Noble M12 - My dream car ...but time is running out!

[Ditherer]

Hello all,
Really hope I can get some reliable information from M12 owners. As these cars are so rare I can't just jump in one and see for myself. There are many reviews on performance, build quality etc for me to be sure this is what I want, and have wanted for years. First report contradiction is the suitability of this car for 'tall' people, in my case 6ft 6. Clarkson tested it and specifically motioned to the fact that he had head clearance, and he's supposed to be 6ft 5 (he certainly looks it next to Hammond). I've read on here that they are comfy to drive with the exception of head room! Can anyone please, from your experience, let me know the reality. Second contradiction involves the clutch pedal. One YouTube video stated 'positive feel with light action', however an online review stated Noble downsides as 'a notchy gearbox and a heavy clutch'. Now the gearbox performance is well reported and I'm fine with that. A heavy clutch would present a problem. Getting really desperate now. If I don't take the plunge very soon, the chances of me getting out the thing to refuel, on anything other than all fours, would preclude any future purchase.

[sociopath]

Why not find one for sale and try it for size?

No one else can tell you if it will fit you.


As for the clutch, it could be good or bad depending on the car, again find one and try it

[Ditherer]

Thanks for the reply. To be sure that would indeed be the ultimate solution. There is one for sale within 5 hours of where I live. Would be reassuring to get some feedback from actual owners who may have faced the same dilemma.

[Skorpion427]

Your height is not an issue in the M12. With regards the clutch pedal, it is depending on the maintenance and type of clutch. Normally they are effortless but I had one which was a little bit harder due to age and needed replacing. Just go out and testdive one

[Ditherer]

Thanks for the info. Good point re the clutch as mapped cars may have a modded one to handle increased torque.

[Ditherer]

Cheers Nathan, appreciate the feedback. Do you remove the padding to use it for track days and allow for a crash helmet?

[Ditherer]

Nice one, thanks again for the info.

[Blu3R]

Very few owners bother with this site anymore so if you want to see one, sit in it and go for a spin, get onto the Facebook Noble owners group. There's half a dozen or more posts made each day, events and track days discussed which isn't allowed here for some bizarre reason.

You don't state in your profile where you're located either which makes offering to help difficult.
And for the record I'm 6'2 and find that when wearing a helmet my head is pinned to the roof. Any taller and you'll struggle on track with the M12 seats. The M400 seats do allow you to recline a little more (although still fixed), but at your height I think you can forget it.

[Ditherer]

Many thanks for the reply and the information, much appreciated. I will indeed join the Facebook group and move forward from there. Cheers.

[Ian Perry]

I'm 6ft 3 in and the seats not even right back and I drive at arms length .As stated it depends on your leg /body ratio.

If you are anywhere near in the Midlands you're welcome to sit in mine .

[Ditherer]

Thank you Ian for the information and your offer. Unfortunately I am 30 miles north of Edinburgh. There is a car for sale in Aberdeen so will likely drive up to try it for size. Thanks again for the kind offer.