Tuesday 26th May

Nichols Cars and RML buddy up to build N1A

7.0-litre Can-Am homage will be built at Ray Mallock; first deliveries are expected in the summer

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It came as no surprise that the Nichols N1A was a big hit on PH: so much power and so little weight in such a pretty shape was guaranteed to be met enthusiastically. Now the project has taken a big step forward in terms of the lucky few actually getting one, with RML brought onboard to ‘support Nichols Cars through the transition from development to series production’ - a transition that often threatens to become a hurdle for low-volume manufacturers. 

While there’ll never be more than a hundred of these incredible Can-Am-inspired machines, making that number is considerably more challenging than getting a working prototype out the door. And that’s where RML’s expertise from cars like the Short Wheelbase and GT Hypercar will come in very handy. 

All of the Nichols N1As will be built at RML HQ in Wellingborough; what a sight they’ll make, too, with a 7.0-litre V8 stuffed into just 900kg of retro sports car body. The first ones are said to be going into build ‘imminently’, after what’s said to be ‘the final phase of development’; as much development as humanly possible sounds eminently sensible with more than 800hp per tonne, plus a manual, to contend with. We’re almost there though, folks, following what Nichols CEO John Minett has called an “exceptional response” to the N1A, with the first customer car scheduled for the middle of this year. Goodness knows how hot it will be then. 

RML CEO Paul Dickinson added: “We’re proud to deepen our involvement in the N1A programme and to be entrusted with the production build. Nichols has set an uncompromising brief for a true driver’s car, and we’re looking forward to playing our part in delivering the N1A to customers.” The drive to a Sunday Service will never quite be the same again…

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• Stunning Nichols N1A evokes Can-Am McLarens
• RML reveals first production ‘GT Hypercar’

[TinpotTintop]

Pretty

[TinpotTintop]

Pretty

[Cryssys]

Nice looking thing although why it needs a 7L V8 is beyond me. I'm sure goes well and sounds lovely but that's one hell of a lump for such a small car.

Overkill perhaps?

[Sway]

Cryssys said:

Nice looking thing although why it needs a 7L V8 is beyond me. I'm sure goes well and sounds lovely but that's one hell of a lump for such a small car.

Overkill perhaps?

Welcome to CanAm!

[nismo48]

Lovely

[pb8g09]

That’s proper naughty

[Maccmike8]

Cryssys said:

Nice looking thing although why it needs a 7L V8 is beyond me. I'm sure goes well and sounds lovely but that's one hell of a lump for such a small car.

Overkill perhaps?

What on earth are you on here for with an opinion like that

[georgeyboy12345]

Looks fantastic and the fact they have shoved a 7 litre V8 in it is outregeously epic. Love it!

[CountyLines]

Needs different wheels. Period correct race style or similar would be far more in keeping than those TSW Venom lookalikes.

[CountyLines]

The mesh and rear lights would benefit from somewhere more in keeping too.

[LRDefender]

Pretty.

[ducnick]

It’s a fun looking thing, and presumably cheaper than the new Lola t70 recreation. I agree with the previous posters, it needs period correct wheels and tyres like the Lola.

[GTRene]

lovely and low and, hm, no roof option?
and looking at such windscreen an Hight etc. way, you better wear good seat belts... you don't want to bump your head against such.

[Don Roque]

I absolutely love that. Reminiscent of an era of frighteningly fast and raw racecars.

[edoverheels]

Better way to blow half a million than an electric Ferrari.

[asci.white]

Don Roque said:

I absolutely love that. Reminiscent of an era of frighteningly fast and raw racecars.

So true. Some greats have passed on driving these beasts (Bruce McLaren for one)