Vehicle Description
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
