Meet The 700-HP Nichols N1A Roadster Created By A Formula 1 Engineering Legend

Building a sports car from scratch is never easy, especially for a small company. Yet after more than four years of development, the Nichols N1A is finally here. The lightweight roadster comes from Steve Nichols, the engineer behind legendary Formula 1 cars like the McLaren MP4/1, MP4/3, and MP4/4.

The N1A takes inspiration from classic race cars and sticks to a simple formula: low weight, big power, and maximum driver involvement. It rides on a bonded aluminum and carbon-fiber chassis, wears carbon-fiber body panels, and tips the scales at less than 2,000 lbs. Production will be limited to fewer than 150 examples worldwide. Good luck spotting one.

Buyers can choose between two naturally aspirated V8 engines. The standard 6.2-liter Chevrolet V8 produces 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, while the range-topping 7.0-liter LS7 delivers 700 hp and 600 lb-ft. In its most powerful form, the N1A can reach 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

Big power figures are only part of the story. Nichols wanted the N1A to feel raw and engaging, which is why it skips many of the electronic systems found in modern performance cars. There's no complicated technology getting between the driver and the road. Instead, power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. The N1A is backed up by proper performance hardware, including double-wishbone suspension, adjustable dampers, and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.

The Nichols N1A will be built alongside RML Group, the British engineering company with decades of motorsport experience. Prices start at £450,000 ($604,000), while the first 15 cars will be special Icon 88 editions priced from £500,000 ($671,000). Each one celebrates a victory from McLaren's dominant 1988 Formula 1 season. For purists, that's the part of the appeal.