It’s been six years since legendary Formula 1 engineer Steve Nichols and John Minett founded Nichols Cars with the goal of creating a car of extraordinary performance and presence. For inspiration, they looked to what is often referred to as the first ‘real’ McLaren – the M1A.
The M1A, positioned as a lightweight, open-top, mid-engined racing car, weighed just 551 kgs. This gave it an impressive power-to-weight ratio, making it a formidable opponent on the track.
DNA of the M1A
The DNA of the M1A can be found in Nichols Cars new road-going N1A, a lightweight, rear-wheel drive sportscar with minimal driver aids and a naturally-aspirated V8 engine. Featuring precise visual and performance enhancements, the N1A aims to capture the attention of automotive enthusiasts worldwide as its timeless design and impressive engineering specifications celebrate the true meaning of driving: being in control.
Hints of the McLaren MP4/4 can also be seen throughout the N1A. The bodywork, a thoroughly modern interpretation of the M1A, is produced from F1-grade graphene-infused carbonfibre which helps to give the car rigidity as well as contributing to the light weight.
With a power-to-weight ratio of nearly 700 bhp per tonne (depending on the engine specification), drivers can feel immersed in the true Can-Am racing experience.
To ensure it’s as aerodynamically efficient as possible, the N1A has been sculpted in the MIRA wind tunnel. Part of the challenge was to retain the exceptional shape whilst enhancing drag and downforce, both of which have been achieved.
Derived from GM engine block
The ‘beating heart’ of the top-of-the-range N1A is a 7-litre all-alloy V8 developed by Nichols Cars. Starting out as an LS3 block from General Motors, extensive engine upgrades boosted total power output to 650 bhp, meaning the N1A in this specification has nearly 700 bhp per tonne.
Coupled with a choice of transmissions (manual 6 speed is standard) supplied by Dana Graziano, the N1A is a proficient racing car for the road.
Designed for connection to the road
Nichols’ decades of experience and know-how are evidently visible when it comes to the N1A’s chassis. With power steering offered as an optional extra, the N1A’s rack-and-pinion steering, along with its motorsport-derived multi-piston front and rear brakes, aims to connect the driver as much to the road as possible.
The N1A’s chassis uses next-generation carbonfibre and lightweight yet strong aluminium.
The aggressive stance is a result of a wider body and a longer wheelbase than the original McLaren M1A and the application of modern design influences.
Additionally, the N1A will be fitted with low-profile Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, making the most of the modern innovations available.
Racing car cockpit approach
Inside, the cockpit reflects the stripped-back approach of a racing car, with the dashboard dials that reference the golden era of motor racing.
The execution, however, is pure sophistication, with top-grade leathers and fabrics, and aluminium components machined from the solid billet.
Featuring an Ayrton Senna-inspired gearknob, the N1A’s fully reclined seating position is like that of the MP4/4, giving drivers a chance to experience exactly what Senna and Prost saw.
Limited run of 115 units
Expected to be priced around £450,000 (about RM2.62 million), the first 15 units to be built from the last quarter of this year will be special. Each will be individually numbered series, celebrating a specific victory of Nichols’ McLaren MP4/4 Formula 1 car in 1988. After that first batch, Nichols Cars plans to make another 100 units.
