In a world dominated by technology and comfort, there are still companies looking to pay homage to real racing and legendary drivers like Ayrton Senna. During Monterey Car Week this year, hidden among the hypercars and avant-garde prototypes was a new custom-built British car with a Formula 1 pedigree: The Nichols N1A ICON 88.
The name "Nichols" probably doesn't mean much to most, but it's deserving of our attention. The car was developed by Steve Nichols, the very engineer who designed the legendary McLaren MP4/4 driven by Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost during their dominant 1988 season.
Technically, the N1A is a racing barchetta for the street. The chassis houses a 7.0-liter naturally aspirated V-8 engine, developed from a General Motors LS3 block, but completely revised with bespoke components: pistons, connecting rods, dry sump system, and electronic throttles. The result is 650 horsepower, unloaded to the rear wheels through an in-house-developed six-speed manual transmission.
However, the most impressive figure is the weight: just 1,984 pounds thanks to a carbon-fiber body with graphene that's derived directly from Formula 1. This translates into a power-to-weight ratio of about 720-hp per ton, a figure worthy of a real racing car.
The N1A’s aerodynamics were honed in the MIRA wind tunnel to strike the ideal balance between downforce and drag. Its suspension features a double-wishbone layout with racing-grade components, while braking is handled by motorsport-style multi-piston calipers. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires wrap around 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, giving it serious grip.
The result? A completely analog, unfiltered driving experience built for those who want to feel every inch of the road. Electronic aids are kept to a bare minimum: traction control is standard, while ABS and power steering are available only as options.
Inside, the cockpit takes clear inspiration from the McLaren MP4/4. There’s a fully reclined driving position, a single seat, and a gearshift lever reminiscent of the one Ayrton Senna used. Analog gauges, machined aluminum controls, and premium leather trim create a focused, distraction-free environment—everything tailored to the driver.
The N1A is the debut model from Nichols Cars, a company founded in 2017 by Steve Nichols and CEO John Minett. Their mission is to build a pure, exhilarating sports car without aesthetic compromise—one that blends classic design cues with modern engineering precision. The N1A is directly inspired by the McLaren M1A, the brand’s first iconic racing car from the 1960s.
Nichols is launching the car under the “ICON 88” banner, with the first 15 cars paying tribute to each of the 15 victories secured by the McLaren MP4/4 during the 1988 F1 season. It's a nod not just to Nichols' own engineering legacy, but to one of the most dominant eras in Formula 1 history.
