At RM Sotheby’s Las Vegas sale, the first Gordon Murray Special Vehicles S1 LM achieved a staggering $20,630,000 USD, becoming the most expensive brand-new car ever sold at auction—excluding charity sales. More than a transaction, this historic moment marks the beginning of an extraordinary journey for its future owner.
A Record-Breaking Night in Las Vegas
On 21 November 2025, amid the energy of the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix and the glamour of the amfAR Gala, the S1 LM—chassis #1 of just five examples—captivated bidders both in the room and online. Transported by air to the Wynn Las Vegas and showcased under dazzling lights, it ultimately hammered for $20.63 million, establishing a new benchmark in the world of ultra-rare, coachbuilt performance cars.
The winning bidder secured not only the car, but also an extraordinary privilege:
exclusive specification sessions with Professor Gordon Murray himself, shaping a one-of-a-kind configuration in collaboration with a design legend.
S1 LM: A Modern Reimagining of an Icon
Created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the McLaren F1 GTR’s legendary 1995 Le Mans victory, the S1 LM is the first and most significant project from Gordon Murray Special Vehicles. It is a contemporary homage to the revered F1 LM—reinvented with new materials, new engineering, and a purity of purpose.
A New Benchmark for Naturally Aspirated Power
- 4.3-liter, Cosworth-developed, naturally aspirated V-12
- Over 700 hp at 12,100 rpm
- One of the lightest and highest-revving production V-12s ever created
- Titanium internals and motorsport-grade components
Lightweight Engineering with Artistic Expression
- Target weight: 957 kg
- Ultra-thin 0.6 mm carbon fiber body panels
- Inconel exhaust wrapped in 18-karat gold
- A new carbon monocoque enabling a lower roofline and enhanced aerodynamics
Pure Analog Emotion
- Bespoke six-speed manual gearbox
- Central driving position for perfect visibility
- Fully adjustable suspension and aero calibration for personalized dynamics
Design That Fuses Emotion, Precision, and Purpose
The S1 LM elevates Gordon Murray’s seven core design principles to their highest expression. Sculpted through traditional clay modeling—another first for GMA—the car features a dramatic coke-bottle profile, exposed Naked Polish Carbon Fiber, and a visually arresting engine bay framed beneath lightweight polycarbonate.
CFD-driven aerodynamics will soon be validated in full-scale wind tunnel testing, a process the owner will be invited to witness firsthand—an unprecedented level of access to the final stages of development.
Interior details, such as a shifter topped with a rare Pakistani quartz crystal containing million-year-old oil inclusions, elevate the cabin to the level of fine art.
A Bespoke Journey Guided by Gordon Murray
Purchasing the S1 LM is not merely acquiring a vehicle—it is entering a multi-year collaboration with one of the most celebrated engineers in automotive history.
The buyer will receive:
- Direct collaboration with Gordon Murray and Dario Franchitti
- Participation in final development testing
- A 500-page monograph featuring rare sketches and handwritten notes
- Priority access to future GMA/GMSV models
Only five S1 LMs will ever exist, echoing the rarity of the original McLaren F1 LM. This first chassis represents the most significant opportunity: to co-create the definitive expression of Murray’s philosophy during a pivotal chapter of his life and career.
Conclusion: A Legend Reborn for a New Era
With its record-breaking sale, the Gordon Murray S1 LM has secured its place as a generational masterpiece. It stands at the crossroads of heritage and innovation—an object that transcends the boundaries between engineering and art.
For its fortunate owner, the S1 LM is not simply a supercar.
It is a journey, a collaboration, and a piece of automotive history brought vividly to life.
