The Gordon Murray S1 LM broke the world record for the most expensive new car

If you are an exotic car collector and want to buy a McLaren F1 Supercar, what would you do? As you probably know, the supply of this model is very limited, which is why buying and selling it rarely happens.

According to Classic.com, the last documented sale of a 2021 McLaren F1 went for a whopping $20,465,000. Now a very similar car has been traded for almost the same price (not including inflation) and the amazing thing is that this car is brand new.

The Gordon Murray S1 LM supercar, built by the engineering genius behind the McLaren F1, has become the most expensive new car ever sold at auction, selling for $20,630,000. Chassis number 1 of only 5 S1 LMs that Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV) will produce was sold at a Las Vegas auction during Formula 1 race week.

The auction was very exciting and turned into a bidding war from collectors at the event and people from all over the world, which eventually resulted in a record breaking price for a new car. Interestingly, when the S1 LM was unveiled during Monterey Auto Week in August 2025, Gordon Murray Special Vehicles announced that all five supercars were purchased by the same person. So why was the first device auctioned?

It looks like that mystery customer is selling one of his five S1 LMs. Ownership details of the remaining four chassis have not been released. Professor Gordon Murray stated:
“This world record is a defining moment for our entire team and the automotive world. The S1 LM symbolizes everything I’ve learned in six decades of design; Pure manifestation of driving perfection, engineering art and true return to beauty. “It’s really humbling to see this level of acclaim.”

But what makes the S1 LM so special, other than being extremely rare? As the name suggests, this car is actually the modern successor to the McLaren F1 LM, which was a series of five special cars built in honor of the five F1 GTR racing cars that competed in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans.

This car combines the design of the McLaren F1 LM with modern engineering. It may not have the naturally aspirated 6.1-liter V12 of the race-bred BMW F1 LM, but it is equipped with a custom Cosworth 4.3-liter V12 that produces 710 horsepower at an astonishing 12,100 rpm and 502 Nm of torque, 81 percent of which is available from 2,500 rpm.

This engine is mated to an optimized six-speed manual transmission and a race-inspired suspension optimized for the road. Although official 0-100km/h and top speed times are yet to be announced, the S1 LM is undoubtedly quick considering its target weight of 957kg. Based on the Gordon Murray T.50 car, the S1 LM’s low weight is due in part to an all-new body made from ultra-light Naked Polish Carbon Fiber panels with unique artistic details.

Professor Gordon Murray will invite the auction winner to explain every detail of their custom supercar in private sessions. The lucky owner will also have the opportunity to drive alongside four-time IndyCar champion and three-time Indy 500 winner Dario Franchitti, and exclusive access to the GMSV team, including participation in the final development of the car. This makes the owner feel like a part of the car manufacturing team.

Finally, the customer will receive an exclusive 500-page monograph documenting the creation process of the S1 LM, including sketches and notes from Gordon Murray’s personal design office.