1960s style
Nichols N1A is a track car that doesn’t compromise on style
This small-batch British design takes styling cues from the 1960s — and the team behind it makes clear that aesthetics was the priority
Published
As a celebration of performance motoring old and new, Goodwood seemed the ideal spot to showcase the Nichols N1A, a two-seat supercar inspired by 1960s racers.
In a world where exteriors are dominated by aerodynamics figures the N1A is a refreshing riposte, designed in a way where downforce and lift are optimised but not overbearing.
“I wanted the car to look how it does,” says CEO John Minett bluntly. “If that ended up seriously compromising aero performance, we would of course have tweaked things, but we’re not aiming for huge amounts of downforce. We want enough to make it feel planted and consistent front and rear, but in the real world you aren’t getting anywhere near those top figures anyway. It was designed so that someone sees a ‘60s car.”
Mission achieved, you would say. But in a cruel irony, Minett notes that some younger enthusiasts had approached the Goodwood stand under the impression this was a future-looking car not one inspired by the classics. “We ultimately wanted this uninterrupted shape with a flowing line from front to back,” he emphasises.
That flowing bodywork is accented by the CMF treatment. Most of the exterior (in this configuration) is finished in a sky blue while the sills are a much darker navy. From a distance it gives the impression of a dramatic tight-waisted centre — like a hornet — and emphasises the bulging front fenders and rear hips.
It turns out that this is simply a happy accident and not a means to trick the eye. “The sill panels are carbon fibre and structural. In a better light you can see that carbon weave,” explains Minett.
Elsewhere, two air intakes peer out from the rear arches and feed into the ducktail spoiler at the tip of the car. The engine – a Chevrolet V8 with power ranging from 460 to 650bhp depending on the tune – is on show for all to see. Up front, the headlamps sit prominently at either corner to create a friendly, endearing face. The lower mask is razor thin and houses a tight mesh grille.
All of that flowing bodywork does well to distract from the towering roll cage which some will love, while others might argue ruins the silhouette. But it is by all accounts in keeping with the spirit of ‘60s Can-Am racers, and Minett has already made clear his stance on whether style can be compromised. (It can’t – not for this project).
Inside is a typically barebones interior but there are some nice details including a ‘Senna-inspired’ gearknob. Personalisation is available – “any colour is possible, any material and finish, and even bespoke liveries.”
Readers may also be interested in the return of Lola Cars which takes many similar cues for the rebirth of its T70 supercar.
