Nichols has started building customer N1A supercars, signalling the transition from prototype to production for the analogue, Can-Am-inspired British performance car.
The move to production follows a comprehensive development programme focused squarely on delivering the purest, most immersive driving experience.
The final phase of development saw the Nichols engineering team focus N1A refinements on driver connection and sensory feedback. Enhancements made by the engineering team centred on amplifying the analogue driving experience and maximising driver interaction.
Nichols CEO John Minett officially signed off development following a final prototype validation drive designed to reflect real-world customer use. Beginning in South Wales, the N1A traversed the scenic, challenging roads of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons National Park) before completing a high-speed test at Pembrey Circuit. The programme demonstrated the N1A’s breadth of capability – from immersive road driving to sustained performance at the limit.
John Minett, Nichols Cars CEO said: “Beginning production of our first N1A customer cars is hugely significant for everyone at Nichols. The development process has been deeply rewarding, not least because we’ve shared the car openly with customers, race drivers, and the media throughout. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and that feedback has played a valuable part in refining the prototype into the supercar we’re now building.”
Inspired by the McLaren M1A and developed under the direction of legendary Formula One designer Steve Nichols, the car distils decades of elite motorsport expertise into a deliberately focused road-going platform.
With a final production weight under 900kg and powered by a the optional naturally aspirated 7.0-litre V8 producing 700bhp or standard 475bhp V8, the N1A delivers an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of up to 780bhp/tonne. A six-speed manual transmission further enhances driver engagement, reinforcing the car’s commitment to a fully analogue driving experience.
Alongside validating the N1A’s core philosophy, the development programme delivered a series of targeted enhancements, now incorporated into the production car. The team revised ECU calibrations to improve road and track performance, while braking changes delivered better balance under high-speed deceleration.
New four-way adjustable dampers deliver broader tunability and greater tyre feedback. Spring rates have been tuned to ensure predictable balance through corners, while cooling is also boosted through the adoption of a wider radiator, improving efficiency during low-speed driving and in traffic.
Aerodynamic refinements include the addition of a new rear diffuser and a revised rear valance.
Production is supported through Nichols Cars’ new partnership with RML (Ray Mallock Ltd), whose expertise in engineering and manufacturing low-volume, high-performance road and race cars will play a central role in the delivery of customer vehicles.
No more than 150 Nichols N1A models will be produced, with pricing starting from £450,000 ($570,000 approx.) before taxes. The initial launch edition – the ‘Icon 88’ – is limited to just 15 cars, priced from £500,000 ($635,000 approx.) before taxes.