Ultima started life in the hands of Lee Noble, who designed and built its first machine back in 1983 for a kit-car race series. Originally fitted with a smorgasbord of parts from an Austin Princess and Ford Cortina, with the engine and transmission from a Renault 30, the design was updated with Noble Motorsports' own rear suspension before the first Ultima Sports car was sold.
One of the 13 Mk2s eventually bought went to a man called Ted Marlow who, unhappy with its power output, swapped the Renault 30 components for a Chevrolet V8 and a Porsche four-speed transmission. After months of tinkering, and Noble Motorsports' creation of a new aluminium space frame chassis for the Mk3, his Ultima was perfected, many races were won and Marlow wanted a piece of the project. Having bought the company, his vision to turn a race car into one that could be used on the road was realised and Ultima as we know it was born.
The GTR you see before you was not only the road-going replacement for the Ultima Sports, but also a winner in its own right. Holding as it did the the world record for fastest 0-100-0mph time with 9.4 seconds - a feat that has admittedly since been overshadowed by more mind-boggling numbers.
Fitted with 383 cubic inches of Chevy V8 goodness linked to a Porsche G50 6-speed gearbox and sitting on a space frame chassis, this car is good for over 500hp. In something weighing under 1000kg you'll need your wits about you to keep it together then. And you can be sure everyone will be watching if you don't, because if they can't hear you coming they will surely see you - painted chrome orange and with a rear spoiler delete, this model looks like it's built to show up far more expensive machines in style as well as substance.
The interior isn't one that could be considered luxurious though - think more racecar purposeful than supercar plush - with just five dials and a row of switches filling the dash, but the odd luxury is thrown in... like a radio. However, if you want to listen to it, you'll need the assistance of a passenger, as it's in their foot well.
As for alternatives, well they're few and far between. Want all that power but also to get a little closer to the elements? A Caterham 620R is one to consider. How about a little more luxury with your brutish American V8? There's always the Chevrolet Corvette. In reality though, if an Ultima is a car you're considering, the sheer power and visceral rawness of the thing will likely leave a bitter taste if you end up with anything else...
ULTIMA GTR
Engine: 6,300cc, V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 541@5,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 528@4,800rpm
MPG: N/A
CO2: N/A
First registered: 2008
Recorded mileage: 6,200 miles
Price new: from £45,500
Yours for: £44,950
See the original advert here