2021 Ariel Nomad R

Looking like a combination of a Tamiya radio-controlled buggy and a Baja 1000 dune racer, the Nomad filled a niche we didn't know we needed. The 2.4-litre Honda engine was quite the performer and was quickly followed up a year later by a supercharged version. 235bhp became 290bhp and the little Nomad went from a quick car to a really quick one. But what if there was one better? An evolution of the Nomad platform, giving a comprehensively improved package for exclusive customers.

The Nomad R was built from the ground up to 'Tarmac Rally' specifications

Enter the Nomad R. And when we say exclusive, we really mean it – only six of these machines were ever built.

Don't think for one minute, however, that this is just a quick tune and a new badge; the Nomad R was built from the ground up to 'Tarmac Rally' specifications in Ariel's own words, and fully customisable to each owner's personal specifications. But what does that mean when you get down to brass tax?

Starting with the power train, Ariel wasn't playing games. Rather than further tuning the Nomad's original K24 engine, they utilised the unit from the ferocious Atom 3.5R, its firebreathing K20Z03 engine (utilising Ariel's own Eaton type, twin-lobe supercharger system) producing a heady 335bhp at 7,600rpm – 45bhp more than the regular supercharged Nomad and a mind-boggling 100bhp more than the standard version.

Brought along for the ride is an updated version of the Atom 3.5R's 6-speed sequential Sadev gearbox. Weighing a nimble 38kg, the aluminium Sadev ST182-17 is the flagship of the Sadev range, featuring straight-cut dog gears, integrated oil pump and a 3 disk ramp and plate limited-slip differential. This provides the driver with upshifts in 40 milliseconds and 50-millisecond downshifts via the electronically-controlled pneumatic shifter. Just as impressive is the Nomad R's ability to not only auto-blip on downshifts but enable complete clutchless gear changes both up and down the box, with the clutch only being used for start and stop. That power is transferred to the tyres via beefed-up Sadev driveshafts with no stone left unturned to offer the ultimate driving experience.

While the standard Nomad uses chunky off-road tyres and a jacked-up suspension assemblage, this iteration has taken a different route.  The Nomad R continues to utilise the standard car's long travel geometry, but is now controlled by two suspension choices; specially developed Bilstein MDS dampers and springs or – for those who wanted the best-of-the-best – adjustable Öhlins dampers which are present on the example you see here.

Braking is handled by Alcon 4-piston calipers alongside 2-piece ventilated discs at both the front and the rear, there is even a brake-bias valve to adjust braking power to your preference.

Performance both on and off-road is nothing if not explosive; 0-60mph passes in a blistering 2.9 seconds and this particular Nomad R was specified from the factory with Ariel's optional longer gearset, nudging the top speed north of 140 mph.

This particular car is still with its original owner, and having been specified with the upgraded Öhlins dampers and longer gearset to offer more comfortable cruising, has been used sparingly with only 3,100 miles. It is accompanied by a full dealer service history and runs on Bridgestone tyres with healthy tread remaining.

Each of the six were built to their owner's specific requirements and the extensive spec list of this particular Nomad R is as follows:

• Nomad R Sequential 6 Speed
• Cat Bypass Pipe
• Exhaust Guard Black
• Polished Stainless Steel Manifold and Silencer
• Stainless Fittings on Brake lines and Clutch Line
• Alcon 4 Pot Caliper/290 Disc Front
• Alcon 4 Pot Caliper/290 Disc Rear
• Mechanical Handbrake system for rear Alcon 4 Pot Caliper brakes
• Cockpit Adjustable Remote Brake Bias
• Ohlins Multi Adjustable Hydraulic Bumpstop Dampers with 2 piece springs
• Strut Brace Only
• Quick Release Steering Wheel
• Side Panels Clear
• FIA Approved Battery Master Switch Kit
• 3" FIA Seat Belts/Harnesses (Both Sides)
• 18" Wheel Package/All Terrain 65% Tyres
• Spare Wheel Carrier FOR LUGGAGE - NO SPIGOT FOR WHEEL
• Stainless Steel Fixings
• Full Heated Front Windscreen including Washers and Wipers
• High Level Brake Light
• Locking Fuel Cap
• 12v. Auxillary feed with USB Socket
• Tracker (Insurance approved)
• Passenger + clutch footrest
• Battery Optimiser/Trickle Charger
• Painted Bonnet and Rear Engine Cover - Ohlins Gold
• Front Winch Bumper (includes Front Tow Eye and Radiator Guard)
• Carbon Fibre Instrument Panel
• Paint Bulkheads etc Black
• Alternative Colour Powder Coat Chassis - Gunmetal Gloss
• PPF Film around All Roof Bars
• R logo on Windscreen in Black

Service history:

• The car had its initial 500-mile service and inspection on the 18/05/2021 at 550 miles which included changing the engine oil and filter, and the transmission oil. This was carried out by the manufacturer, Ariel Motor Company, Somerset. 
• The car had its next and most recent service and inspection on the 20/05/2022 at 2,475 miles which included changing the engine oil and filter, the transmission oil, the brake and clutch hydraulic fluid and the secondary fuel filter. This was carried out by the manufacturer, Ariel Motor Company, Somerset.