Nichols begins customer car production of N1A supercar

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 says: “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.”

 In production form, the N1A stays true to its original brief as a lightweight, analogue supercar engineered to prioritise feel, balance, and mechanical honesty over digital intervention. 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 900 kg (sub-2000 lbs) and powered by a the optional naturally aspirated 7.0-litre V8 producing 700 bhp or standard 475 bhp V8, the N1A delivers an exceptional power-to-weight ratio of up to 780 bhp/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. Together, the updates ensure greater confidence and accessibility for a broader range of drivers.

New four-way adjustable dampers deliver broader tunability and greater tyre feedback, improving ride quality and precision. Spring rates have been tuned to ensure predictable balance through corners, particularly under track loads, while remaining more accessible and compliant on road. Cooling is also boosted through the adoption of a wider radiator, improving efficiency during low-speed driving and in traffic, while aerodynamic refinements include the addition of 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. Each Icon 88 model commemorates one of the McLaren MP4/4’s 15 victories during the 1988 Formula One season when Steve Nichols was the team’s Chief Designer. 

Customer deliveries will begin later this year.

Why not Sign-up to Receive these Articles by Email each Day on our newsfeed site

>> Scroll down to read more articles like this which have been published recently on this blog <<

You can also read additional current and archived articles on our dedicated magazine website

Low Cost and Free Publicity - Your company can easily benefit from some publicity like the posts above for a contribution towards our layout costs (£75 to £95 plus VAT), payable in advance or you can receive the service absolutely free of charge if you advertise (see below).

We post articles up to twice a day and never delete them - we only archive them each year so that they continue to remain visible to search engines.

To have your story published - just send us your news item, logo and image(s) and we will review the material, make any necessary changes to the wording / wordcount and then advise you when it will be published.

If you are a regular advertiser in our printed and online publications, placing series bookings for adverts or subscribing to our VIP Packages, you will qualify for a specific number of free postings on this blog while you continue to advertise with us. See our media pack for more details.

Also, if you purchase one of our Online and Print Combo packages, Featured Articles or Advertorial packages shown in our media pack, posting on this blog is included in the price.

For details and rates for all of our advertising options in print and online, download our media pack contact us or visit our website.

Door Industry Journal is a trading style of Clearview Group Limited - Company No. 06999111

Return to the Door Industry Journal Website