Record-Breaking Sale for Gordon Murray's 'Special One'
The automotive world witnessed a historic moment in Las Vegas when the first example of the new Gordon Murray Special Vehicles S1 LM hypercar was sold for a staggering $20,630,000 (£15,773,000). The auction took place on Monday, 24 November 2025, as part of the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend festivities.
This monumental price, achieved for chassis number one from an exclusive five-car production run, establishes a new benchmark. Excluding any charity sales, the S1 LM is now officially the most expensive new car ever sold at auction, surpassing the value of the legendary McLaren F1 LM it was designed to honour.
Engineering a Modern Legend
First unveiled earlier this year at the prestigious Monterey Car Week, the S1 LM is the debut creation from Gordon Murray's bespoke Special Vehicles division. The hypercar uses the acclaimed Gordon Murray T.50 supercar as its foundation but incorporates styling cues directly inspired by the iconic McLaren F1.
Powering this masterpiece is a naturally aspirated 4.3-litre V12 engine that produces an impressive 720hp and revs to an extraordinary 12,100rpm. This power is delivered to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, offering a pure, driver-focused experience. Inside, the car features a distinctive central driving position, echoing the layout of its famous predecessor.
In a remarkable twist, it was revealed that all five cars from the planned production run were purchased by a single, unnamed car collector, highlighting the vehicle's immense desirability.
An Unforgettable Experience for the Buyer
The winning bidder in Las Vegas did not just secure the final example of the S1 LM; they acquired an unparalleled ownership package. The new owner will have the unique opportunity to spend time with Professor Gordon Murray CBE himself to shape every detail of their vehicle to their personal taste.
Furthermore, the package includes driving sessions with four-time IndyCar champion and three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti. Adding to the exclusivity, the buyer will receive a one-of-a-kind 500-page book documenting the S1 LM's creation, complete with original sketches and notes from Gordon Murray's personal design notebook.
Following the record sale, Professor Gordon Murray stated: "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."
