Noble 3R for Ultima anyone
Discussion
Well talk to me then: I may be interested. As long as your car is an out of warranty vehicle I would love to boost it to 600 plus horsepower and see how it does. (well for one race maybe 
) Either way, my friends at Power Engineering would love to get off hold of one and see what it's good for 
Has anyone done this yet? Are 'boosted' cars making news yet? Is there room to shoe-horn an LS6 under WITH the turbo's?
My ventures out with V6 GTO have proven that Noble have an excellent product on their hands. It is light, quick and very precise as a track day tool and comfortable too. Moreso it is a true everyday car. Some people use their Ultima's in the same vein but after spending time in both I must admit that I would rate the Noble ahead of the Ultima for everyday use.
The Ultima and GTO are two totally different cars, but both have their advantages.
No doubt factory lovers everywhere will shoot me down in flames but I view this post as an open debate and not an 'Ultima is best' forum moderated by and for the Ultima factory.
So lets see if we can have an honest debate from both sides and see what it produces. It would also be nice if it were not moderated or have bits cut out here and there as long as we can all get along and play nicely having a laugh.
Particularly interested in hearing viewpoints from our coleaugues in the US (as they have the best choice in engines)
Let the debate begin
) Either way, my friends at Power Engineering would love to get off hold of one and see what it's good for Has anyone done this yet? Are 'boosted' cars making news yet? Is there room to shoe-horn an LS6 under WITH the turbo's?
My ventures out with V6 GTO have proven that Noble have an excellent product on their hands. It is light, quick and very precise as a track day tool and comfortable too. Moreso it is a true everyday car. Some people use their Ultima's in the same vein but after spending time in both I must admit that I would rate the Noble ahead of the Ultima for everyday use.
The Ultima and GTO are two totally different cars, but both have their advantages.
No doubt factory lovers everywhere will shoot me down in flames but I view this post as an open debate and not an 'Ultima is best' forum moderated by and for the Ultima factory.
So lets see if we can have an honest debate from both sides and see what it produces. It would also be nice if it were not moderated or have bits cut out here and there as long as we can all get along and play nicely having a laugh.
Particularly interested in hearing viewpoints from our coleaugues in the US (as they have the best choice in engines)
Let the debate begin
Very sensible and accurate comments from Simon,i would say thats a pretty fare assesment of the situation.One big plus for the Noble is that you can always trade it in for another car or even sell it to a dealer.I dont know what you would do with an Ultima which is what has put me off of buying previously.
Given the very specialist nature of the Ultima they don't seem to suffer from a lack of demand in the used car market.
I think it's pointless comparing the Noble to an Ultima. I also don't understand peoples desire to praise one British marque at the expense of another. I love Nobles' products and would be honoured to own any of them. I also love Ultimas and hope to own one one day.
For me the choice between all the marques is simple. I've experienced lots of high performance cars in my time and owned several examples of my first-love TVR, but none of them compare to the sheer ability of the Ultima. On top of this the engineering in an Ultima is excellent which cannot be said of most of the other low-volume vehicles.
In an ideal world I'd have an Ultima (or better yet, two - Canam and GTR), a TVR, Noble, Aston, Marcos, Caterham etc etc.
I think it's pointless comparing the Noble to an Ultima. I also don't understand peoples desire to praise one British marque at the expense of another. I love Nobles' products and would be honoured to own any of them. I also love Ultimas and hope to own one one day.
For me the choice between all the marques is simple. I've experienced lots of high performance cars in my time and owned several examples of my first-love TVR, but none of them compare to the sheer ability of the Ultima. On top of this the engineering in an Ultima is excellent which cannot be said of most of the other low-volume vehicles.
In an ideal world I'd have an Ultima (or better yet, two - Canam and GTR), a TVR, Noble, Aston, Marcos, Caterham etc etc.
As Jamie said, Nobles are great, that's why there are plenty of Noble owners.
However, Ultima are also great, that's why there are plenty of Noble owners.
Horses for courses, but as civilised as the Noble is, there are still plenty of people who have sold them as they aren't practical enough. The Ultima has more storage space for starters! Besides, you can make an Ultima as civilised as you want it to be, which is one of the reasons I'm building the Can-Am, to dispel the 'track car only' myth.
As for re-sale, well, the same is true for both marques. The right car, for the right price will sell. No question that Ultima's usually take a bit more time (mostly because owners are overly optimistic about their used value which doesn't equal build cost + 10k!), but if you price them right, for the right spec. they sell. Mine went in about 5 weeks.
The fact that you're still trying to shift yours says something though doesn't it
Don't get me wrong, I love the Noble, always have, but for me, the 'best' of both worlds lies, predictably, somewhere between the two.
However, Ultima are also great, that's why there are plenty of Noble owners.
Horses for courses, but as civilised as the Noble is, there are still plenty of people who have sold them as they aren't practical enough. The Ultima has more storage space for starters! Besides, you can make an Ultima as civilised as you want it to be, which is one of the reasons I'm building the Can-Am, to dispel the 'track car only' myth.
As for re-sale, well, the same is true for both marques. The right car, for the right price will sell. No question that Ultima's usually take a bit more time (mostly because owners are overly optimistic about their used value which doesn't equal build cost + 10k!), but if you price them right, for the right spec. they sell. Mine went in about 5 weeks.
The fact that you're still trying to shift yours says something though doesn't it
Don't get me wrong, I love the Noble, always have, but for me, the 'best' of both worlds lies, predictably, somewhere between the two.
2 years ago I had to take exactly this decision: Noble or Ultima. Before I flew to the UK I had kind of made up my mind, that it would be a Noble. Much more practical etc.
I visited both factories. The test drive with Ted was incredible. After such an experience it is nearly impossible not to buy this car, whether practical or not...
Also, the Ultima factory was very helpful with specification, homologation problems etc. And answered all mails promptly, in short: excellent customer service.
Then we visited Noble. Factory is a lot bigger and we had a good impression. But: no car there for a test drive, also no promise for a test drive later. Also, much less supportive, concerning export and homologation problems. My feeling was that they were not really interested to sell me the car. Or: that they would focus on UK customers only. Don´t know whether this is the case but I felt it this way. Also, I did not like the Mondeo rear lights and other details, so I was thinking from minute one how to change or tune the car. So in the end my wife took the decision, because she said that I should not buy a car with which I would not be totally happy.
And despite some technical difficulties (due to the extreme nature of the car) I am sure that the decision was right. Even today, looking at the Ultima in my garage every evening I come home from work, I have this great feeling in my stomach and just don´t believe that I own this car. I can still stand there for 10 minutes and just stare at it. This would just not be the same with a Noble, or Porsche, or Corvette...
I am afraid that also the new M14 will not change that - it simply does not have the looks of an Ultima, looks too modern, maybe even boring. But I am sure it will be practical for everyday use...
Just my opinion, of course.
I visited both factories. The test drive with Ted was incredible. After such an experience it is nearly impossible not to buy this car, whether practical or not...
Also, the Ultima factory was very helpful with specification, homologation problems etc. And answered all mails promptly, in short: excellent customer service.
Then we visited Noble. Factory is a lot bigger and we had a good impression. But: no car there for a test drive, also no promise for a test drive later. Also, much less supportive, concerning export and homologation problems. My feeling was that they were not really interested to sell me the car. Or: that they would focus on UK customers only. Don´t know whether this is the case but I felt it this way. Also, I did not like the Mondeo rear lights and other details, so I was thinking from minute one how to change or tune the car. So in the end my wife took the decision, because she said that I should not buy a car with which I would not be totally happy.
And despite some technical difficulties (due to the extreme nature of the car) I am sure that the decision was right. Even today, looking at the Ultima in my garage every evening I come home from work, I have this great feeling in my stomach and just don´t believe that I own this car. I can still stand there for 10 minutes and just stare at it. This would just not be the same with a Noble, or Porsche, or Corvette...
I am afraid that also the new M14 will not change that - it simply does not have the looks of an Ultima, looks too modern, maybe even boring. But I am sure it will be practical for everyday use...
Just my opinion, of course.
Hmmm the selling issues: The main reason I still have the car is because I have been plagued with tyre kickers like you would not believe. Never before have a heard such a large array of 'spiel, spin and bull'.
I know what the car owes me, I have the ball park figure of what the factory says I should ask for it a and I have my figure sitting somewhere inbetween.
The fact of the matter is that I simply love the car but I do not want to part ex it for an E-Type, or have it ragged round the track as a track day car (of which I have had plenty of offers) but the car is too good for that.
I have had serveral reasonable offers (which would see my outlay back and then some) but riduculous as it may seem, I need to know it is going to a good home - as they say I was unlucky with the timing and it is a bad time to sell a supercar in the winter months. Pointless anyhow becuaseyou just can't get the power down, and the car requires deep cleaning everytime it goes out. So its sits in the garage.
I openly admit I love the Noble. They are an excellent car and although I was very biased towards the Ultima, the Noble shines through in a different light. Now I am not about to jump on either side and say that this is better than, but it's the differences of both that make both cars so appealing
For instance;
You can drive a Noble for an hour and feel like you were just driving a Mondeo (and before the jibes start about the engine, those non-believers should have a go in one because those hair-driers make all the difference). You get out fresh and relaxed and can go about your business without being in the spotlight. If want to enable 'Stirling Moss Mode' - just press on. A true Jekyl and Hide car this is..
In an Ultima, it is a very different story. People stop what ever they are doing and stare and point. I have had a cyclist who stopped on the roundabout (his right of way) he just blocked the road and started clapping
Martins Noble also has a fairly dramatic appearance but I am convinced a lot of that is the colour! I wasn't prepared for the exhibitionist thing that comes with Ultima ownership, but after a while I did find it a tad tiresome.
When I get out of the Ultima after an hours 'drive' I need to sit down for 5 minutes (maybe I am just getting old?) When I return to the vehicle, there is normally a crowd of about 30 people there waiting to ask their questions.
GTRClive had it so bad with his yellow one that he used to leave a laminated spec sheet in the window so he didn't have to answer so many questions when he came back
For those that didn't know I cannot drive due to medical reasons so I am in no hurry to sell the old girl. If the right offer comes along I may sell but what in hells name can you replace it with? Is a Noble quicker? I don't think so but as I have earlier mentioned, I would consider buying a ragged GT0 and give it to Power Engineering and Superchips to play with. Duratecs are two a penny when you know the right people, and fortunately I do.
So, how about a 700hp 3.4 litre duratec then?
Worse case scenario for me is I would keep my old girl and have a play with a new engine with some Kinsler and some N20. Either way its not going to be too bad
Has anyone Ultima owner driven a Noble yet. If so what's your opinion?
I know what the car owes me, I have the ball park figure of what the factory says I should ask for it a and I have my figure sitting somewhere inbetween.
The fact of the matter is that I simply love the car but I do not want to part ex it for an E-Type, or have it ragged round the track as a track day car (of which I have had plenty of offers) but the car is too good for that.
I have had serveral reasonable offers (which would see my outlay back and then some) but riduculous as it may seem, I need to know it is going to a good home - as they say
I was unlucky with the timing and it is a bad time to sell a supercar in the winter months. Pointless anyhow becuaseyou just can't get the power down, and the car requires deep cleaning everytime it goes out. So its sits in the garage. I openly admit I love the Noble. They are an excellent car and although I was very biased towards the Ultima, the Noble shines through in a different light. Now I am not about to jump on either side and say that this is better than, but it's the differences of both that make both cars so appealing
For instance;
You can drive a Noble for an hour and feel like you were just driving a Mondeo (and before the jibes start about the engine, those non-believers should have a go in one because those hair-driers make all the difference). You get out fresh and relaxed and can go about your business without being in the spotlight. If want to enable 'Stirling Moss Mode' - just press on. A true Jekyl and Hide car this is..
In an Ultima, it is a very different story. People stop what ever they are doing and stare and point. I have had a cyclist who stopped on the roundabout (his right of way) he just blocked the road and started clapping
Martins Noble also has a fairly dramatic appearance but I am convinced a lot of that is the colour! I wasn't prepared for the exhibitionist thing that comes with Ultima ownership, but after a while I did find it a tad tiresome. When I get out of the Ultima after an hours 'drive' I need to sit down for 5 minutes (maybe I am just getting old?) When I return to the vehicle, there is normally a crowd of about 30 people there waiting to ask their questions.
GTRClive had it so bad with his yellow one that he used to leave a laminated spec sheet in the window so he didn't have to answer so many questions when he came back
For those that didn't know I cannot drive due to medical reasons so I am in no hurry to sell the old girl. If the right offer comes along I may sell but what in hells name can you replace it with? Is a Noble quicker? I don't think so but as I have earlier mentioned, I would consider buying a ragged GT0 and give it to Power Engineering and Superchips to play with. Duratecs are two a penny when you know the right people, and fortunately I do.
So, how about a 700hp 3.4 litre duratec then?
Worse case scenario for me is I would keep my old girl and have a play with a new engine with some Kinsler and some N20. Either way its not going to be too bad
Has anyone Ultima owner driven a Noble yet. If so what's your opinion?
Simon you are so right.Its not a case of whats the best as i think that we are talking about two of the best cars on the planet,this side of 300grand anyway.The way they differ speaks for itself,there both flipping quick and pretty outrageous as road cars and trust me its the same way with pics and questions.I just love cars and love to keep changing so as not to get bored.I havent done the Ultima thing yet so i guess its still in the blood,congrats to all of you who have.I have done a test drive with Ted and yes i did POOOooooo!!! me self.I only set about this as a serious toe in the water exercise to see if anyone is up for a trade.I still dont know if i will be able to bring myself to do it,maybe Simons idea of 500BHP in a Noble would be good idea.Mail me your number if you like Simon and i will give you a call.
>> Edited by UFO 2 NOB on Tuesday 7th December 19:28
>> Edited by UFO 2 NOB on Tuesday 7th December 19:28
Oh I missed that little snide comment:
Yes it does - it tells me one of two possibilities:
Either that the factory are trying to push up the second hand prices to help protect their residuals by giving me inflated recommended prices
OR
that you are insinuating that there is something non-standard about my car. Tell me what is non standard if this is the case
As you are probably aware my car was a factory built car and not a self build. The price new was well over £70k and the car has only done 6k miles and spent more time undercover than on the road.
I did say lets play nicely but it seems once again you have to have a dig and be smug.
Let the tin of worms be opened then
Stig said:
As for re-sale, well, the same is true for both marques. The right car, for the right price will sell. No question that Ultima's usually take a bit more time (mostly because owners are overly optimistic about their used value which doesn't equal build cost + 10k!), but if you price them right, for the right spec. they sell. Mine went in about 5 weeks.
The fact that you're still trying to shift yours says something though doesn't it
Yes it does - it tells me one of two possibilities:
Either that the factory are trying to push up the second hand prices to help protect their residuals by giving me inflated recommended prices
OR
that you are insinuating that there is something non-standard about my car. Tell me what is non standard if this is the case
As you are probably aware my car was a factory built car and not a self build. The price new was well over £70k and the car has only done 6k miles and spent more time undercover than on the road.
I did say lets play nicely but it seems once again you have to have a dig and be smug.
Let the tin of worms be opened then
B1 ECC said:
Stig said:
(I'm building the Can-Am, to dispel the 'track car only' myth.)
Why do you feel, you need to do that??
Don't see how building canams rather than GTR's will dispel this Myth?
I'm another person that loves both Ultimas and Nobles and it pains me to see such banter here, both are excellent cars with awsome performance, both have huge road presence AND both COULD be used everday if you really had the motivation to do so.
I drove my Ultima to work regularly rain or shine, even took it 100miles to AUTOSPORT and had to spend 2hrs digging the snow off my road to get out.
I love my Ultima GTR so much and had so much fun driving everywhere across Europe this year that I just had to share this with my partner, Dian.
Get ready... After some practice, off she went on her own across Germany, through France and to west UK. I could feel the fun just thinking about her in between our phone calls.
So you young lads, if you saw a 57 year old grandmother driving by on the autobahn at 150MPH in a yellow GTR, that was her. What a shame, I thought, if our lives were over without ever experiencing that.
(of course we've been owning fast cars most of our lives -- and I got to bring it back alone!)
Get ready... After some practice, off she went on her own across Germany, through France and to west UK. I could feel the fun just thinking about her in between our phone calls.
So you young lads, if you saw a 57 year old grandmother driving by on the autobahn at 150MPH in a yellow GTR, that was her. What a shame, I thought, if our lives were over without ever experiencing that.
(of course we've been owning fast cars most of our lives -- and I got to bring it back alone!)
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