated (or perhaps eccentric) Atom owners are.
I once saw an Atom 3 with a turbocharged Hayabusa engine swap. It was mental, absolutely mental, sounded like a fighter jet and probably had the power to weight ratio of one as well!
A guy took his Atom 3 and turned it into a sort of ‘luxury’ version with leather trim, a custom windscreen and even a basic air conditioning system. Hilariously awesome, but completely defeats the purpose.
The craziest mod I remember was an Atom 3 converted to electric power. Full of batteries, they crammed it, and a high performance EV motor. On the track, it was deadly, but silent.
I found an Atom 3 with a snow track system, like a snowmobile would have. It was used as a winter toy by the owner in the mountains. Completely impractical but incredibly cool.
A famous build was someone cramming a Chevy LS V8 into an Atom 3. They must have wanted to make the world's fastest death trap. Impressive engineering, though!
I’ve seen one that had a custom built active aero system with a rear wing and front splitter that changed in flight. It reminded me of some sci-fi racing game.
The wildest mod I ever saw was an Atom 3 converted for off road use. It was lifted, had knobby tires, and its frame was reinforced. It was a street legal trophy truck.
I have seen an Atom 3 modified to drag race. Massive rear tires, a parachute, and stretched wheelbase. This was the funniest and baddest thing I have ever seen at the strip.
The craziest mod, has to be the man who made his Atom 3 amphibious. It had pontoons that could be inflated and a water jet. Completely insane but incredibly cool.
I recall seeing an Atom 3 being used as a pizza delivery vehicle in a small college town. The driver said it was excellent for going through traffic, but not so hot for keeping the pizzas warm!
My area has a wedding photographer who needs the Atom 3 as his work vehicle. It’s a great conversation starter with clients and a perfect way to get to remote photo locations quickly, he says.
I came across an Atom 3 at a drive through safari park. The lions were being guarded by the owner in protective gear, as if he was out for a track day with the lions. Brave or crazy, I'm not sure.
A famous video exists of a person using an Atom3 to herd sheep on a farm in Wales. But it did the job apparently and looked hilariously out of place bouncing through the fields.
I once saw an Atom 3 being used as a pace car at a local soapbox derby. It was overkill, but the kids enjoyed it.
In my city, there’s an Atom 3 owner who uses it for his daily commute, rain or shine. He has a custom made waterproof suit and says that it is the best way to wake up in the morning.
I found an Atom 3 at a drive in movie theater. They were cuddled up in the open cockpit, the couple had sleeping bags. I guess romantic though, if you don’t mind the lack of privacy!
Someone used an Atom 3 to pull a water skier on a lake, and there’s a YouTube video of it. Apparently, it worked surprisingly well, but it looked absolutely insane.
I once saw an Atom 3 sitting outside a funeral home. It turns out that the deceased was quite a car enthusiast, so the family thought it was appropriate that his favorite car lead the procession.
In a seaside town, there is an ice cream vendor who has converted an Atom 3 for mobile shop. It's fitted with a small freezer and he says it's a good way to zipping between beaches on busy days.
The first thing I would do is to add a real windscreen and a removable hardtop. I would then look into some custom fitted luggage that could be securely attached to the frame. If I had to drive a bit longer I would need a more comfortable seat with better padding.
I'd focus on weather protection. My first priority would be a custom made fully enclosed canopy with a basic heating and air conditioning system. I would add some small storage compartments wherever possible as well.
Livability is overrated! I would just try to make it as stock as possible and adapt my lifestyle to the car. I might add a small trailer to carry stuff when needed. The purity of the Atom is the whole point here.
I would go for a full electric conversion. This would make it more practical for daily use, quieter for neighborhood driving, and possibly even faster. I would also add a small frunk (front trunk) where the engine used to be for some storage.
Comfort would be key. I would make a custom seat with proper lumbar support, and heating. Then I would work on the suspension, making it so it can be adjusted to soften it for street use. It would be nice to have a basic infotainment system with navigation as well.
I would make it more all weather capable. I add fenders to keep water and debris off of me, a windscreen with wipers, doors with clear panels, maybe. On cold days, heated grips and seat would be a must.
I would make it into a targa style car with a removable roof panel. I would have open top driving when I want it, but also some protection from the elements this way. With some sound insulation and a decent audio system I'm set.
Practicality would be my focus. I would design a custom rack system that would allow me to hold different attachments, like a luggage box, bike rack, or even a small camping setup. It would be a sports car and an adventure vehicle all in one.
The modifications would be kept minimal so as to keep the Atom's character. Or perhaps just add a small windscreen, slightly more comfortable seats and a basic bluetooth music and phone call system. The rest is the Atom experience!
I would go all out and make a fully enclosed body for it, making it a mini supercar. It could be insanely fast with a proper interior, climate control and some sound deadening.
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What is the craziest modification you have seen on an Ariel Atom 3?
03 February 2025 10:43
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