Noble Automotive

Overview

Noble Automotive is a British artisan manufacturer of lightweight, high-performance sports cars focused on driver involvement without electronic aids. It positions itself outside the mainstream supercar market, producing limited volumes of hand-built vehicles like the M500 for enthusiasts seeking pure driving experiences.¹³

History

Noble Automotive Ltd. was founded in 1999 by Lee Noble in Leeds, West Yorkshire, initially as Printamber Limited, to produce high-speed, lightweight sports cars with rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layouts.¹⁵ Lee Noble sold the company in 2006 and resigned in 2008 to start Fenix Automotive, after which Peter Dyson took ownership.⁴⁷ The company relocated to larger premises and continues small-scale production, building about 50 cars annually.¹⁴

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Vehicles are hand-built in England by a small team of craftsmen to client specifications.³ Production remains in-house at their Leicester facility, emphasizing bespoke assembly.¹

Notable Products

• Noble M500 - Current flagship model, super lightweight and nimble, hand-built for ultimate driver reward.
• Noble M600 - High-performance model succeeding earlier designs, focused on speed and handling without electronics.
• Noble M12 - Early model known as 'Ferrari Killer' for its exceptional engineering and lightweight construction.

Reputation

Noble is praised by enthusiasts for its driver-focused purity, lightweight design, and raw performance without reliance on electronics.³⁴ Professionals note its niche appeal in producing rare, hand-built cars with strong handling credentials.⁷ Criticisms center on very limited production volumes and exclusivity, making ownership challenging.⁴