Registration - M12 NBO

Chassis No. - SA9M12R1M2D113065

M.O.T. - February 2025

Odometer - 23,069

One of just five Jasmine Yellow Noble M12 GTO models on the road, this example is beautifully presented in the stunning colour scheme. Now more than 20 years old, ‘M12 NBO’ is powered by the 2.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 found in all M12 GTO models, here producing more than 300bhp and connected to a five-speed manual gearbox. Considering the Noble weighs just a smidge over one tonne, it’s a considerable power-to-weight ratio. This low mileage example comes with only 23,069 miles on the odometer, and four previous owners – with the current vendor running the M12 GTO for more than five years. It’s in superb condition inside and out, and ‘M12 NB0’ comes with a comprehensive file of paperwork, including original bill of sale from Mole Valley Specialist Cars in Surrey, and an impressive service history with receipts – the cherished number plate is included too.

The annals of sportscar history is littered with plucky start-ups taking on the established German, Italian, and British super-powers… and failing. So in 2001, when Noble Cars introduced its M12 GTO, many were interested, but almost expected the same outcome. However, in this case, they were wrong. Here was a genuine contender for the likes of Porsche’s 911 for performance and handling, at a lower cost. Succeeding where many failed was Noble’s general build quality. Arriving fully-trimmed from outsourced production in South Africa, the rolling steel spaceframe chassis, clad in glass-fibre bodywork, had its relatively new alloy Ford V6 fitted, with a pair of large Garratt turbochargers that helped add to a distinctive noise. Some may have wrinkled their nose at the thought of the M12 sharing a powertrain with the (albeit performance versions of) Ford’s Mondeo, but tuned and turbo’d, the performance was never in doubt. A low kerb weight and good low-down shove meant the M12 GTO could complete the 0-60mph sprint in a touch over 3.0 seconds, reach 0-100mph in ten seconds, and crack on to a top speed of 165mph. The straightline performance almost does the Noble a disservice however, as it established itself as a mid-point in terms of cost between a Lotus Elise and 911 in terms of pure driver’s car handling. Many have been tested around a track and left many other more exotic machines embarrassed as a result. Production continued in various different model iterations until 2008, by which time Noble had replaced it with the M15.

· Wonderfully striking yellow colour scheme

· Low mileage example with around 23,000 miles covered

· Huge file of paperwork, including wide-reaching service history