Nichols Cars Launches £540,000 Analogue Supercar Inspired by 1960s Racers
The new Nichols N1A, designed by ex-Formula 1 engineer Steve Nichols, boasts a 700bhp V8 engine and weighs under 900kg.
Nichols Cars, a new British manufacturer, has begun production of its N1A supercar, a vehicle inspired by the unrestricted racers of the 1960s. Priced at £450,000 before tax (equating to £540,000 with VAT), the N1A is being produced in a limited run of 150 examples.
The N1A's design and engineering are led by Steve Nichols, an American ex-Formula 1 designer whose past work includes the highly successful McLaren MP4/4. Nichols also has experience with Ferrari, Sauber, Jordan, and Jaguar. The car's name is a direct reference to the 1967 McLaren M1A Can-Am racer.
Performance and Design
The N1A is characterized by its focus on an "analogue" driving experience, eschewing modern digital interventions. It weighs less than 900 kilograms and is powered by a naturally aspirated 7.0-litre Chevrolet V8 engine that produces 700 horsepower. This results in a power-to-weight ratio exceeding that of a Bugatti Chiron. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, with all power sent exclusively to the rear wheels. Driver aids such as traction control, power steering, and switchable ABS are available as optional extras. The car is capable of accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 3.5 seconds.
The chassis is constructed from a bonded aluminum and carbon-fiber combination, with the retro-styled bodywork made entirely of carbon fiber. The design features prominent front wheel arches, a low nose, a roofless body, and an exposed roll cage, echoing the aesthetic of 1960s Can-Am machines. The car has also undergone aerodynamic testing.
Production and Editions
While Nichols Cars is based in Surrey, the 150 N1As will be built in partnership with engineer specialist RML in Wellingborough. Development for the N1A took three years, with production commencing after its unveiling in 2023.
The first 15 examples will be designated as 'Icon 88' launch editions, commemorating the 15 victories of the McLaren MP4/4 in the 1988 Formula One season. Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin later this year.
Nichols Cars chief executive John Minett stated that the development process has been rewarding, with customer and media feedback incorporated into refining the prototype. The company emphasizes that the N1A is engineered to prioritize feel, balance, and mechanical honesty over digital intervention.