Ariel Atom 3 w/ XXR Wheels (SEMA Show Car)

A 2013 Ariel Atom 3 arriving at and leaving Carcadia. This custom car features XXR 565 wheels finished in Hyper Gold and was displayed at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas.

Leave it to the Brits to build the most minimalistic cars imaginable, whether it's a no-nonsense TVR, a lightweight Caterham, or a single-seat BAC Mono. It's pretty hard to believe that the Ariel Atom is actually street-legal. Besides having two seats, four wheels, and an engine, pretty much nothing else about it resembles a car. Structural elements are fully exposed, and it doesn't even really make sense to use the terms "exterior" and "interior" since the only thing separating occupants from the outside world is the exposed chassis. A roof is nonexistent, a windshield is optional, and you can literally reach out your hand and touch the road while driving. It's essentially a street-legal go-kart, and it definitely looks like one. If I had this car, I would tie some huge balloons to it, dress up as Bowser, and blast Mario Kart music everywhere I go.

This example is an Atom 3 - at least that's what I believe it is. Visually it's hard to tell the differences between variants, since there really isn't much bodywork to begin with. The modifications on this car are clearly in the style of Japanese import tuner cars, and rightfully so - it has a Honda powerplant after all.

As sports cars are generally becoming increasingly comfortable and luxurious, it's often hard to tell whether someone actually appreciates a car's performance or simply wants to look and feel cool. But when driving your car means subjecting yourself to no weather protection, rocks and bugs flying in your face, and pain from potholes that you'll feel for days, there's no doubt you're a true car enthusiast.

Would you drive this car on the street? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!