Chassis number one of Gordon Murray Special Vehicles’ S1 LM — the last example available for public sale — will be offered at auction during the amfAR Benefit Gala in Las Vegas on November 21, 2025, presenting collectors with a once-in-a-generation chance to own a hand-built, Le Mans–inspired supercar directly shaped by Professor Gordon Murray himself.
Gordon Murray’s name has been synonymous with high‑performance clarity and engineering purity for more than half a century. His original McLaren F1 — itself an icon of the 1990s — reset expectations for supercar design, emphasizing lightness, simplicity, and an unfiltered connection between driver and machine. The S1 LM is explicitly pitched as a modern heir to that tradition: a bespoke, ultra‑limited supercar built by Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV) to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the McLaren F1 GTR’s 1995 Le Mans victory. The auction of chassis #1 will take place at the Wynn Las Vegas during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend as part of amfAR’s Las Vegas Benefit Gala, with the lot offered through RM Sotheby’s. This is not a routine dealer sale. RM Sotheby’s and GMSV present the car as the final available S1 LM intended for a private collector; only five are to be built as bespoke commissions. RM Sotheby’s lists the estimate as “in excess of $20,000,000 USD,” reflecting the vehicle’s scarcity, bespoke nature, and direct association with one of the most influential automotive designers alive.
The auction of the last available S1 LM is destined to be one of the automotive highlights of the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend: a public moment where engineering, design, philanthropy and collector culture converge, and where one collector will acquire not just a car, but a living piece of Gordon Murray’s legacy.
Source: Luxurious Magazine The Last Gordon Murray S1 LM To Be Auctioned At Las Vegas F1 Event
Background / Overview
Gordon Murray’s name has been synonymous with high‑performance clarity and engineering purity for more than half a century. His original McLaren F1 — itself an icon of the 1990s — reset expectations for supercar design, emphasizing lightness, simplicity, and an unfiltered connection between driver and machine. The S1 LM is explicitly pitched as a modern heir to that tradition: a bespoke, ultra‑limited supercar built by Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV) to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the McLaren F1 GTR’s 1995 Le Mans victory. The auction of chassis #1 will take place at the Wynn Las Vegas during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend as part of amfAR’s Las Vegas Benefit Gala, with the lot offered through RM Sotheby’s. This is not a routine dealer sale. RM Sotheby’s and GMSV present the car as the final available S1 LM intended for a private collector; only five are to be built as bespoke commissions. RM Sotheby’s lists the estimate as “in excess of $20,000,000 USD,” reflecting the vehicle’s scarcity, bespoke nature, and direct association with one of the most influential automotive designers alive. The S1 LM: design DNA and engineering intent
Gordon Murray’s brief for the S1 LM reads like a manifesto: bottle the essence of a longtail Le Mans endurance racer into a road‑legal, analogue supercar while retaining the purity and proportions Murray believes define timeless automotive design. The S1 LM’s aesthetic and mechanical language is unapologetically rooted in endurance racing — longtail proportions, large diffuser and wings, a central four‑pipe exhaust cluster, and a minimalist three‑seat cockpit with the driver in the centre, reminiscent of the McLaren F1’s radical ergonomics. GMSV and RM Sotheby’s emphasise three continuing Murray principles in the S1 LM: lightness, purity of design, and driving perfection. Those principles are embedded in every major decision — from material selection and structural layout to final packaging and powertrain design. Yet this is not a museum piece: it’s engineered to be driven, with bespoke suspension geometry, a low ride height, and an engine and gearbox combination intended to deliver an analogue, visceral experience rather than the filtered responsiveness of modern automated transmissions.Engine — the heart of the car
At the centre of the S1 LM is a bespoke 4.3‑litre, naturally aspirated GMA Cosworth V‑12, developed to deliver a high‑revving, high‑specific‑output character that echoes classic racing engines while incorporating modern materials and engineering techniques. Published figures indicate a power output of over 700 PS (horsepower) and a redline of 12,100 rpm, facilitated by lighter internals, increased displacement compared to prior GMA engines, and a higher compression ratio. The V‑12 breathes through a bespoke Inconel exhaust wrapped in 18‑karat gold heat shielding — a deliberate, theatrical nod to the McLaren F1’s gold foil engine bay insulation, but engineered for high‑temperature durability. Caveat: while multiple manufacturer releases and independent outlets report the “over 700 PS” figure and the 12,100 rpm redline, these remain manufacturer-supplied performance targets until independently validated by dyno runs or road testing. Treat published peak output and weight figures as authoritative in a marketing context but subject to minor revision during the final validation phase.Chassis, weight and packaging
GMSV’s stated target mass for the S1 LM is 957 kilograms — an astonishingly low curb weight for a modern V‑12 supercar and one that would place the S1 LM in territory historically reserved for stripped‑out track cars. That target is central to the S1 LM’s performance and driving ethos: by cutting weight, the power-to-mass ratio, handling precision, and transient response are prioritised over brute horsepower. This weight target is consistent with Gordon Murray’s long‑standing philosophy that meaningful performance gains come first from mass reduction. Structurally, the S1 LM derives underpinnings and architectural thinking from the T.50 lineage (and by extension Murray’s T‑series work), but with bespoke elements: revised suspension geometry, a wider track and larger tyres, and aerodynamic surfaces tuned for substantial downforce and high‑speed stability. The removal of the T.50’s fan system freed packaging space and allowed the bespoke V‑12 to be accommodated without the packaging compromises previously required for the fan and oil pack.Transmission and driver engagement
Power is routed to the rear axle through a six‑speed manual gearbox, derived in concept from Xtrac/T.50 mechanicals but reworked for shorter, rifle‑bolt throws and improved shift precision. GMSV’s stated aim is to preserve a pure, analogue engagement that rewards driver skill and situational awareness. The buyer of chassis #1 will also gain the extraordinary, intangible benefit of collaborating directly with Professor Murray — and with chief development test driver Dario Franchitti — to finalise their individual specification and testing program. That hands‑on collaboration is part of the product’s pitch to collectors and is presented as part of the lot’s value proposition.The auction: amfAR, RM Sotheby’s, and the spectacle of Las Vegas
RM Sotheby’s has positioned chassis #1 as a headline lot for the amfAR Benefit Gala at Wynn Las Vegas on November 21, 2025 — an event timed to coincide with the Las Vegas Grand Prix. That placement brings the S1 LM to an affluent, media‑rich audience and links the sale to charitable proceeds: the auction will benefit amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research. RM Sotheby’s describes the sale as a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity to acquire the first S1 LM and to participate in a bespoke commissioning process with Murray and his team. RM Sotheby’s lists the lot with a catalogue value “in excess of $20,000,000 USD,” and multiple outlets cite the same figure. Given the present collector car market — where ultra‑rare, historically resonant cars routinely fetch eight‑figure sums — that estimate positions the S1 LM among the most valuable modern supercars ever offered at public auction. RM Sotheby’s track record handling marquee lots, including multiple world‑record sales, is part of the calculus behind that estimate and the sale strategy.What the sale includes for the buyer
RM Sotheby’s and GMSV state that the buyer will receive more than a finished car: the sale includes an intimate commissioning process with Professor Murray and his development team, the opportunity to work with Dario Franchitti on testing and setup, and delivery from Gordon Murray Automotive’s facility in Windlesham, UK. The lot description also includes practical addenda: GMSV will assist buyers seeking to import the S1 LM into jurisdictions such as the United States under the Show and Display exemption where applicable, but the buyer remains responsible for duties, tariffs, and any federalisation costs. These practical notes matter for collectors who intend to drive the car on public roads versus those who will keep it as a conservatory piece.Provenance, exclusivity and the collector calculus
Few things command higher premiums in the collector car world than a clear provenance tied to a storied designer, extreme rarity, and a narrative that connects to racing history. The S1 LM meets all three tests: Gordon Murray’s authorship, the five‑car limit, and the car’s explicit lineage to the McLaren F1 LM and the 1995 Le Mans victory. For collectors seeking a historically resonant modern piece, the offer of a collaborative spec and personal testing with Murray arguably enhances provenance more than a standard factory build slot ever could. Historical comparators are instructive. McLaren F1 variants and LM‑spec cars have performed strongly at auction: a McLaren F1 LM‑spec chassis sold for roughly $19.8 million at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2019, demonstrating the market appetite for racing‑linked, low‑production icons. That sale — while not a perfect analogue — suggests why bidders and consignors see a $20 million+ estimate for a brand‑new, Murray‑signed, one‑of‑five S1 LM as credible. However, the collector market is nuanced: provenance, mechanical originality, and the broader macroeconomic climate at the time of sale all significantly influence final hammer prices.Strengths: why the S1 LM matters to collectors and drivers
- Design pedigree: Gordon Murray’s direct involvement — the same designer behind the McLaren F1 — is priceless in terms of design cachet and narrative weight. The opportunity to collaborate with him elevates the car from commodity to cultural artifact.
- Ultrarare status: Only five customer S1 LMs will be commissioned; rarity is one of the strongest valuation multipliers in high‑end automotive collecting.
- Analogue driving experience: The combination of a high‑revving naturally aspirated V‑12 and a six‑speed manual gearbox appeals to purists and collectors who prioritise unmediated driver engagement over modern, drive‑by‑wire simulation.
- Historical continuity: The S1 LM’s explicit celebration of the McLaren F1 GTR’s 1995 Le Mans win gives the package resonance that most modern supercars cannot replicate.
- Charitable linkage and spectacle: Selling the car at an amfAR gala during the Las Vegas Grand Prix amplifies publicity and attracts deep‑pocketed buyers who value exclusivity and VIP experiences.
Risks and caveats: what buyers and enthusiasts must consider
- Price volatility and market appetite
Even for ultra‑rare cars, the final hammer relies on an active, competitive bidder pool. The $20M+ estimate is realistic within current market dynamics, but macroeconomic shifts, tax considerations, and bidder concentration could materially alter the final price. Auction estimates are not guarantees. - Production targets vs final specification
Several technical figures (exact horsepower, final curb weight, and final lap times) remain manufacturer targets or early measurements. Historically, pre‑production targets can shift slightly through homologation, emissions testing, or customer‑specific configurations. Buyers should treat published numbers as manufacturer claims until post‑build validation. - Running costs and servicing
A bespoke high‑revving V‑12 with exotic materials (Inconel, titanium internals) will require specialised maintenance, expensive consumables, and potentially long lead times for replacement parts — especially for a five‑car run with bespoke components. Owners must budget for insurance, storage, carriage, and specialist servicing. - Importation and regulatory complexity
Buyers outside the UK must consider import duties, regional emissions testing, and regulatory hurdles. While RM Sotheby’s notes GMSV will assist with applying for the US Show and Display exemption where relevant, the buyer remains responsible for the legal and financial steps needed to import and operate the car legally. Show and Display allows limited road use and carries separate requirements; it may not be the preferred path for every buyer. - Provenance risk if ownership transfers privately
Ultra‑rare cars often accrue value through visibility and provenance (racing history, celebrity ownership, documented events). A privately held S1 LM that never appears at public events could be less liquid if the owner later seeks sale. Conversely, a carefully stewarded car that participates in high‑profile shows and historic drives may benefit from elevated visibility and price appreciation. - Emotional valuation vs investment reality
Many bidders purchase cars for passion and the experience of ownership rather than pure return on investment. While historical comparators suggest strong upside for historically resonant cars, no guarantee exists that the S1 LM will appreciate materially beyond the broader rare car market. The primary value proposition is emotional and cultural, not purely financial.
The human story: Murray’s personal investment
Multiple statements from GMSV and press releases make the S1 LM deeply personal to Gordon Murray. Murray has said that working on the S1 LM helped him through a cancer recovery period, adding emotional weight to the project and connecting the car to his life story. For many collectors, that human narrative — a creative triumph after illness, a last flourish from a living legend — will be as important as mechanical metrics when assessing intrinsic value. These personal elements are widely quoted in RM Sotheby’s materials and in industry reporting about the car.How to evaluate this lot as a prospective bidder
- Confirm the final specification and serial documentation for chassis #1 before bidding: verify final dyno sheets, weight certificates, and the commissioning agreement that defines the buyer’s collaborative rights.
- Understand import, registration, and insurance implications for the intended country of use; request a clear written outline of GMSV’s assistance and the buyer’s responsibilities.
- Budget for lifetime ownership costs: specialist maintenance, parts scarcity premiums, climate‑controlled storage, and insurance — all of which can be substantial for bespoke, low‑volume cars.
- Clarify delivery timelines, warranty coverage, and whether any factory‑approved modifications will be required to meet local regulations.
- If the purchase is an investment, compare recent auction comps for McLaren F1 variants and other modern rarities to build a conservative, scenario‑based valuation model. Recent LM‑spec F1 results show the market can support high eight‑figure prices for cars with direct racing lineage, but the newness of the S1 LM creates a unique performance/collectability risk profile.
Broader market context: where the S1 LM sits in a changing collector car landscape
The collector car market has evolved into a bifurcated ecosystem: historic, motorsport‑proven icons (pre‑1960s race cars and 1990s supercars) command top prices for demonstrable competition history and cultural significance; meanwhile, modern ultra‑limited supercars, often priced into the tens of millions, trade on a mixture of scarcity, bespoke ownership experiences, and brand cachet. The S1 LM is squarely in the latter camp, but its direct linkage to the McLaren F1 — arguably the modern era’s most influential supercar — places it in a rarerfied category that blends historic resonance with modern commissioning. That said, recent record sales (for example, McLaren F1 LM‑spec cars selling in the high‑teens of millions at marquee auctions) prove that dedicated collectors will pay significant sums for cars that connect to motorsport legend. Whether the market will treat a brand‑new, limited‑run S1 LM as equivalent to a race‑proven historic F1 variant is an empirical question that will be answered only after live bidding — and through the secondary market over years to come.Final assessment
The S1 LM chassis #1 is more than a machine; it is a cultural artifact and the deliberate closing of a design loop for Gordon Murray. Sold in a high‑profile, charity‑linked auction during one of the most watched weekends in motorsport, this car is a high‑stakes proposition for bidders: it promises the emotional dividend of working with a living legend, the drama of Le Mans lineage, and the mechanical allure of a screaming, naturally aspirated V‑12 paired to a six‑speed manual. For collectors who prioritise narrative, scarcity, and analogue driving purity, the S1 LM offers unmatched appeal. At the same time, the purchase carries meaningful risks: final specifications may shift, ownership costs will be high, and the auction price will depend on concentrated buyer interest on that single night. Prospective bidders should approach the lot with rigorous due diligence — confirming final technical documentation, clarifying import and Show and Display implications, and budgeting carefully for ongoing stewardship. The S1 LM is a bet on the enduring influence of Gordon Murray’s design language and a commitment to preserving an extreme driving philosophy in the 21st century.The auction of the last available S1 LM is destined to be one of the automotive highlights of the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend: a public moment where engineering, design, philanthropy and collector culture converge, and where one collector will acquire not just a car, but a living piece of Gordon Murray’s legacy.
Source: Luxurious Magazine The Last Gordon Murray S1 LM To Be Auctioned At Las Vegas F1 Event
