2018 Ariel Nomad Supercharged

 Price - £59,990

Year - 2018

Mileage - 6,273 miles

MOT - 18th August 2025

Full Service History

The Ariel Nomad is like no other. No other vehicle offers you the choice of going off-roading, track day driving, or simply enjoy the roads around you - all in one neat package. The most you need to do is adjust the suspension - easily adjustable thanks to the lack of bodywork around them - and go harder for track use or softer for off-roading.

I'd like to know what's in the water down in Somerset where Ariel has its HQ - whatever it is it must be pretty potent to keep putting out such creations. And while the Nomad 2 has just been launched, the waiting time will be somewhere between 18 - 24 months; an ideal opportunity to enjoy one of the original examples then, as presented here in a stunning specification that once optioned this supercharged Nomad doubled the initial RRP.

Each Nomad produced was individually made by a single technician, enabling each example to be tailor fitted to the owners exacting requirements. And when I say it I really mean it. Everything is customizable on a Nomad; winches and spotlights to engine and gearbox upgrades plus different damper options, different wheels, different tyres, nudge bars, carriers...this is just the tip of the iceberg. Want super chunky off-road tyres? Fine. Orange body cage and wheels? Gotcha. A winch and hydraulic handbrake? Step this way Sir. You would like a supercharged Nomad? Glad to assist.

Nothing seems too much for Ariel and the options list is - quite literally - as long as my arm. 

Designed to be used, the front wheels carry 1.5 degrees of camber to help turn-in while the rears are bolt upright for maximum traction. Each suspension coilover unit has a chunky long spring coupled to a shorter and stiffer secondary spring. This combination offers the best of both worlds -  a larger spring to handle potholes, lumps and bumps, while the shorter, stiffer one handles the tougher impacts. The wheels have a travel movement akin to a WRC rally car.

As Top Gear put it: "What we have here is a car that’s part special forces all terrain fast attack vehicle, part latter day beach buggy, with a light dusting of quad bike and the spirit of Baja oozing from every pore. It’s Tamiya made real."

This particular example is in lovely condition and has an impressive specification - please see the full list below. Having been cared for to the highest level, this Nomad doesn't bare any of the usual wear and tear this type of vehicle normally shows. In fact, a regular damage area for the Nomad are the undertrays/damage guards - this example has only a few light scratches accrued from general road use; please see the gallery for pictures.

While originally specified as an N/A car, has been upgraded by Ariel to Supercharged Nomad specification and now produces 300bhp and 251 lb ft of torque - quite the jump from its original 235bhp/221 lb ft. This amount of power in a vehicle weighing only 700kg gives eye-watering performance - 60mph passes in barely over 3 seconds, while 100 mph takes only 7.4 seconds.

To put that inter perspective, let's have a look at some other vehicles for a benchmark:

• Nissan R35 GTR - 0-100mph 8.5 seconds
• Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991) 0-100mph - 7.8 seconds
• Porsche 911 Turbo S (991) 0-100mph - 7.1 seconds
• Mercedes AMG GT R 0-100mph - 7.3 seconds

Even against a list of heavy hitters, the Nomad shows its genuine supercar performance. Top speed is limited by aerodynamics and tyre choices however is comfortably above the 125mph or so that Ariel suggest.

Having been subject to a major service towards the end of last year this 2018 Ariel Nomad Supercharged is ready for its next pilot.

 Specification:

2018 Ariel Nomad 6 speed - £33,996.00

•  Supercharger system for Honda K24 engine - £5,215.56
• Heavy duty clutch including K20 flywheel - £1,232.40
• Raised air intake (snorkel) - £689.83
• Oil cooler system - £1,197.18
• Catalyst bypass pipe (currently not fitted) £134.10
• Exhaust system guard in black - £198.28
• Stainless fittings on clutch and brake lines - £234.00
• AP Racing 4 pot calliper/290mm 2 piece brake discs set front and rear, including handbrake - £4,584.00
• Hydraulic handbrake system - £1,192.00
• Cockpit adjustable remote brake bias - £172.20
• Bilstein remote reservoir 2 way adjustable dampers with 2-piece springs - £3,496.45
• Quick release steering wheel - £231.66
• Clear side panels (including attachment tags) - £540.00
• 3 inch seat harnesses (pair) - £427.20
• 15 inch wheel package with all terrain sport 50% road/50% off road tyres - No cost
• Upgrade to rally-specification high-strength wheels - £480.00
• Spare wheel carrier - £390.00
• Spare matching 15 inch wheel and tyre - £378.00
• Stainless steel fixings £518.40
• Full heated front windscreen including washers and wipers - £1,938.00
• Locking fuel cap - £22.44
• 12v auxiliary feed with cigarette-type power socket - £48.60
• Fitted TomTom Rider Europe GPS - £434.04
• Passenger and clutch footrest - £237.00
• Front winch bumper including front tow eye and radiator guard - £1,025.08
• Coolant pipe guard; engine bay to body tub - £170.54
• Sump guard/bash plate - £209.98
• Light mounting bar with x4 daytime running lights/driving lights - £1,198.44
• LED marker light/whip - £300.00
• Paint brushed aluminium parts black (such as bulkheads, fuel tank etc) - £594.00
• Road package (all lights and switchgear required for road use) - £2,859.30
• IVA test - £358.80
• Road tax and registration - £335.00

History:

This example has been serviced as required with Ariel, having it's first 'running in' service completed, and has had two other services since. The owner has also taken great care by carrying out interim oil changes himself. Complete breakdown of service history to follow.

Major service carried out by Ariel August 2024 with little mileage since.