While Formula One was capturing global attention in Las Vegas over the weekend, another headline-grabbing moment unfolded away from the racetrack. At the amfAR charity Gala Dinner held in conjunction with the Las Vegas Grand Prix, an auction for the Gordon Murray S1 LM set a new record for the sale of the world’s most expensive new car at auction (excluding charitable sales), fetching a whopping USD20,630,000 (approx. RM85 million).
Nicknamed the “Special One”, the Gordon Murray S1 LM is the latest and most exclusive creation of Motorsports engineering legend Gordon Murray. Making its entrance to the Gala Dinner via a helicopter, the special car is limited to only five units and is created to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Gordon Murray’s 1995 Le Mans-winning McLaren F1 GTR.
Being the “Special One”, the Gordon Murray S1 LM wasn’t built by the same team responsible for the Gordon Murray T.50. Instead, it was developed by Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV) — a division dedicated to ultra-exclusive, low-volume, and bespoke projects that sit above the standard supercars produced by Gordon Murray Automotive.
Paying tribute to the McLaren F1 GTR, it carries much of its iconic styling, such as the five-spoke wheels, roof scoop, and massive rear wing. It’s fitted with a bespoke 4.3-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 720 hp at 12,100 rpm and has power delivered through a newly optimised six-speed manual gearbox.
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Inside, the cabin is dominated by exposed carbon fibre and retains the iconic three-seat layout of the McLaren F1, with the driver positioned in the centre. The headphones hanging by the side hint at minimal sound insulation, while the three-point harnesses on the bucket seats reinforce the impression of a focused, high-performance machine built to deliver serious g-forces.
Alongside ownership of this historic car, customers will enjoy an intimate and highly personalised specification process with the company and Gordon Murray himself. They will also be invited to join development drives with four-time IndyCar champion and three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, providing direct feedback to help fine-tune the car’s performance.
Owners receive exclusive access to the GMSV team, including participation in final vehicle development and the rare opportunity to contribute to both the engineering and artistic direction of the S1 LM. Each car is also accompanied by a bespoke 500-page monograph chronicling its creation, complete with original sketches and notes from Gordon Murray’s own design notebook.
Gordon Murray Group Chairman and Founder, Gordon Murray, said, “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.”
Interestingly, GMSV stated that all five units of the “Special One” had been purchased by a single individual. However, the recent auction of chassis number one suggests this may no longer be the case. While the ownership of the remaining cars has not been disclosed, we could gain a clearer picture once deliveries begin in 2026.
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