Schoolboy Dream Machine! The Noble M400, Driven At Last! But Was It Any Good?

[@leesbian]

A nice, well balanced review - as always - and the reason I offered my car for review Yes, we love our cars, and whilst we want to believe the car we choose to fawn over is flawless, none of them are without flaw and so I have to agree with much of what James has said about my car This doesn’t mean many of the flaws are without remedy - there are options to improve front downforce (splitter, radiator gurney, and front wheel well infill panels), but there are other issues that cannot be resolved (the cabin IS small - try finding a set of aftermarket seats that will fit) I’m glad the video (and car) have largely had a positive response, and glad that James was able to drive the car of his childhood dreams

[@tarektakes4147]

Love the car Lee! Agreed a very well balanced review and thanks to you for making it happen!

[@christophercatto7184]

well done for offering the car. great to see James review a very rare and very good car.

[@petyrkowalski9887]

Great car Lee… must be amazing to drive.

[@markscully2342]

S the car would probably be better withought that rear wing?

[@garymartin557]

many thanks for allowing the review.

[@DjDolHaus86]

One of those cars that you grow more confident with over time until it decides it's had enough of your confidence and yeets you into a hedge backwards at very high speed

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Precisely that

[@gen1c8rs88]

@@JayEmmOnCars Maybe a retest with newer tyres. What about a 30mm tyre width stagger and 1 inch wheel width stagger, instead of the OEM 40mm tyre width stagger and 1.5 inch wheel width stagger or would that width stagger change create for over steer?

[@albanana683]

Sums up my first flirtation with an XJR-S on a mud splattered M1 slip road, dang those headlamps are expensive. We now have a normal relationship, although it feels like juggling bowling balls when "pressing ahead" - fun, but...

[@matthewelliott2213]

I think of Noble as a British Pagani. No one gave them a chance at the beginning, but the driving experience and word of mouth kept the faithful collectors buying. Thumbs Up.

[@chrisslater3174]

Nice to watch retrospective reviews on some of the more obscure models, just like this - right up my alley! I mostly still only have memories of the original reviews and magazine articles of the day. Also nice that, because they're not brand new, there's no expectations of it being the latest and greatest, just James's vocalised experiences from raw driving sensations. Great that owners are willing to lend their pride and joys to scrutiny, I for one am not getting of tired of this format... 👍

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Glad you enjoyed it Chris!

[@Silverhks]

An excellent summation of why I like this channel

[@gbarton800]

Another review that has layers of information that are hungrily consumed by the enthusiast. 🤓👍😎 Well done, Jay, and thank you!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

My absolute pleasure

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

@@JayEmmOnCars No the pleasure is ours !

[@BibtheBoulder]

As a child growing up my dad was a senior test driver for Jaguar cars. I would occasionally be taken out in a wooden box covered Jag, sometimes an E-type, then later on the XJS while it was still being developed. These experiences firmly imprinted Jaguars in my DNA and when at last in my thirties I bought my own XJS I was initially overwhelmed, then slowly let down, in the same way that a beautiful woman is overwhelmingly appealing but you soon realise she's little different to all other women. Alas the XJS went one further, and like a divorced wife quickly bled me dry. So, while I see your appeal of this car, I reckon there are many out there for whom the reality will never match the promise....me included.

[@douglasjames4905]

Note my comment on 'meeting your heroes' recently. My XK8 'vert measures up as a GT, a mistress worthy beyond a weekend fling. Quite cool your early experiences!

[@Manis-World]

@@BibtheBoulder Similar experiences with a Jaguar XFR… loved every bit of it while it was good, but things went south pretty quick and had to walk away for my own sanity😪

[@jayeclements6452]

"Man buys Noble". Hmmmm.... I'm definitely female and I have owned my Noble for 10+ years. It's driven almost every day and I LOVE it. I love the pared-back nature of it. The connection I have with the road I find deeply satisfying. I don't need a machine to tell me how to drive a machine. I would agree that it's not ideal for the larger person. I would agree that it has its quirks. Nothing else I have driven comes close for handling and steering and the low end burble is a glorious noise. It WANTS you to command it, to be the driver, not a passenger in the driver's seat with your hands on the steering wheel. If that thought scares you, stick with your Cactus and I'll stick with my Noble and I know who will have the bigger smile on their face!

[@isaacs3413]

want to adopt me?

[@Rhowhat]

Loving the head unit graphics from the outside window shots. What a machine, we are similar ages and these were always a dream track car growing up. Some great build threads on Pistonheads.

[@MrGB1999]

Light at the front.. I remember that "characteristic" from the 360. What doesn't kill you makes you a better driver.. 😏

[@simonbottomley6484]

Enjoyed the review and it's great you finally got to review one of these; in defence of the M12 :) I've owned my 3R for 15yrs and it's been totally reliable, stock exhausts aside these cars do not have any inherent major problems.In 360bhp std 3R trim reliability is just not an issue, once you start modding, mapping, tweaking and pushing up the power as many do then you run into all sorts of problems and the expensive 'break fix' cycle begins. Never driven an M400 (arb's being the main suspension difference) but I don't recognise the handling issues you experienced, my 3R just does not under-steer and is very progressive at the rear, the handing is fantastic on the road,. Love your content JayEmm, keep up the great work!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks SImon, always good to get feedback from owners

[@HoracioPz]

I gotta say, the audio quality of your videos are amazingly detailed. Such a great work!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks Horacio! I think sound quality is really important in these videos, for both dialogue and the cars!

[@Kennethah81]

@@JayEmmOnCars agreed!, a big failing with too many KZbinrs unfortuntely; Epic 4k camera, and a microphone taken from the PA system of a particularly shoddy airliner. This is how its supposed to be done! :)

[@brandonsimpson4776]

My dad used to have the only champagne coloured one in South Africa 🇿🇦 When I was a child... A true legend

[@Suprahampton]

It really is such a shame the M15 never made production, it was a great looker, had better handling (apparently)

[@benmarr352]

Hi James, ref the front end grip. It did look a little greasy and it is a mid engined car. My 111R (standard 175 fronts) did similar things, fiddling with tyre pressures (drop the fronts), front suspension rates (drop), possibly removing the front arb (may help in low grip situations and give more grip) and managing weight onto the front axle for turn in helps a lot (race school for trail braking and a look at brake balance) If that doesn't work get grippier tyres for front (or with care as It is not as simple as it sounds go up in size on front tyres). Even 7 type cars will scare you with lack of front end grip in conditions like this. However (to use one of your favourite words) these changes would probably need undoing for a dry and grippy day. Quick improvement for greasy dayso drop front tyres pressure and see what psi gives the best reaction.

[@bobbyfraser9515]

My brother had an M12 years ago and it was something else! He loved it and still dreams of another 1. I had a shot and it blew my mind. Smashing thing.

[@rogeradshead7345]

Love it James. One of your very best! I've stayed at the Brands Hatch hotel many times and seen one of these lurking in the car park on several occasions. Having watched your video, I feel enlightened, and if anything even more keen to drive one on a track. That said, I'm happy to leave the road driving to you and your mate Lee :-)

[@milesborg9812]

I remember the walks I used to take home from school with a close mate of mine, many moons ago. We were always passionately talking about what first cars we wanted to get when we passed our tests and always enthused about cars on GranTurismo 2 (the PS1 days). I remember we would take a longer route to the bus stop on our way home just so we could have a look at a mint jet-black Mazda RX7 MK2 convertible parked in a driveway nearby. To our amazement one afternoon on our way home we spotted a silver Nobel M12 at a set of traffic lights! It was ready to pass under a long train bridge near where we were. Without discussion we both sprinted up steps to the top of the bridge so we could hear the Noble drive away from the lights and under the bridge. It didn't disapoint. We both looked at eachother with stupid grins on our faces as it thundered under the bridge and off down the road - forming a lasting impression. The good ol' days! Unfortunately my friend passed away a few years back in a car crash. RIP buddy, your probably enjoying driving Nobels under bridges in heaven!

[@jonathanwarren2840]

At last! A review of a Noble, and as ever Mr J, honest, thorough and complete. Tbh i did feel that the car needed a bit of work (reference light front end??), and with all due respect to the owner, I think there are better examples rumbling around on the road. Also interesting to note from a previous comment that you would prefer a Lotus Exige (S3 i presume?) over the Noble, but I suppose automotive development waits for no car. No matter, a classic brit sports car. Thanks Lee!

[@user-eb8ld6kn8t]

Another v good video. I must admit I was surprised at your comment that the front end was rather vague and not particularly confidence inspiring. I owned a M12 GTO-3 a few years ago and it was one of the most confidence inspiring cars I've ever owned. Yes the performance is scary at times (in excellerative terms) and sometime was prone to tramlining but I always found both the steering and front end extremely confidence inspiring. Maybe the lack of roll bar on my gto-3 is the reason or maybe the geo is out or tyres showing their age? Regardless it may be worth trying another? If I still had mine I'd offer you a go but it's been a few years now. I agree though with your comment on build quality though - that was the reason I ended up selling

[@xxsoiceey25xx66]

Damn son you must have had pure enjoyment

[@deaks25]

Noble's are basically unicorns; just seeing one is a moment for any petrol head, never mind drive one. Given the M400 is supposedly the angry, hardcore track-weapon version of the M12, it sounds like it was fairly sociable, although ready to kill you if you take liberties with it. Either way, that is a very, very special car and I hope to owner is able to enjoy it, thanks for letting James share it with us. If nothing else, it's reminded why I've always liked a well-tuned V6, it sounds glorious.

[@petrjerabek7641]

Thumbs up! Really nice video and another right after the McLaren one i thought finally this channel is somewhat on a par with what Harry Metcalfe does on Harry's garage if his theme is to review a car. I have to say driving Noble is also something of my old dream, which waits for me somewhere, sometime maybe... Definitely the video helped understanding more what these cars are about. Although the interior and other detailed shots really reveal quite the "kitcar" feel of which i never kind of thought it would. But now i see an Elise/Exige is far ahead in build quality. But the excitement of the drive must make up for it :)

[@reddermot]

You had me at Noble ..... bloody brilliant. Thanks James.

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

What a great find!... Man you dig up all the obscure, proper driving machines. If I could buy any supercar (for actually driving) it would almost certainly be a Noble M600. I just love that era of machinery, as a motorcycle guy I equate it to the Suzuki TL1000R. It squeezes one of the all time great and utterly brutal engines into a simple yet taught chassis that, if you get it right, is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have turning petrol into noise and speed. But get it wrong... And oh boy, you are screwed. You're on your own sunshine, the most fun you'll ever have right up until you wrap it around a lamp post. We'll never see machines like that again, that's for sure. These M400 are actually pretty affordable though and I'd say they'd be a solid place to park some money. Just don't wrap around a lamp post, obviously. 😳😬

[@eze8970]

Thanks J, great to see & hear the Noble on screen!

[@067997ful]

I always wanted one of these when I was a kid as well, what a machine

[@tomeasterbrook9486]

Awesome!! Always liked these, I’d forgotten all about them until I was overtaken by one on the M5 only a couple weeks ago. Sure there was a buying guide in (iirc) Practical Performance Car magazine many many years ago & the conclusion back then was that they’re a bit of a bargain.

[@cirian75]

James: I'm going to put my foot down the Noble M400 on a damp British B road Noble M400 : So you have chosen death

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I too like to live dangerously

[@Tomislav_B.]

I'm still waiting for Bristol Blenheim! But I can't wait to watch this later afternoon!

[@itisjustacomment]

Reminds me of a lotus with 425bhp and 190 plus :0 Crazy machine, loving it still to this day .

[@kb9072]

425 bhp

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Awesome car. Fantastic video. Would love to see you do a video of one of these in the Top Gear style like you did with that Ferrari. Keep up the good work.

[@JPspinFPV]

I wanted one of these so much in 2001! Being a mechanically savy young man, it was a paycheck away from finding my garage or a layoff away from a dream. Unfortunately I found the latter. This car was only available in the states as a kit car, and that's exactly the appeal. No strangers to hot rodding a Ford drivetrain here.

[@ianmulley2013]

Great to see a current video on the M12 I still want one now as much as I did when I was 15 watching it on top gear and fifth gear

[@zm321]

I remember instructing in an M400 at Everyman in the early 2000's. It was superb to drive, great chassis.

[@autoboffin]

On less hardcore cars, an anti-roll bar provides a means of controlling body roll without sacrificing ride comfort so you're quite right that if the suspension is set up and tuned appropriately for a chosen application, it might not be needed. On a track car though, it gives you another tool to quickly and easily adjust oversteer/understeer balance for different tracks and conditions without needing to cock about with spring rates. At least, this is my understanding and might explain why this car has one!

[@FutureProofPerformance]

Yep, I suspect that is one reason they added one, tunability.

[@logwind]

I think your commentary is great. Keep the videos coming.

[@iandavidson99]

Would love you to drive/review a Noble M600. I still think these look amazing and seem criminally undervalued (in $$$) against their peers of the time

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

Totally... If I could buy any supercar that I intended to drive, it would be an M600. I love those "you're on your own" machines, the most fun you'll ever have... Right up until you wrap it around a lamp post.

[@aadamenos893]

Most definitely

[@lillexus5589]

Love the M600, would probably be the only one over here in Poland. Are parts for it widely available in the UK? If somebody knows that by chance.

[@DjDolHaus86]

@@lillexus5589 The basic engine was used in the Volvo XC90 and S80 so some parts may be available but the actual motors used in the M600 were imported from the US as crate motors from Motorkraft. I know they shared some components from Jaguar/Aston Martin so again they're probably available with a bit of research but a lot of it was handbuilt so you can only get them from source which I believe is now mostly produced in the US

[@callytheblueparakeet]

I get very excited, in perhaps a slightly juvenile way, every time I see a Noble on the road... slightly off topic the CD stereo animation in this video mesmerised me in much the same way my Pioneer DEH-P80MP did in my '94 Renault Clio... it was worth more than the car, and it got nicked in the end when I neglected to take the face-plate off...

[@pebblecups]

Awesome. We need more cars like this. Not just in videos but still being made. I wonder, how different this Noble would be to a Ginetta G60?

[@jameshamilton6096]

My all time favourite car that I never purchased. Many thanks for the review.

[@gbtivbay]

Finally !! Well done. I love my 3R, cant replace it so ive had it 8 years, also running M15 lump. Anyway, sounds like the tyres need sorting on the front, I have huge grip and no lightness under high speed thanks to my Cup2's and new GAZ with M400 springs. Also that exhaust isnt usual, i prefer single box exit so you get V6 instead of 2x 3 cylinder sound. Lovely example though and a great review, shame the light front didn't let you exploit the chassis fully.

[@kevinchong6740]

Nice ford escape you got there

[@adriankingdon3055]

It looked so stylish and avant-garde at the time, and that’s just Jeremy Clarkson.

[@johnbruce949]

I met Lee Noble at the Birmingham NEC launch of the 2.5. As a young man I explained that I would never be able to afford one. He was so inspirational and insisted that I should call him when I had the money. I ended up test driving 5 iterations of the M12 and went for the M400. The worst thing I ever did was let it go. Now 14 years on having owned a lot of quick stuff I want one back in my life and will get one. Yes they are well behaved at low speed but they are best when you wring their necks, Just awesome, but you need skill and bottle. Nice vid 👍🏼 and shot on my home turf too 😁

[@utterlyexiged]

I look at these every few years. This, the ultima GTR and TVR sagaris are definitely on the radar one day!

[@stephenpeacock8592]

Nice review, loved the "you can get into trouble very fast" comment XD. Useful comparison with the Lotus cars and noting the important difference in front end feel which you differentiate perfectly. I considered a Noble in the past but went for an Exige instead. It's like more of your own character is coming through on these reviews now as well...

[@Epicmachine]

Great review! I have never driven a Noble to be honest but I do have a Rossion and I have a front splitter for better downforce and it works especially when you are on the track and you do 170mph on the front straight and you need to brake for a right hander at 90mph. I also attest to the civil and friendly character bellow 4.2K rpm, which at that point becomes possessed and you're trying to catch your breath. Either way, this is not a car for the inexperienced and you have were spot on with your description! Bravo!

[@samuelorellana2603]

Late to the party and I know there are other, much more crafted aspects of this video but "Outta the way, Pidgey!" was the golden moment for me

[@Hopgop1]

The 21 year old test is definitely a good one! Not heard that before, but it does illustrate it perfectly.

[@aspectabove]

Liked without watching. I've come over all silly! Can't wait. Now clicking play!

[@Harry92evers]

I remember seeing a few of these while I was in the Isle of Man many years ago. Cool looking car, never seen one since.

[@trentweston8306]

A real nice one here mate. I remember "discovering" Noble from Top Gear.

[@simonzero3815]

I love your honest frank opinion. Good on you.

[@sportzntouring]

I've always been so curious about these cars! Seems like you approve and like it's the kind of car I'd enjoy.

[@vincentschneuwly9783]

What a great review, when I got my licence I was dreaming about taking one on my favorite roads here in Switzerland to kick 911 turbo and 360 Modena butts. The design is so badass

[@RoshanKumar-sk7ch]

Can imagine these are a real privilege to drive. Interesting review and trust it’s pretty accurate, shame cars like this no longer exist!

[@asdf12345929]

Dream car for me too! Can’t believe you got to drive one so lucky!

[@saleemwaheed9956]

Another great review Jay. Keep ‘em coming. What about reviewing a Marcos!

[@Nobleazure]

Owned a 2006 Noble M400 for 9 years. I eventually ended with 550hp. Just as you said, once you strart modding, it is endless and expensive. Replaced motor, turbos, and a few clutches. BTW, the Noble had more interior space than my Miata, of which I modded even more than my Noble. I now drive a stock Honda Accord.

[@anonymous_bot_bot]

I stopped modding in the early 2000's. The credit card got battered to the point of where eating out had to be planned in advance. If I modify now, its very mild.

[@JamesH55]

Very good review James And I’m glad you said all the things I thought when I drove one Good work 👍

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks James

[@Dave-hw5vy]

You test your cars where I live. Great road into Castle. :) Great vids

[@henryovalles1163]

Always love this car I would take the factory boy racer wing though

[@weeevilswine]

Would absolutely love if you could manage to get lee noble on the channel

[@christophecamus3295]

An amazing British car, great video thanks ❤❤❤❤

[@braveheart40kglasgow56]

Nobles are some of the finest looking cars I've ever seen. I had an m12 for a weekend and it was and still is the fastest thing I've ever driven and I had a gtr at the time

[@SPC22]

Finest looking cars you've ever seen? Seriously??

[@petarmiladinovic4126]

Tavarish just got a crispy one... Only part of it that is barely preserved is the NOBLE front badge :) Is there even enough parts out there to get it fully rebuilt?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

If you have some metal tubes you can make a Noble

[@georgedaltonbrown]

As someone who turned 22 last week (5 years driving no car write offs so you could argue I fit the criteria of level headed and sensible) the comment about the 21 year old test really puts things in perspective…

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Sorry George. No Nobles for you yet

[@chrisclayton2278]

Great review, loved your honesty 👍. Couldn't help but notice there was no splitter and it looked rather high setup at the front also. This could be the cause for lightness in the steering, something I expexenced in my Noble .

[@leesbian]

Hi Chris, M400s never came with the splitter that the other M12 models came with. Not keen to add one to mine, they tend to get smashed to bits on speed bumps I haven’t compared the height of the front of my car to others, so it could be high. Maybe next time it’s with Dave I’ll get him to corner weight it. That could be a cheap and easy fix if that’s the cause 👍

[@johncanfield5536]

@@leesbian I'm on my second splitter on my -3R. And with my sloping driveway, I have to be really careful not to catch it. But apart from the potential downforce, they look so much better with a splitter IMHO. Love your M400 though Lee. Well done having it reviewed.

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

Always liked noble nice to see one properly reviewed

[@jbdb21]

Great video, reminds me of why I subscribed to this channel!

[@joetang9672]

Living the dream! Another car on my need to drive bucket list.

[@4pevans]

WOW! THANK YOU JAMES! I've been waiting for this for a long time. Glad you educated me on its short comings as I had thought it was a dream car for me but now I'd have to pass. Those wheels though, I want those wheels on my 355! If you you know the wheel mfg make please let us know. Great video thank you!

[@Mrdfastcars]

Best steering car I have owned and Sus made for a B road not for track, I loved mine.

[@MrFunkia]

The Noble is actually assembled down the road from me, in Leicester.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

The new one is

[@douglasjames4905]

"Childhood dream..." : most people do not want to meet their heroes. That rear bias compounded by the modern aero attached = impossible for the front end to be anything else but... Missing-in-action.

[@ChoPi-Eww]

Interview with Mr. Noble would be really cool. If you could pull that off somehow it would be quite fun to watch!

[@bigbear2550]

Feathers and tarmac did a review on this car, beautiful cars

[@1985slipstream]

I HAD A GTO3 Went on a run with a pal in a ferrari 360. He once we finally stopped couldn't believe how fast the noble was and admitted he could not keep up on country roads.

[@tombrown5508]

Always wanted one, good to see a real example in the wild.

[@psircos]

Awesome!! You're a lucky man! Thanks for the vid

[@notmasyn_d]

I love that theres speakers but no stereo

[@BronchoGillespie]

I seem to remember in the earlier days of Pistonheads these being one of the heroes but were snapping wheels off on track if my memory serves?

[@garyhawkins9246]

Hey James, is your shirt a tribute to the Lotus Emira camouflage? …. Great review of a great car by the way!

[@R-Tap]

Cool, super cool. Controversially, I would delete the Halfords spoiler, then a big crash!

[@sidewayssam]

Great vid as ever jay, we need a catch up 👍

[@cwang6951]

Never heard of them, learned something today! Thanks Jay

[@philipmarsh6852]

Love the content Jay, keep up the good work 👍👍

[@FunLovingCriminal_JB]

Makes me feel old when this is this dudes "Childhood" dream 😮

[@BangAverageRider]

Is the owner Lee Noble the man himself 😂 Great video as always, a mate of mine is considering one

[@asibulj00]

Keep up the good work James.

[@Heartofaloin]

I test drove ever m400 and 3R as I worked for Noble in 03/04

[@staLkerhu]

Your review of an M600 would be quite interesting!

[@5555petros]

I miss this kind of car, just like the Mosler MT900.

[@barrysleafer8347]

Currently have an m12 gto in at work trying to source an ecu for it

[@Andyfreestyle95]

I remember watching the Hammond M15 review when I was a kid and always thought that car was special, did they even sell any in the end? Never seen one for sale anywhere

[@VINTTRO]

Great video James. Simon is looking at the Noble. Possibly to trade his Chimaera. Keep up the great work.

[@usualsuspect7050]

Loved these in blue when they came out

[@naregm5492]

it's absolutely beautiful

[@snev2]

Almost looks like the Sparco seats are sitting in Noble seats.

[@MotoMatini]

Nice! Next must be one older white Ruf, and Ariel, therfore Shelby and after that Koenigsegg 😁

[@2702simmo]

Loved that review I’d love one