Ariel.Club Forum

i have been in contact with Grumpybeard

Interested to know how this turned out J-P - did you manage to get an Atom in France.

I recently bought one there but it already had registration.  I think I bought the registration and the car came with it!

Hey Jeno thanks for the reply.  I hope Mister Monza popsalong soon as I have a few questions for him.

Would these Atoms for salein france be an Atom 3 (as opposed to the earlier models do you know?).  Part of wanting to purchase an Atom new is the "buy in" to the whole experience, including picking it up from the factory and meeting the guy who built it for you, which would be a wonderful moment.

But I'll talk to Monza when he comes along, thanks!

Hi there,

the only way to have a registered atom in france is to buy one who is.

Ask Monza, there are just some avaible now, but maybe not for long.

cheers

jeno

Called Richard Egger and unfortunately they would be unable to insure the Atom if it lived there 12 months of the year in France.  And from speaking to Tom at the factory earlier this week he indicated that they used to be able to register Atoms in France a few years ago, but what with stricter EU rules coming into force, no longer......

I need to talk to our man Monza to see how our French compatriots work it out.

[quote="Bruce Fielding"]
This new baby even parks itself (because BMW drivers can't actually drive...)


[/quote]

I don't know whether to be very impressed or cry in desperation. Still if they can retro fit it to Nissan Micras et al the world might be a better place

Cheers,

Stu

This new baby even parks itself (because BMW drivers can't actually drive...)

[quote="Bruce Fielding"]
[quote="wasp"]
[quote="Bruce Fielding"]
my current car is on UK plates - my next will be on Zurich plates..

[/quote]

Is presidential orange 220 being replaced?
[/quote]

Not necessarily...

The Volvo is though...

...by a...

...I can hardly bear to say it...

B

M

W

The new F11 5 series which comes out in October.

Company policy...
[/quote]

I am sure that you will find the near 50/50 weight distribution and the Idrive most err rewarding
(Actually I know it will be seriously good but, well, you know.... I thought that you had set BMW to come up as rabbit under offensive words)

[quote="wasp"]
[quote="Bruce Fielding"]
my current car is on UK plates - my next will be on Zurich plates..

[/quote]

Is presidential orange 220 being replaced?
[/quote]

Not necessarily...

The Volvo is though...

...by a...

...I can hardly bear to say it...

B

M

W

The new F11 5 series which comes out in October.

Company policy...

Aero screens are a must.
Remote brake bias is useful, cheap too.
Maybe get another set of panels? You can change the look of your car in minutes.
Personally not convinced with the need for a handbrake. Also eye-wateringly expensive (and ugly) with AAR.

Lovin the spec otherwise, looks cool 

Crates don't do it for me, either...
Cheers, hedge

Clive thanks for the names of Egger and Haggerty rgds insurance, I'll give them a call in the morning for quotes.

Bruce, you getting another Atom and getting swiss plates for that? If so I take it they are road legal in Switzerland and thus you can get "domestic" swiss insurance?

Thanks for the offer of a passenger ride Justin thats awesome of you, I'll PM you closer to June matey.

All I need is for Monza to come along and clarify the French side of things

Oh, and firm up my draft spec- so far its as follows:

Supercharger upgrade
Limited slip diff
Polished manifold/silencer
Alcons front and rear
Handbrake system!
Alu dampers adjustable
Two piece spring kit
Shift light steering wheel
16" wheel package powdercoated wheels
Footrests
Chassis in either gunmetal or black
Stainelss fixings
Aero screen
High level brake light
Locking cap
12v feed
Fitted intercom
3" belts with pads
Clear lenses

Probably with blue or green plastics.

Not sure on the aero screens and aerofoils.

Anything I've missed or overlooked?

Justin,

PM me before you come down to the Alps in June if you fancy meeting up for a drive and lunch as that is very close to me.

Clive

[quote="Bruce Fielding"]
my current car is on UK plates - my next will be on Zurich plates..

[/quote]

Is presidential orange 220 being replaced?

correct choice there................crate is fugly compared to the atom

if you dont manage to blag a spin in one soon, i will be  in chatel and generally whizzing around the alps  for a few days  mid june

gladly give you a spin

incidentally, whats wrong with your beard, not ginger is it  ?

cheers

justin 

Right Im back from the Caterham showroom, and my mind is made up........ Atom it is!  Although I have no doubt whatsoever the Caterhams are extremely potent cars, I just cant get away from not liking it's boxy "arse" end- that long bonnet is lovely, and would be a pleasure to polish after a weekend blast, but I just dont like the aesthetics of the rear.

On the other hand, there isnt any part of the Atom design in general I dont like, and I feel for that kind of cash (around 45k) the Atom would be a more pleasurable, special and exciting ownership prospect.

So once I can clarify the insurance aspects with regard to keeping/running the car in France an order shall be placed:)

As far as Im aware its a 3k deposit that's then made upto 50% of total cost 8 weeks before.  Have any of you guys ever put more down as a deposit, Im considering this as I'd prefer to know quite a sizeable chunk has been paid for, rather than sitting in the bank at risk of being spent and frittered away on other stuff!