BUSINESSMEN are ordering an award-winning British sports car in an effort to enhance corporate image, according to manufacturer Noble Moy. The £45,000 Leicestershire-built Noble M12 GTO has achieved 100 sales in eight months.

The cars are being built at a rate of two a week and the waiting list stretches to next May. Sales and marketing manager, Alan Wallace said: 'We've had orders from lots of small businessmen, and even discussions with one major leasing firm about using the car on an incentive-based fleet.'

The M12 GTO is powered by a 310bhp Ford V6 2.5-litre Duratec engine and will blast to 60mph from standstill in 3.9 seconds.