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Originally Posted by boggtown
I read an articale in car and driver saying the noble was the unsafest (I dont really know what the most unsafe car is, so Im exagerating a little bit) kit car made. They are made in africa and have to be sent in 2 pieces to be labeled as a kit car because it doesnt pass emesions or safety tests IIRC. I will have to look at my car and drivers, there was a 3 page article or something on it.
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Hi,
Sorry, but I think you misinterpreted the article. The Noble M400 is manufactured in South Africa by , the same people who produce the Superformance Cobra Replicas - considered to be one of the best.
Due to the small number of Nobles sold, they are not submitted to either DOT Crash Impact tests or EPA Emissions tests. These are destructive tests and at least 4 cars are needed to complete it. This is why cars like the Porsche 959, McLaren F1, Pagani Zonda and such can only be imported under special certificates allowing no more than 2k mi./yr. use. Also, the Noble lacks an AirBag system. But it boasts a Steel chassis and Pan w/ full integral Roll Cage, 5-point Harness, Side Impact Beams, so it's probably safer than even the Boxster.
Since it lacks DOT and EPA certification, it can only be imported as a
Component Car, very different than a Kit Car. A Component Car is fully factory assembled, but lacks the Engine/Drivetrain which is installed here with an EPA Certified powerplant (3.0L Duratec V6). In Britain and other parts of the world, the Car is sold complete Turnkey, just like the Boxster.
There's a Great article on which car of AutoCar's Best Driver's Car consistening of some of the world's most notable cars such as the 911 GT3RS, Gallardo, Enzo, AM DB9, Lotus Elise and Exige, MB SLK350, etc. The Winner? The Noble M400. See it here: -
http://www.1gracing.com/images/autocar.pdf
Happy Motoring!... Jim'99