First Gordon Murray S1 LM Sells at Auction for Record-Breaking $20.63 Million

The very first production chassis of the Gordon Murray Automotive S1 LM, affectionately nicknamed 'The Special One,' has shattered price records at a Las Vegas auction. This monumental sale achieved a staggering $20.63 million USD. The transaction took place during the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend, instantly cementing the S1 LM’s status as the most expensive new vehicle ever sold under the hammer, excluding any charity-related sales.

This ultra-exclusive hypercar is limited to a production run of just five units globally. It serves as a profound homage to the legendary McLaren F1 LM, which itself was created to celebrate the F1 GTR’s victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995. Engineered under the meticulous guidance of Professor Gordon Murray, this track-focused machine embodies seven core design tenets, including 'Driving Perfection' and 'Lightness of Construction.' Its foundation is a modified carbon fiber monocoque derived from the T.50, yet it features enhanced rigidity and a reduced dry weight, tipping the scales at only 953 kg.

The mechanical heart of the S1 LM is a bespoke, naturally aspirated 4.3-liter V12 engine developed specifically for GMSV—Gordon Murray Special Vehicles. This powerhouse unit produces in excess of 700 horsepower and screams up to a dizzying maximum rev limit of 12,100 rpm. Torque delivery is equally impressive, with 501 Nm (370 lb-ft) available across 81 percent of its operating range starting from just 2,500 rpm. Power is channeled exclusively to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, emphasizing the car’s commitment to driver engagement.

The purchaser of this inaugural chassis, designated simply as 'S1,' acquired far more than just a vehicle; they secured a unique partnership in its final development stages. The exclusive privileges bundled with the sale included hands-on involvement in fine-tuning and testing sessions alongside Dario Franchitti, the three-time Indy 500 winner and Product Director for the Gordon Murray Group. Furthermore, the new owner gains the rare opportunity to collaborate directly with Professor Gordon Murray himself when specifying the final details of their car.

The engineering philosophy behind the S1 LM clearly prioritizes a pure, analog driving experience. Diverging from the T.50, the S1 LM foregoes the use of a fan for ground effect downforce, relying instead entirely on conventional aerodynamic aids. These include a prominent fixed rear wing and a substantial front splitter. A nod to the McLaren F1 heritage is evident in the Inconel exhaust system, which is wrapped in protective shielding made of 18-carat gold.

The historic sale occurred at the Wynn Las Vegas during the amfAR gala dinner. In a truly dramatic entrance befitting the occasion, Chassis No. 1 was delivered to the venue via helicopter drop. RM Sotheby's initial valuation had already surpassed the $20 million mark, a figure that accurately reflects the model's extreme scarcity and the intense market appetite for the sophisticated engineering artistry crafted by the architect of the supercar segment.