Discussion
Nobility,
Some time ago I recall of a company offering an M12 with alternative body panels. Does anyone know if they're still in business, or whether the product was well received? With regular opinion that the Noble styling "isn't as cohesive as it could be", and with the relative ease of replacing the front and rear clams, it's surprising that there isn't more of an after-market business?
Some time ago I recall of a company offering an M12 with alternative body panels. Does anyone know if they're still in business, or whether the product was well received? With regular opinion that the Noble styling "isn't as cohesive as it could be", and with the relative ease of replacing the front and rear clams, it's surprising that there isn't more of an after-market business?
Marlon said:
Nobility,
Some time ago I recall of a company offering an M12 with alternative body panels. Does anyone know if they're still in business, or whether the product was well received? With regular opinion that the Noble styling "isn't as cohesive as it could be", and with the relative ease of replacing the front and rear clams, it's surprising that there isn't more of an after-market business?
It was an Indian design/coachbuilder if its the car I'm thinking of. I don't think it was ever for production although perhaps they hoped Noble would show interest.
I don't recall any companies offering alternative panels for the M12, but there are plenty of specialist bodyshops around that would be able to re-model the existing ones.
The India designer that Dan mentioned was DC Design, they did the DC Go for the Geneva Motor show last year. The Go I assume was the concept for the M14. Make your own mind up though - www.madle.org/edcgo.htm
Anthony
The India designer that Dan mentioned was DC Design, they did the DC Go for the Geneva Motor show last year. The Go I assume was the concept for the M14. Make your own mind up though - www.madle.org/edcgo.htm
Anthony
The DC Design concept was indeed based on an M12 platform, but we did not approve the design in the end, which is why our name never appeared on the Geneva show car. This concept had nothing to do with the M14, which was designed by Lee Noble.
Stepping out of my Noble role for a minute, I personally think that modified/aftermarket panels instantly cheapen and de-value any road car, unless they're for a good reason, such as a functional mod for competition use.
Whether you like the styling of the Noble, or not, would you honestly pay the going rate for a Noble that didn't look like a Noble?
Simon Hucknall
Press Officer
Noble Automotive Ltd.
Stepping out of my Noble role for a minute, I personally think that modified/aftermarket panels instantly cheapen and de-value any road car, unless they're for a good reason, such as a functional mod for competition use.
Whether you like the styling of the Noble, or not, would you honestly pay the going rate for a Noble that didn't look like a Noble?
Simon Hucknall
Press Officer
Noble Automotive Ltd.
Agreed - almost all bodykits look crap.
I actually really like the M12 styling and have done since it came out. The Ford Mondeo lights criticism means nothing to me either.
Think it could stay in production for a long time basically as is but adding new engine/gearbox combo at some point. It's the weak point for me compared to something like a GT3. In fairness, it's a bit cheaper though and getting M400 power would probably mean a heavier engine so then you lose the relatively low weight...... Catch 22.
Will the M14 have a development of the M400 engine and same gearbox or something new?
I actually really like the M12 styling and have done since it came out. The Ford Mondeo lights criticism means nothing to me either.
Think it could stay in production for a long time basically as is but adding new engine/gearbox combo at some point. It's the weak point for me compared to something like a GT3. In fairness, it's a bit cheaper though and getting M400 power would probably mean a heavier engine so then you lose the relatively low weight...... Catch 22.
Will the M14 have a development of the M400 engine and same gearbox or something new?
micknall said:Well, yes. I agree with Ian Callum (ex Aston - hope I got the name right!) and his new Coachbuild business that re-bodying existing cars is a way to create exclusivity and appeal to personal taste; plus it fits with the engineering methods that are becoming more standard in large manufacturers. Basic business principles; re-package an existing product to appeal to a new customer base.
The DC Design concept was indeed based on an M12 platform, but we did not approve the design in the end, which is why our name never appeared on the Geneva show car. This concept had nothing to do with the M14, which was designed by Lee Noble.
Stepping out of my Noble role for a minute, I personally think that modified/aftermarket panels instantly cheapen and de-value any road car, unless they're for a good reason, such as a functional mod for competition use.
Whether you like the styling of the Noble, or not, would you honestly pay the going rate for a Noble that didn't look like a Noble?
Simon Hucknall
Press Officer
Noble Automotive Ltd.
Personally, I think the M12 fell out of the Ugly Tree (saying that, I did buy one!) and would probably still own one if it looked better. I think there's enough comment on "which bits" and "no, you're wrong, it looks great" so let's not go there. BUT, hands-up who wouldn't consider a few grand to make their M12 look more like the M14 mule...? I rest my case.
Marlon said:
Personally, I think the M12 fell out of the Ugly Tree
This is what I love about the human race - our differences and the freedom (hopefully!) to express them!
I think the M12 has a beautiful shape and I chose Titanium specifically because I felt it accentuated the curves perfectly!
Talking about the "ugly tree" though - I think the M10 grew up in that plant myself - looks like a roughly constructed 1960's garage project to me (sorry Lee!)?!
Marlon said:
BUT, hands-up who wouldn't consider a few grand to make their M12 look more like the M14 mule...?
M14 mule - what, do you mean Lee's M12 racer - you'd like your car to look like a work-in-progress?!?!
...see what I mean Marlon?!
AL001 said:
Agreed - almost all bodykits look crap.
I actually really like the M12 styling and have done since it came out. The Ford Mondeo lights criticism means nothing to me either.
Think it could stay in production for a long time basically as is but adding new engine/gearbox combo at some point. It's the weak point for me compared to something like a GT3. In fairness, it's a bit cheaper though and getting M400 power would probably mean a heavier engine so then you lose the relatively low weight...... Catch 22.
Will the M14 have a development of the M400 engine and same gearbox or something new?
Development of engine but installed the other way round (longditudal now) with a different gearbox.
amg merc said:Yes, that's right Rob, I'd like my car to look like a work-in-progress...
M14 mule - what, do you mean Lee's M12 racer - you'd like your car to look like a work-in-progress?!?!
...see what I mean Marlon?!
And anyway, you only chose Titanium because you weren't brave enough to go for a red one, Mr Samey-Old-Same-As-Everyone!
It is a hugely subjective thing. My point is not that the M12 should be "different", only that it might not cost a bundle to apply alternative styling (because of the 'clam' construction) e.g. the flared front wings and rear 'fastback' section that look so great on Lee's racer.
Marlon,
What's made you change your opinion over the shape of the M12. Surely you couldn't have thought it was ugly when you ordered it. Nor could you have thought that on the day you picked it up.. the words "think I'm going to wet myself" were on your mind if I remember your post correctly.
If it was an ugly car
would have been more appropriate.
Cheers.
Chris
What's made you change your opinion over the shape of the M12. Surely you couldn't have thought it was ugly when you ordered it. Nor could you have thought that on the day you picked it up.. the words "think I'm going to wet myself" were on your mind if I remember your post correctly.
If it was an ugly car
would have been more appropriate. Cheers.
Chris
CRB1 said:I thought it was a striking car to look at, and an amazing piece of machinery to drive, but handsome to look at it never was IMO. Difference between a one-night-stand and marriage...
Marlon,
What's made you change your opinion over the shape of the M12. Surely you couldn't have thought it was ugly when you ordered it. Nor could you have thought that on the day you picked it up.. the words "think I'm going to wet myself" were on your mind if I remember your post correctly.
If it was an ugly car
Cheers.
Chris
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