Gordon Murray Special Vehicles has achieved a historic milestone with the sale of the S1 LM supercar, which fetched an astonishing $20,630,000 (approximately £16 million) at auction in Las Vegas on November 21, 2023. This sale marked the highest price ever recorded for a new car sold at auction, excluding charitable sales, and signifies a new benchmark in the luxury automotive market.
A Dramatic Auction Experience
The sale occurred during the amfAR charity’s Gala Dinner, held in conjunction with the Las Vegas Formula One Grand Prix. The S1 LM made a spectacular entrance, arriving suspended beneath a helicopter, which set an unforgettable tone for the evening. This dramatic display underscored the car’s status as the “Special One” in the world of supercars.
Bidding for the vehicle was intense, with collectors both present at the gala and participating remotely from around the globe. The fierce competition culminated in a record-breaking hammer price that is expected to reverberate throughout the luxury and automotive sectors.
The winning bidder is not only acquiring a rare vehicle but also embarking on a unique customer journey described by Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV) as “an experience unlike any other.” This journey includes ownership of the supercar, along with a distinctive 500-page monograph detailing the S1 LM’s creation, featuring original sketches and notes from Professor Gordon Murray himself.
A Masterpiece of Engineering
The S1 LM is the inaugural model from GMSV and draws its name from the iconic McLaren F1 LM, designed by Professor Murray. A total of only five units will be produced, each a testament to lightweight engineering and timeless aesthetics. The vehicle embodies seven principles outlined by Murray: Driving Perfection, Lightweight, Engineering Art, A Return to Beauty, Exclusivity, and The Customer Journey.
The S1 LM was first unveiled during Monterey Car Week in August 2025, where it was announced that all five supercars had been purchased by a single individual. Following the historic auction in Las Vegas, details regarding the ownership of the remaining four chassis remain undisclosed.
Professor Gordon Murray expressed his sentiments on the auction result, stating, “This world record auction result is a defining moment for our entire team and for the automotive world. The S1 LM represents everything I have learned in six decades of design – a pure expression of driving perfection, engineering art, and a true return to beauty. To see it achieve this scale of appreciation is truly humbling.”
The sale of the S1 LM not only highlights the growing demand for exclusive high-performance vehicles but also reaffirms the status of Gordon Murray Special Vehicles as a leader in the luxury automotive market. As collectors and enthusiasts reflect on this record-breaking event, the S1 LM will undoubtedly remain a significant chapter in the history of supercars.
