For Sale: 2004 Noble M12 GTO-3R in Charlotte, North Carolina

Asking a car guy about their dream car is always a risky proposition. Some won't hesitate to gravitate toward one particular model, but most will respond with a barrage of questions. What era? What country of origin? What price range? In reality, choosing favorites is becoming an increasing complex topic. That said; one thing is for sure: start asking about 21st century track cars and you'll eventually end up talking about Noble. When it comes to blending power, exclusivity and pure athleticism, few automakers can do it better. And this 2004 M12 GTO-3R is an uncompromisingly elite offering that surely trumps any of the aforementioned qualifiers. Meticulously maintained, and driven just 4,012 miles, this lightweight super star is barely broken in. And if you have fantasies of enjoying a modern take on coveted analog driving characteristics, step right up and see what "Perfection is a road. Not a destination" truly means.

HISTORY/APPEARANCE

Instantly identifiable by its faired in headlights, serious carbon fiber wing and retro supercar profile, the Noble M12 is a component car, also known as a 'knock-down kit', that was imported to America in very small numbers. Essentially, the car would be mostly built in South Africa and have its chassis and drivetrain separately shipped to an American partner who would handle roughly 40 hours of final assembly. This allowed Noble to skirt homogeneous government regulation, as most component car manufacturers do, to create a pure, driver-oriented offering.

The sleek coupe certainly grabs attention, firing up conversations wherever it's driven. That appeal begins with the car's GRP composite body, which mixes classic proportions with removable front and rear clips. That sculpted profile displays precise fit and excellent finish under ancillary hardware that functions well and seals great. And everything is enhanced by Metallic Black 2-stage, which, judging by its gloss, has only reflected a small amount of road time that was likely executed during sunny, drama-free weather.

ENGINE

Specific kinds of cars are immediately recognizable by visual cues, and this Noble's mid-engine layout puts it in an elite class that features the likes of Porsche, Ferrari and Lamborghini. The car's Ford-sourced Duratec V6 benefits from two inter-cooled Garrett turbos that, with the help of aftermarket upgrades, twist 460 rear-wheel horsepower into 425 lb./ft. of rear-wheel torque. Mechanically, there are no leaks or squeaks of any kind, and the car's show worthy engine bay appears just as clean as the day it rolled out of the assembly shop. There's $4K worth of visual dress up that includes polished air tubes, polished fluid reservoirs and brilliant red powder-coating. And, best of all, the impressive mill represents purpose-built performance that'll fire up in any weather, swiftly carry the car to 180MPH and promptly lay waste to pretty much anything that's brave enough to stage a challenge.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Although this M12 has never been on a track and, according to its present owner, has never even seen rain, one look under the car reinforces the fact that it's easily capable of handling both. Naturally, everything is concealed behind a series of wind-cheating panels. Those riveted covers hide a steel space frame that's capped with a full roll cage. Stab the throttle and power spins through a Ford-sourced Getrag 6-speed, which twists a Quaife automatic differential. Step on the other pedal and you'll encounter four multi-piston calipers that efficiently utilize four drilled and vented rotors. Those brakes pair with taught power steering, a double wishbone suspension and quality Bilstein shocks to provide a low ride height and impressive handling. And everything rolls on powder-coated Noble alloys, which crank 235/40ZR18 Bridgestone Potenzas and 265/35ZR18 Bridgestone Potenzas around fine spokes and polished lips.

INTERIOR

No matter how many times you crawl in to a sports car, there's always a sense of excitement. This tailored coupe takes that energy even further with contrasting leather surfacing. Front and center, adjustable racing seats string monochromatic Willan harnesses over perforated cushions. In front of those mitts, a driver-oriented dash seals modern air conditioning, a remote controlled Sony CD player and white-face telemetry behind matte accents. Below that dash, a wide console founds a short shifter in front of a billet emergency brake handle. Beneath that console, full soundproofing founds like-new carpet under a small fire extinguisher and slick Noble sills. At the sides of that carpet, 2-tone door panels hang billet handles above big Infinity speakers. In front of the driver, a 3-spoke Momo steering wheel laps a reach-adjustable steering column. And all that hardware is framed in a fully-trimmed roll cage and a tucked-and-rolled headliner.

VEHICLE SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

An original Owner's Manual

An original warranty booklet

Two sets of keys with fobs

Noble Automotive has established a short but impressive reputation for selling some of the world's nimblest track cars. And this excellent GTO-3R, one of roughly 220 shipped to the United States, is the perfect opportunity to experience the brand at its very best. Driven a mere 4,012 miles, the car has been operated just enough to keep its vitals in good shape. And the combination of its acute athleticism and twin turbo/6-speed drivetrain is guaranteed to entertain for years to come. If you're looking for an uncompromising thrill machine that's raw, exclusive and ready to roll, don't miss the chance to claim this incredible coupe!

SUMMARY

3-owner car that's logged only 4,012 miles

1 of roughly 220 Noble M12 GTO-3Rs shipped to the United States

3.0 liter Duratec V6 / Upgraded Garrett turbochargers / 460 rear-wheel horsepower

Getrag 6-speed manual transmission

Air conditioning

Leather interior / Full roll cage / Modern audio

Fully independent suspension / Quaife automatic differential

Power rack-and-pinion steering / 4-wheel disc brakes

GRP composite body / Metallic Black paint

18-inch alloy wheels that have been professionally powder-coated