Gordon Murray Special Vehicles’s S1 LM has set a new auction record for new cars at an RM Sotheby’s auction.
Revealed in August 2025, Gordon Murray Special Vehicles’ (GMSV) S1 (Special One) LM pays homage to the McLaren F1 LMs of the 1990s. Only five examples – the same number of F1 LMs built – of this Le Mans-inspired GMSV supercar will be produced, and one of these units has recently set a new auction record at an RM Sotheby’s auction. Indeed, sold for an eye-widening $20 630 000, the S1 LM has become the most expensive new car (not including charity sales) ever sold at auction. At the current Rand-Dollar exchange rate, this figure translates to R356 million!
The S1 LM is equipped with a bespoke 4.3-litre Cosworth V12 engine producing over 522 kW and 501 N.m of torque. Sited midships, the naturally aspirated unit howls to a 12 100 r/min redline. Power is exclusively delivered to the rear axle via a six-speed manual transmission.
Wrapping around this sonorous V12, the S1 LM’s ultra-lightweight carbon-fibre bodywork tips the scales at a (targeted) 957 kg. The monocoque chassis has been revised, with the removal of the central spine architecture allowing for a lower roofline that not only enhances airflow and downforce, but also brings the car’s proportions closer to the F1 LM’s. The model-specific aero package includes a bespoke front splitter, reworked diffuser, and a large rear wing. The Inconel exhaust system is wrapped in 18-karat gold-foiled heat shielding.
The S1 LM is GMSV’s first commissioned model since the division was founded in 2024. The buyer will now work directly with Gordon Murray and his engineering team – alongside development driver Dario Franchitti – to finalise the car’s specification.
Click here to browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!
