Noble M400
The Noble M400 is a low-volume British supercar that embodies the philosophy that less is more. Designed by Lee Noble, the M400 combined a Ford-derived twin-turbocharged V6 with a lightweight composite body and minimal creature comforts to create a driving experience of extraordinary intensity. With 425 horsepower and a curb weight of approximately 1,060 kg, the M400's power-to-weight ratio rivaled the Ferrari Enzo.
The engine was a 3.0-liter Ford Duratec V6, extensively modified by Noble with twin Garrett turbochargers, intercoolers, and reprogrammed engine management. The result was 425 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque from a relatively compact and lightweight engine package. The engine was mounted transversely behind the driver, creating a true mid-engine layout.
The M400's body was constructed from fiberglass over a steel tube space frame chassis, keeping weight to a minimum. There was no power steering, no ABS, no traction control, and no electronic driver aids of any kind. The six-speed Getrag manual gearbox required the driver's direct involvement, and the unassisted steering provided unfiltered feedback from the road surface.
Performance was extraordinary: 0-60 mph in approximately 3.5 seconds, 0-100-0 mph in under 15 seconds, and a top speed exceeding 185 mph. The M400 was faster than almost any car at any price, yet it cost a fraction of the supercars it could outrun.
The Noble M400 was produced in very limited numbers at Noble's facility in Leicester, England. Today, it is valued by enthusiasts who seek the purest possible driving experience, unmediated by electronic intervention.
The twin-turbo Ford V6 should be checked for boost leaks and turbocharger condition. The fiberglass body should be inspected for cracks and prior repair. The steel space frame should be checked for corrosion. The Getrag gearbox should shift smoothly. Service history is critical as the car requires knowledgeable maintenance. The lack of electronic aids means wear patterns on suspension and brakes should be carefully assessed.
Hand-built at Noble's facility in Leicester, England. Production numbers were very limited, estimated at fewer than 250 units.