Bucket Seat Options For The Noble M12
The Noble M12 is a lightweight, high-performance sports car with a compact and driver-focused cockpit. When upgrading the seats in this car, space is a major consideration. The narrow interior and low driving position mean that only specific bucket seats will fit without extensive modifications. In this guide, we explore the best bucket seat options for the Noble M12, ranging from direct bolt-in replacements to aftermarket bucket seats that require minimal modification.
Understanding the Noble M12’s Cabin Space Constraints:
The Noble M12 features a tight and low-slung cockpit, meaning seat width and height are critical factors when selecting aftermarket seats. The key considerations for seat fitment include:
- Width at the Shoulders – Wide bucket seats may interfere with the doors or center tunnel.
- Seat Height – The M12 has a low driving position, and taller seats can reduce headroom.
- Mounting Position – The stock seats are designed to sit between the floor rails rather than on top, which makes some aftermarket seats sit too high.
Previous Noble Owners Installation Experiences
To avoid fitment issues, it’s essential to select a narrow, low-profile seat that can be installed while maintaining a comfortable driving position. For a good aftermarket bucket seat reference one owner noted that a Cobra Suzuka GT racing seat was likely “too wide at the shoulders” for the M12, whereas a narrower model would fit better. Tall side bolsters can also make it hard to climb in and out due to the low roofline. Seat height/position is another concern; the seating position in the M12 is very low to the floor, and any new seat that sits higher can cause headroom issues (one 6’4″ driver’s head touched the roof after raising his seat with a cushion). The stock M12 bucket is actually shaped to sit between the floor rails, not on top of the, meaning many flat-bottom aftermarket seats will sit above the rails and raise your driving position if they are wide at the base – something to avoid if you plan to wear a helmet or are tall. In short, you’ll want a narrow, low-profile seat and a clever mounting solution to preserve the M12’s precious space.
Direct Bolt-In Upgrade: Noble M400 Seats
One of the easiest seat upgrades for the Noble M12 is the factory seats from the later Noble M400 model. These seats are a direct bolt-in replacement, fitting perfectly onto the M12’s existing seat mounts without any modification.
Why Choose the M400 Seats?
- Perfect Fitment – They bolt directly onto the M12’s factory seat rails, ensuring hassle-free installation.
- Improved Comfort – The M400 seats provide better lateral support and cushioning compared to the standard M12 seats.
- Maintains Low Driving Position – Since these seats were designed for the Noble chassis, they preserve the original driving ergonomics.
Potential Drawbacks:
- Limited Availability – Since the M400 was produced in low numbers, finding these seats on the used market can be difficult.
- No Major Performance Upgrade – While they improve comfort and support, they don’t offer the same level of grip and weight savings as aftermarket bucket seats.
If you can find a pair of M400 seats in good condition, they are the simplest way to upgrade the M12’s seating while maintaining factory-like fitment and comfort. For those looking for a more performance-oriented upgrade, check out our recommended aftermarket bucket seats below.
Aftermarket Bucket Seats for the Noble M12
If you’re looking for an aftermarket racing seat, the key is to find a model that is narrow enough to fit within the M12’s compact interior while still providing improved support and comfort. Below, we’ve broken down the best seat options by brand, all of which have been used successfully in a Noble M12.
Reverie Mulsanne Carbon-Fiber Bucket Seats Range
Reverie produces lightweight carbon seats for Lotus and Noble applications. Enthusiasts have found these to be an ideal fit for the M12’s narrow cockpit – one owner said the Reverie seat was “perfect” in concept for the Noble (Noble M12 performance parts – Page 1 – Noble – PistonHeads UK). These seats are fixed-back racing buckets made of autoclaved carbon fiber, so they are extremely light and thin, maximizing space.
Installation:
Reveries Mulsanne bucket seats are side-mounted buckets and will require appropriate side brackets; however, since they are designed for similar small sports cars (Elise/Exige), the dimensions are compatible with the Noble M12. You may need to drill adapter plates but no major structural mods.
Why Choose Reverie?
- Ultra-Lightweight Carbon Construction – Helps improve power-to-weight ratio.
- Perfect Fit for Small Cockpits – Designed for tight interior spaces, making them an ideal fit for the M12.
- Fixed-Back Racing Seat – Offers maximum support for track driving.
Considerations:
- Requires custom brackets for installation.
- Minimal padding, which may reduce comfort for longer drives.
- Higher price point compared to other options.
If you’re building a track-focused M12, Reverie seats are an excellent choice for weight savings and performance. Here are our top picks…
Tillett B1 Carbon Bucket Seats
Another premium option is Tillett Racing Seats, known for ultra-thin motorsport shells. Tillett has a range of seats (often used in Caterhams, Lotus, etc.), and indeed the Tillett B1 model has been fitted in a Noble M12 with great success shown in these images we found (Tillett Seats | tillettseats)
Installation:
Like the Reverie, these are side-mount race seats. You would likely need to fabricate or buy adapter plates to bolt the side brackets to the M12 floor. The B1 in the photo was custom-fitted, so expect some work to get the angle and position right.
Why Choose Tillett?
- Ultra-Thin Carbon Shell – One of the lightest bucket seats available.
- Fits the Noble M12 Perfectly – The B1 model has been successfully installed by other owners.
- Excellent Side Support – Keeps the driver locked in during aggressive cornering.
Considerations:
- Requires side-mount brackets for installation.
- Less padding than traditional bucket seats, making it more suited for track use.
If you’re looking for a minimalist racing seat that fits without major modifications, the Tillett B1 is one of the best choices.
Cobra Nogaro Bucket Seats
Cobra Seats (a UK manufacturer) offers a variety of fiberglass bucket seats, and several have been tried in the Noble. One Noble owner managed to install Cobra Suzuka seats in his M12 and noted they were “by far the most comfortable backed seats I’ve sat in a Noble” in terms of driving support. However, this referred to the 2000-2018 Cobra Suzuka model and since then have gotten considerably bigger so we don’t recommend using these seats we suggest using the Nogaro bucket seat range from Cobra. This seat range have many different models to choose from that all share the same slim-line design that can fit inside the restricted cockpit in the Noble.
Installation:
Moderate to Difficult. The Cobra Nogaro is side-mounted; we suggest bolting the seat directly to the floor to keep it low as this seat has a tall back. That illustrates the challenge – to retain headroom, you might have to skip sliders and get creative. The M12’s floor has crossmembers that can interfere with flat aftermarket seat bases, so side-mount brackets are the way to go. Expect to spend time adjusting bracket geometry or even trimming parts of the seat shell to clear the console or doors, we recommend only doing this for non-competitive events.
Why Choose Cobra Nogaro?
- Slim Profile for Tight Cabins – The Cobra Nogaro is specifically designed for small sports cars, making it an ideal fit for the Noble M12.
- Hybrid Design – Track & Road Ready – Offers fixed-back racing seat support while maintaining road-going comfort.
- Multiple Trim Options – Available in standard, club sport, and circuit variations, with different trim materials including leather, vinyl, and Alcantara.
- Harness & Seatbelt Compatible – Works with both four-point harnesses and factory seat belts, making it a versatile option.
Considerations:
- May require custom mounting brackets for the lowest possible seating position.
- Fixed-back design means no reclining function, so it may not be ideal for daily comfort.
- More suited for fast road and track day use rather than full FIA motorsport events.
The Cobra Nogaro is one of the best bucket seat options for Noble M12 owners who want a slim, supportive, and stylish seat that doesn’t require extensive modifications.
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Sparco & OMP Racing Seats
Many mid-range Sparco and OMP fixed-back seats can also work in the M12. Any suitably sized Sparco should fit, the key is picking the right size, the Sparco Sprint and Rev buckets are compact enough for Miatas and should slot into the Noble with custom brackets. On the OMP side, the OMP TRS-E seat (a tubular steel-framed bucket) has actually been installed in a Noble M12 GTO-3R with success.
Installation:
Moderate. These seats are usually base-mounted or side-mounted depending on the model. The Sparco Sprint and OMP TRS can be base or side-mounted and the Sparco Rev is side-mounted only, which means you’ll likely need to fabricate an adapter to the floor holes and be mindful of seat height. In some cases, it might be easier to convert them to side-mount using brackets. The process isn’t plug-and-play, but it’s well-trodden by kit-car builders – essentially, you’ll be creating a low-profile bracket to marry the seat to the Noble’s floor.
Why Choose Sparco or OMP?
- Affordable FIA-Approved Options – Budget-friendly without compromising safety.
- Compact Fitment – The Sparco Rev and OMP TRS-E are small enough to fit the M12’s cockpit.
- Used in Multiple Performance Cars – Commonly installed in tight-space sports cars.
Considerations:
- Mounting varies between models – Some require side mounts, while others use base mounting.
- Custom brackets may be needed for installation.
For those looking for an entry-level FIA bucket seat, Sparco and OMP seats provide great value for money.
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Mounting & Bracket Considerations
Swapping seats in a Noble M12 requires some custom mounting work, but it can be done with minimal permanent modifications. The stock seats bolt through the floor with four bolts into a seat pan/tray, while the narrow factory slider rails sit on raised metal supports. When installing aftermarket bucket seats, there are a few mounting options to consider:
1. Mounting to Stock Slider Rails
If the new seat is narrow enough to fit between the rails, adapter plates can be fabricated to attach side brackets to the original sliders, allowing for fore-aft adjustability. However, many bucket seats are wider at the base, causing them to sit on top of the rails rather than between them, which raises the seating position. Before installation, check for clearance to ensure the seat doesn’t interfere with the chassis rails or restrict movement.
2. Fixed Floor Mounting
For maximum headroom and rigidity, many Noble owners hard-mount their seats directly to the floor, eliminating sliders. The M12’s reinforced floor area can accommodate side brackets bolted directly into place. While this ensures the lowest possible seating position, it removes adjustability, meaning the seat must be positioned for the primary driver. Some owners fix the driver’s seat while keeping a slider on the passenger side for flexibility.
3. Custom Brackets
A popular option is to have a fabricator create custom brackets that bolt into the stock mounting points, allowing for a secure fit without modifying the chassis. Noble specialists and race shops can build low-profile steel brackets tailored to the offset seating position of the M12 while ensuring clearance for seatbelt receptacles. When bolting through the floor, always use high-strength hardware and large reinforcing washers for safety.
4. Seatbelt & Harness Mounting
The M12 comes with four-point harnesses that must be correctly routed through the seat’s belt slots. Shoulder belts should be aligned with the harness bar, and if using a three-point seatbelt, the buckle receptacle must be properly positioned. Many owners bolt the buckle receptacle to the new seat bracket or floor mount to ensure compliance with road safety regulations.
Conclusion – Choosing the Right Seat for Your Noble M12
The best bucket seat for your Noble M12 depends on your specific needs:
- For a Simple, Bolt-In Upgrade: Noble M400 seats are the best option.
- For Track-Focused Performance: Reverie Mulsanne or Tillett B1 seats are the top choices.
- For FIA Motorsport Use: Cobra Suzuka, Sparco Rev, or OMP TRS-E offer the best combination of safety and support.
- For Road Use & Comfort: Recaro reclining seats provide the best daily driving experience.
By selecting the right bucket seat, you’ll enhance both comfort and performance in your Noble M12. Need help finding the perfect seat? Contact us today for expert advice!