Gordon Murray has never been a stranger to automotive legends, but his latest creation—the Gordon Murray Special Vehicles S1 LM—has officially entered the record books. At RM Sotheby’s Las Vegas Grand Prix sale this past weekend, the very first S1 LM build slot sold for an astonishing $20.63 million, making it the most expensive new car ever sold at auction. Unlike other headline-grabbing sales, the winning bidder isn’t taking home a completed car just yet. Instead, they secured the fifth and final build slot, but uniquely, their car will be the first to roll off the production line.
This distinction matters. Although a Ferrari Daytona SP3 “Tailor Made” sold earlier this year for $26 million, that car was already built at the time of sale. Because the S1 LM is yet to be manufactured, this weekend’s result stands as the highest price ever achieved for a brand-new, unbuilt production vehicle.
Announced during Monterey Car Week, the S1 LM pays tribute to the 30th anniversary of the McLaren F1 GTR’s historic victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, a race-winning machine Murray himself engineered. The S1 LM is also the debut creation of Gordon Murray Automotive’s new bespoke division, dedicated to working with “visionary customers” to produce ultra-low-volume, highly personalized automobiles.
Mechanically, the S1 LM is shaping up to be one of the most engaging hypercars of the modern era. It’s based on the acclaimed, sold-out GMA T.50, retaining the center-seat driving position inspired by the original McLaren F1. Power comes from a Cosworth-built 4.3-liter naturally aspirated V-12, producing more than 700 horsepower and revving past 11,000 rpm. Combined with a six-speed manual gearbox and an incredibly light 2,100-pound curb weight, the S1 LM promises a purist driving experience that stands apart from today’s hybrid-heavy hypercar landscape.
What makes the auction result even more special is the exclusive access the winning buyer receives. They’ll collaborate directly with Gordon Murray Special Vehicles—participating in design meetings, developmental drive sessions, and one-on-one consultations with both Gordon Murray and Dario Franchitti, GMA’s Executive Product and Brand Director. Recent updates from GMA this week confirm that early prototype work has begun, with Murray describing the S1 LM as “the most focused driver’s car we’ve ever built.”
With only five examples planned, the S1 LM is already positioned to become one of the rarest and most desirable hypercars of the decade. And at more than $20 million before the car even exists, collectors clearly know just how special this machine will be.
