If you had about $50k set aside to spend on a dedicated track toy, which one would you get and why? Or would you get something else?

I could give some specs, but if you're reading this post, you probably already know more than I could tell you.

Ariel Atom


Caterham (CSR shown)

 

Ever since I saw that goofy British guy on Top Gear having the time of his life in an Atom and beating the sportbike around the track easily.. I have wanted one so bad. I say Atom. 0-60 in 2. something.. sexy too.

Although if I had one it wouldnt be dedicated to the track haha. I would be flying all around town in it playing catch-me-if-you-can with the cops. Have to leave the bike and S home for sure.

 

Caterham

 

build your own caterham

 

The atom definately... It doesn't have a windshield

 

JUST track? Ariel, IMO.

I prefer the look of the Caterham though.

 

$50K or even around $50K for an atom is a bit ambitious. Right now the starting point for an Atom is $58K. It is for their new version of the Atom with the NA K20 engine (they no longer offer the Ecotech). There are a lot of options that will drive the price way above $60k, if not in the ballpark of $70k.
If you want the supercharger $5k, Track brakes $3375, Adjustable Dampers $750-$1850. They now charge extra for the fenders $650. Ect

 

If it were me I would do the Atom. Based on a newer design. Looks cooler too.

If money got tighter, I bet there is a much bigger used market for Caterhams.

What about new supercharged Elise? Track toy that you can run for milk in once in a while.

 

Track only or are you going to drive it some on the street? I bought a Swift SE 3 Formula 2000 for a track only car. A real racecar is a blast to drive.

 

+1 for the real race car. Lots of good FFs, FC, and even the new FB/F1000 cars. As a track toy I would also strongly consider a Zink Z-16. It's an old Formula Ford but Dave W on Apexspeed (a 7 time SCCA national champ) said it was the second best handling car he ever drove. Mind you he has had several FFs, FCs and even driven some big toys like a GTP car. I would say that's pretty good for a 30 year old race car that can be had for $10k. I would probably put another few thousand into the car to convert it from the old FF motor to a motorcycle motor. It won't be as fast as a FC but it will likely be a better car for honing the handling skills.