Winterhalter's $8,000 Ariel Atom sports car replica

This one is sure to impress both the hardcore DIYers and the auto lovers. The Ariel Atom is one true minimal sports car with race bred construction and components, and the replica Ariel Atom by Winterhalter is equally impressive. Winterhalter has been earlier featured in Car and Driver magazine for his homemade Lotus 7 that cost him a mere $2,500. This time, he has made a replica of the high-performance English two-seater, the Ariel Atom. The base model of the sports car starts at $65,000 and goes as high as $90,000, depending on horsepower. On the other hand, Winterhalter’s replica Ariel Atom costs $8,000 in materials. It’s not the low cost or the make that makes this replica special, but the fact that 57-year-old Winterhalter has never seen one, estimating that only 40 Atoms exist in the United States. He has used photographs to scale the frame and read manufacturer data for all the rest. The whole process of creating this awesome replica took 1,900 man hours over 28 months. And yes, it isn’t an exact replica.

Winterhalter’s Ariel Atom replica specs:

• Rear, mid-mounted transverse engine and five-speed transaxle.

• Engine: D17A2 SOHC, VTEC, 127 HP, 114 lb-ft.

• Steel round tube drawn over mandrel space frame.

• Wheelbase: 89 inches.

• Weight: 1,100 pounds.

• Acceleration: 0-60 mph, 5.0 seconds.

Winterhalter said that the pre-inspection has been done and the open-air vehicle will be street legal and licensed as special construction. The replica isn’t yet complete as Winterhalter has to give the finishing touches that include upholstery and vinyl installation.

Via: ReadingEagle