The automotive world was left in awe last week when Gordon Murray Special Vehicles’ (GMSV) new supercar, the S1 LM, made history by shattering an auction record. The first of only five units to be built sold for a staggering $20,630,000 at an exclusive event in Las Vegas, marking a milestone in luxury car auctions. This eye-watering sum is particularly noteworthy given that the vehicle hasn’t even been built yet—talk about speculative buying!
At its core, the S1 LM draws inspiration from Gordon Murray’s iconic McLaren F1 GTR, which dominated Le Mans back in 1995. However, beneath its sleek exterior lies a thoroughly modern powertrain: a potent 4.3-liter V-12 engine producing approximately 710 horsepower and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox for those purists out there. The car’s distinctive design features a central driving position flanked by passenger seats, harking back to the pioneering approach seen in the original McLaren F1.
But why would someone spend such an astronomical sum on something that hasn’t even hit the road yet? Well, alongside the car itself, buyers are getting exclusive access to sit-down sessions with Gordon Murray himself. These meetings will help shape how each S1 LM is customized to the owner’s taste. Additionally, there will be development drive sessions where owners can offer feedback directly to the engineering team. Legendary Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti will also provide input during these critical phases.
Interestingly, while GMSV initially announced all five units had been sold to a single buyer, recent developments suggest this might not be entirely accurate. The successful bid at auction for chassis number one indicates that there could still be opportunities for others interested in securing an S1 LM. With deliveries expected to commence by 2026, the anticipation is palpable.
Given the astronomical price tag and the unique ownership experience offered, the S1 LM is set to become a collector’s item before it even hits the streets. The car’s development parallels that of other high-end supercars like Alfa Romeo’s limited-edition 33 Stradale(as we reported), which also garnered significant attention for its blend of classic design and cutting-edge technology.
