A new benchmark has been set in the world of supercar auctions, and the name behind it is Gordon Murray. His latest masterpiece, the S1 LM, sold for an eye-watering $20.63 million during a high-profile auction held in Las Vegas over the 2025 Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend. This incredible sum positions the S1 LM as the most expensive new car ever sold at auction, excluding charity sales.
The car auctioned was chassis number one of an ultra-limited run of just five units, each commissioned with bespoke specifications by its owner. The S1 LM is a spiritual successor to the legendary McLaren F1 LM and pays homage to the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning McLaren F1 GTR. Designed without compromise, it features a naturally aspirated 4.3-liter Cosworth V12 engine that produces over 700 horsepower and revs up to a screaming 12,100 rpm, mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
To add to the exclusivity, the winning bidder is invited to collaborate directly with Gordon Murray to tailor their car, as well as partake in development driving sessions with three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti. This unique blend of engineering pedigree, rarity, and personalized involvement pushed collectors into a fierce bidding war, culminating in this record-breaking sale.
The S1 LM's price eclipses previous auction records set by other high-performance cars like the Bugatti Chiron Profilée, emphasizing Gordon Murray's standing in automotive history. Beyond the staggering numbers, the sale signals the enduring appeal of handcrafted, precision-engineered supercars in a market flooded by mass-produced hypercars.
This landmark auction not only celebrates one of the most thrilling performance machines of the modern era but also honors Gordon Murray's lasting legacy as one of the most visionary automotive designers of all time.
