The S1 LM supercar, produced by Gordon Murray Special Vehicles, has set a new record by selling for $20,630,000 (approximately £16 million) at an auction in Las Vegas on November 21, 2023. This sale marked the highest price ever paid for a new car at auction, excluding charitable sales. The vehicle, which is the first chassis from an ultra-exclusive five-car production run, was sold during the amfAR charity’s Gala Dinner, coinciding with the Las Vegas Formula One Grand Prix.
The evening began with a dramatic display as the S1 LM arrived at the Wynn Las Vegas venue, suspended beneath a helicopter. This theatrical entrance set the mood for an extraordinary event, showcasing the supercar’s status as “The Special One.” The auction featured intense bidding, with collectors both onsite and participating remotely, ultimately leading to a historic hammer price that underscores the luxury automotive sector’s appeal.
The winning bidder of the S1 LM is set to embark on an exclusive customer journey, which includes not only ownership of this rare supercar but also a unique 500-page monograph. This book chronicles the S1 LM’s creation, featuring original sketches and notes from Gordon Murray’s design notebook. Professor Gordon Murray, CBE, expressed his thoughts on the sale, stating, “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.”
The S1 LM draws inspiration from the legendary McLaren F1 LM, and it is noted for its lightweight engineering and timeless design. Each of the five examples produced embodies Gordon Murray’s seven principles, which include Driving Perfection, Lightweight, Engineering Art, A Return to Beauty, Exclusivity, and The Customer Journey. The car was unveiled in August 2025 during Monterey Car Week, where it was revealed that a single individual purchased all five supercars.
Aside from the record auction in Las Vegas, the details surrounding the ownership of the remaining four chassis have not been disclosed. As the luxury car market continues to evolve, this landmark sale highlights the increasing value placed on unique automotive craftsmanship and the deep connection between collectors and their vehicles.
