Noble M10

Noble M10
Overview
Manufacturer	Noble Automotive
Production	1999–2000
Assembly	United Kingdom: Leicestershire
Designer	Lee Noble
Body and chassis
Class	Sports car
Body style	2-door Convertible
Layout	Mid-engine, RWD
Powertrain
Engine	2.5L V6
Transmission	5-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	96 in (2,438 mm)
Length	152 in (3,861 mm)
Width	69 in (1,753 mm)
Height	46.3 in (1,176 mm)
Curb weight	2,116 lb (960 kg)
Chronology
Successor	Noble M12

The Noble M10 is the first sports car manufactured by British low volume automobile manufacturer Noble Automotive in Leicestershire. ^{[1] [2]}

Model information

Background

Lee Noble, with assistance from several former Ascari employees who had recently relocated from Leicestershire to Dorset, began developing the M10 sports car in his home garage. Initially, the M10 was offered as a kit car, but its high cost and complex construction proved to be a significant deterrent for potential buyers. Faced with growing financial difficulties, Noble secured an investment from tour operator Tony Moy, an agreement facilitated by former rally driver Roger Clark. ^[3]

Design

The M10 was built on a tubular steel frame with a central steel transmission tunnel to enhance torsional rigidity. Its convertible body, the only option available, was made from glass fiber, contributing to its light curb weight of just 995 kg. The interior featured two leather-trimmed seats and a choice of either an aluminum or veneer wood finish. Parts were sourced from various manufacturers, with switchgear coming from Austin (and later Ford), and the windshield from Lotus. ^[3]

Engines

Following Tony Moy's investment, the M10's engine was upgraded from the original 1.8-liter Ford Zetec to a more powerful 2.5-liter Ford V6 unit. This was the only power unit ever offered for sale in the M10.

Engine specifications

Engine Name	Car	Displacement	Power	Torque
Ford Zetec	Noble M10 (original design)	1,796 cc (1.8 L; 109.6 cu in)	130 hp (132 PS; 97 kW) at 6,250 rpm	162 lb⋅ft (220 N⋅m) at 4,500 rpm
Ford Duratec	Noble M10 (production)	2,495 cc (2.5 L; 152.3 cu in)	168 hp (170 PS; 125 kW) at 6,000 rpm	162 lb⋅ft (220 N⋅m) at 4,400 rpm

Vehicles Produced

Noble produced a total of five vehicles, one as a demonstrator and the remaining four as customer vehicles. ^[3] The original prototype A18 NBL sold at auction in the United Kingdom for £31,500 in 2021. ^[4]

Noble M10

Number	Colour	Registration
1	Blue	A18 NBL
2	Blue	D11 NCM
3	Green	W442RRP
4	Red	S43 RJU
5	Yellow	V6 DGB

Reception

Following Moy's involvement in the M10 project, the M10 was road-tested by Mark Hales for The Telegraph. Autocar also featured the car, with initial drives by Steve Sutcliffe before the magazine sent Steve Cropley to Leicestershire for a full test, which included laps at Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground. ^{[5] [6]} The M10 also received positive reviews from Richard Meaden of Evo Magazine and Richard Hammond, who was a presenter for Men and Motors at the time. ^[3]

External links

• Richard Hammond reviews the Noble M10 for Men and Motors (1999)

References

1. "From the archive: on this day in 1999". autocar.co.uk.
2. "Noble M10". Supercars.net. 1 February 2016. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
3. Catto, Christopher (2024). Lee Noble - Supercar Genius. UK: David & Charles Publishers. ISBN   9781836440482 . Retrieved 24 August 2025.
4. "1992 Noble M10 Prototype Sold £31,500". evoke-classics.com.
5. "The most surprising car of the '90s". Autocar. United Kingdom: Haymarket. 3 March 1999. Retrieved 24 August 2025.
6. "Noble M10". Autocar. United Kingdom: Haymarket. 24 March 1999. Retrieved 24 August 2025.