The auction of the S1 LM supercar marked a historic moment in the automotive world, with the vehicle selling for a staggering $20,630,000 (approximately £16 million) at an event in Las Vegas on November 21, 2023. Conducted by Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV), this sale set a new record for the most expensive new car sold at auction, excluding charitable sales. The auction took place during the amfAR charity’s Gala Dinner, held in partnership with the Las Vegas Formula One Grand Prix.
The evening commenced with a dramatic entrance, as the S1 LM was delivered via helicopter, descending into the Wynn Las Vegas venue. This theatrical display was fitting for a vehicle touted as the “Special One”, highlighting its exclusivity and engineering prowess. Bidding for the supercar was fierce, with collectors present at the gala competing against remote bidders from around the world. The final hammer price signified a monumental achievement, reverberating through both the luxury and automotive sectors.
Gordon Murray, the renowned designer and founder of GMSV, emphasized the significance of this auction result. He 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.”
Unveiling the S1 LM
The S1 LM is the inaugural model from GMSV, echoing the legacy of Murray’s iconic McLaren F1 LM. Only five examples of the S1 LM will be produced, each representing a pinnacle of lightweight engineering and aesthetic design. Every aspect of the vehicle reflects Murray’s seven design principles: Driving Perfection, Lightweight, Engineering Art, A Return to Beauty, Exclusivity, and The Customer Journey.
Unveiled during Monterey Car Week in August 2025, the S1 LM was initially acquired in full by a single individual, with the specifics regarding the ownership of the remaining four models remaining undisclosed. The winning bidder of the auction will not only possess this exclusive supercar but will also embark on a unique customer journey, which includes a personalized experience and a unique 500-page monograph detailing the S1 LM’s design process, featuring original sketches and notes from Murray’s design notebook.
The extraordinary sale of the S1 LM epitomizes the intersection of art and engineering, demonstrating the high demand for exclusive automotive masterpieces. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, this record-setting auction serves as a benchmark for future sales and a testament to the enduring appeal of luxury vehicles.
