We Saw the Nichols N1A in Person-A 2,000-Pound V8 Hypercar That Shouldn't Be Road Legal
The Nichols N1A is one of the most anticipated releases of the year. Designed by Steve Nichols, the mind behind the dominant McLaren MP4/4 Formula One car, the N1A shares a similar mantra.
In photos, the N1A looks like a car that belongs on a track or in a museum. Seeing it in person at the 2026 Salon Privé Concours only reinforces that impression. It's striking, low to the ground, compact, has an engine with way too much power, and only comes offered with a manual transmission. Did we mention it's road-legal, too?
The Nichols N1A Prototype
The car on display was the final development prototype, the one Nichols Cars will use to complete validation before customer deliveries begin in mid-2026. In other words, what you're looking at is essentially the finished product. And up close, you'll notice it's just 4.3 meters (14.1 feet) long and under a meter tall (3.25 feet) – your face will be exposed to the elements – and has a very steep front end. The exposed simplicity is part of the appeal, as is the stance, helped by staggered wheels with tires measuring 245 at the front and 305 at the rear.
Underneath, a bonded aluminium and carbon fibre chassis keeps the weight to around 900 kg (1,984 lbs). Mechanically, it stays true to its philosophy. A six-speed manual is standard, with no automatic option – even power steering is optional. Buyers can choose between a naturally aspirated Chevrolet LT1 V8 that makes either 454 hp or 513 hp, or step up to a 7.0-litre unit producing over 640 hp.
ICON 88 And A Near-Perfect Season
Prices start at $500,000, and production will be limited to 100 units, with the first 15 cars forming the ICON 88 series. These limited-run examples will benefit from more standard equipment, including carbon wheels, carbon brakes, an Inconel exhaust, and, of course, the 641-hp 7.0-liter V8.
Each will be individually tailored and numbered to reflect one of the 15 victories achieved by the McLaren MP4/4 during the 1988 season in the hands of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost. That season had 16 races, and should have been a clean sweep, but its perfect record was broken at Monza after Senna had an altercation with a backmarker. This N1A prototype represents the "16th race," closing the gap nearly four decades later, in spirit at least.
A Road-Legal F1 Car In Spirit
Seeing the N1A emphasises that it truly is as uncompromising as it looks. No screens, no driver aids, no creature comforts, and a body that looks nearly identical to an old F1 car. And it really does make you wonder how Steve Nichols and his team managed to make a car that looks like this road legal.
According to Nichols, buyers can customize their N1A however they want, whether it be a bespoke color, material, or finish – you can even spec yours with a custom livery. Chances are, most of the 100 N1A units will hibernate in a garage and appreciate. But to the handful of owners who actually drive them, it will be a reincarnation, reminding them of a time that existed long, long ago.
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 4:30 PM.