A new benchmark has been set in the collector car world after Gordon Murray Automotive’s S1 LM became the most expensive new car ever sold at auction. The bespoke hypercar achieved a final sale price of $20.63 million during Formula One weekend in Las Vegas, underscoring the growing demand for ultra-exclusive, engineering-driven vehicles.
The S1 LM is an exceptionally limited creation, with just five examples planned. All five were secured by a single collector, who will not only take ownership of the cars but also work directly with Gordon Murray to complete final specifications. At the time of sale, the vehicles exist only as prototypes, placing the buyer in a rare position typically reserved for manufacturers and engineers.
Development will involve hands-on collaboration with three-time Indianapolis 500 winner Dario Franchitti. The process includes aerodynamic testing, rear-wing development, suspension tuning, and interior finishing. The buyer will also receive a detailed 500-page monograph dedicated to the S1 LM, featuring technical data and original design sketches from Murray, further emphasizing the car’s historical and engineering significance.
The S1 LM represents the first production effort from Gordon Murray Automotive’s Special Vehicles division. Its design pays tribute to the McLaren F1 and the F1 LM that commemorated McLaren’s 1995 Le Mans victory, marking the 30th anniversary of that achievement. Like the original F1, the S1 LM features a three-seat layout with a central driving position, prioritizing visibility and driver engagement.
Power comes from a Cosworth-built 4.3-liter naturally aspirated V12 producing more than 700 horsepower at 12,100 rpm. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. The lightweight chassis weighs just 957 kilograms, aided by advanced carbon-fiber construction and exposed Naked Polish carbon-fiber panels.
While inspired by the McLaren F1, the S1 LM incorporates significant changes, including a reworked chassis, lower roofline, sculpted fenders, and modern LED lighting. The project also carries deep personal meaning for Murray, who developed the car while undergoing cancer treatment.
The record-setting sale confirms the S1 LM’s place as a bridge between automotive heritage and future-focused design, redefining what it means to own and help create a modern hypercar.
Shawn Henry