Monterey, 19 August 2025 – Nichols Cars has officially made its U.S. debut at this year’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, unveiling the N1A in its exclusive ICON 88 specification. Shown on 17 August in the event’s prestigious “Concept Beach” enclosure, the launch series of the Nichols N1A embodies a rare synthesis of motorsport heritage, cutting-edge materials, and uncompromising driver engagement.
Created by legendary Formula One designer Steve Nichols, the ICON 88 marks a fitting homage to the 1988 McLaren MP4/4, one of the most dominant cars in F1 history. Each of the 15 ICON 88 models will commemorate one of the MP4/4’s 15 Grand Prix victories, a triumph Nichols himself engineered for Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.
In addition to the unveiling, Steve Nichols served as an Honorary Judge at Pebble Beach, bringing decades of racing expertise and a famously meticulous eye for detail to the judging panels.
A Modern Classic Born from Motorsport DNA
Drawing inspiration from the original McLaren M1A of the 1960s, the N1A’s sculpted silhouette captures the elegance and aggression of one of Britain’s earliest racing icons. Yet beneath its flowing lines lies thoroughly modern engineering. The body employs Formula One-grade graphene-infused carbon fibre, offering exceptional rigidity while keeping the weight remarkably low. Aerodynamic refinement in the MIRA wind tunnel balances drag and downforce, ensuring the car performs as beautifully as it looks.
At 900 kilograms in top specification, the N1A ICON 88 delivers a staggering power-to-weight ratio approaching 700 bhp per tonne. This is made possible by a hand-built 7.0-litre naturally aspirated V8, derived from a GM LS3 block and re-engineered with steel liners, bespoke pistons and conrods, a dry sump lubrication system, and drive-by-wire throttle bodies, producing 650 bhp. Power reaches the rear wheels via a Nichols-developed six-speed manual gearbox, chosen to maintain an unfiltered mechanical connection.
Precision Chassis, Pure Driving Experience
The chassis showcases decades of motorsport expertise. Hand-fabricated independent suspension, double wishbones, anti-roll bars, and multi-piston brakes all work in harmony with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres on 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels. The result is an analogue driving experience that rewards skill, attentiveness, and engagement, uncompromised by unnecessary electronics.
Inside, the cockpit mirrors racing minimalism while delivering bespoke craftsmanship. A fully reclined seating position recalls the iconic McLaren MP4/4, complemented by Senna-inspired gear knobs, classic analogue dials, and billet-machined aluminium switchgear. Upholstery is crafted from premium leather and fabrics tailored to each customer, while driver aids are deliberately minimal, with traction control standard and ABS or power steering offered only as options.
Exclusivity and Timelessness
Founded in 2017 by Steve Nichols and CEO John Minett, Nichols Cars was created to champion the pure driver’s car: immersive, emotional, and timeless. With N1A production capped at 100 units worldwide, and only 15 forming the ICON 88 series, Nichols Cars has cemented the model as one of the most exclusive British performance cars of the decade.
“The N1A, and especially the ICON 88, is the culmination of everything I have learned in racing and engineering,” said Nichols. “It combines the quirks and excitement of the great cars of the past with the technology and precision of today, creating something genuinely special for the road.”
The ICON 88’s appearance at Pebble Beach not only highlighted Nichols Cars’ commitment to design and performance but also celebrated a remarkable career in motorsport. With first customer cars now in build, the N1A ICON 88 is set to become a modern classic, combining Formula One heritage, British craftsmanship, and a truly unfiltered driving experience.
