The Ariel Atom is one of the most iconic cars of modern times.

Its design akin to that of a Formula 1 car, which makes it a real niche product in any market it competes in.

South Africa, too, has a couple of Atoms in its midst, but these cars are imported. And sadly, it does cost a pretty penny.

For a new Atom 4, the latest generation of this sports car retails from $74 750 (R1 404 560, est.) - and that's before you factor in the various taxes if you want to bring it to our shores.

If that's a bit rough on the pocket, an Ariel Atom 3 300 popped up on AutoTrader. This 2014 model had a then sticker price of around $50 000 (R514 500, est.), but, of course, it would have been a lot higher by the time the owner took full ownership of it.

2014 Ariel Atom 3 300. Image: AutoTrader

Atom 300 explained

This 300 version of the Atom 3 was on the road quite a bit. Since arriving in 2014, the owner has covered 16 000km in the years since. And why wouldn't he, because the driving experience in one of these cars is out of this world.

Powered by a supercharged Honda Civic Type R 2.0-litre engine, 272kW and 407Nm are sent to the rear wheels. It might not sound like much, but the car 'only' weighs 612kg. And it's a rear-wheel-drive machine!

This specific model on the AutoTrader classifieds is fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox and is still capable of running from 0-100km/h in 2.9 seconds. Best wear a helmet when getting in the driver's seat.

At R724 900 (negotiable), this Ariel Atom 3 300 is not cheap, but you are buying into one of the most niche cars in South Africa. Not just niche, but fast, too!