Ariel Atom (1996)Alexandre Prevot, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Ariel Atom

1996 — UK

Modern Classic (1986-2000)British
Engine1,796 cc
DrivetrainRWD

Ariel Atom

The Ariel Atom redefined the minimalist sports car with its exposed tubular chassis and mechanical components. Honda's VTEC engine provided high-revving performance in a car weighing less than 500kg. The lack of windscreen and weather protection emphasized its track-focused nature. With acceleration rivaling supercars costing ten times more, the Atom proved weight reduction's ultimate value.