Gordon Murray S1 LM Becomes the Most Expensive New Car Ever Sold
The global automotive community has witnessed a milestone that reshapes the landscape of collectible performance cars. The Gordon Murray S1 LM, a road legal supercar created by legendary engineer Gordon Murray, has officially become the most expensive brand new car ever sold at an open auction. At the prestigious RM Sotheby’s event, the car achieved an astonishing price of 20.63 million dollars, surpassing even the previously unmatched McLaren F1 which was sold in 2021 for 20.47 million dollars.
This sale is significant not only because of the price but also because the S1 LM reflects Murray’s decades long pursuit of mechanical perfection. Designed as a modern tribute to the McLaren F1 GTR that triumphed at the 1995 Le Mans 24 Hours, the S1 LM carries the spirit of a motorsport icon into the present day.
A design philosophy rooted in purity
Gordon Murray has repeatedly emphasised that the project is built around timeless design principles rather than temporary trends. The S1 LM expresses this philosophy through its elegant aerodynamics, perfectly balanced proportions and adherence to lightweight construction. The body is made entirely from carbon fibre, which allows the supercar to achieve a dry weight of only 957 kilograms. In an era when most hypercars exceed two tonnes, this achievement reinforces Murray’s belief that true performance comes from minimalism and engineering precision rather than brute power alone.
The visual identity of the S1 LM is clearly inspired by the Le Mans winning F1 GTR. The long tail silhouette, the large rear diffuser, the roof mounted air intake and the central driving position all serve as reminders of the legendary endurance racer while being reinterpreted for modern road use.
Engineering that celebrates mechanical excellence
At the heart of the S1 LM lies one of the most advanced naturally aspirated engines ever built. The GMA Cosworth V12 is a 4.3 litre masterpiece that delivers 708 horsepower and revs with astonishing urgency. It is paired with a six speed manual gearbox that emphasises pure driver engagement rather than electronic intervention. Rear wheel drive, hydraulic steering and a chassis developed with motorsport know how complete the package.
Key technical specifications
• Engine: 4.3 litre GMA Cosworth V12
• Power output: 708 horsepower
• Transmission: Six speed manual
• Drivetrain: Rear wheel drive
• Body structure: Full carbon fibre monocoque
• Dry weight: 957 kilograms
• Production: Limited to only five units
The combination of extremely low mass and high power gives the S1 LM an intensity that is rare even among modern hypercars. Murray has described the driving experience as a direct continuation of the philosophy behind the McLaren F1, but with modern materials and improved engineering methodologies.
The exclusivity that drives its record breaking value
Only five examples of the S1 LM will ever be built, which instantly makes it one of the rarest production supercars of the modern era. At an auction where collectors constantly search for the next automotive legend, this exclusivity played a fundamental role in the final bidding outcome. However, rarity alone does not explain a price beyond twenty million dollars. The value is a combination of heritage, personal involvement of Gordon Murray, technical purity and the emotional connection to the McLaren F1 story.
Another powerful incentive for bidders was the unique package included with the purchase. The winning buyer will have the opportunity to personalise the car together with Gordon Murray himself. This includes the possibility to choose custom materials, colours and details that will make each example even more unique. Furthermore, the owner will be invited to take part in final calibration tests alongside Dario Franchitti, four time IndyCar champion and legendary triple winner of the Indianapolis 500. This intimate involvement in the development process adds a human story behind the machine, making it far more than an expensive object.
Why the record matters for the supercar world
The sale of the S1 LM signals a clear shift in the collector market. While brands like Ferrari, Bugatti and Koenigsegg frequently dominate headlines, this result shows that engineering purity can carry more value than extreme power figures or futuristic hybrid technology. Collectors are beginning to appreciate analogue driver focused masterpieces that represent the pinnacle of mechanical engineering before the automotive world transitions to full electrification.
For the wider industry, the record highlights the importance of authenticity. The S1 LM is not a marketing driven hypercar. It is a passion project created by one of the most respected engineers in the history of motorsport, backed by a philosophy that emphasises lightweight design, mechanical purity and timeless beauty. These values continue to resonate deeply with enthusiasts around the world.
What this means for ultra luxury automotive investment
The price achieved by the S1 LM will likely influence future valuations of rare and analogue supercars. Models such as the McLaren F1, Porsche Carrera GT, Mercedes CLK GTR and various Ferrari V12 flagships may experience renewed market attention. In the context of investment grade automobiles, limited production and historical relevance remain the primary factors behind increasing value. The S1 LM, with only five units and direct lineage from a Le Mans winner, perfectly fits this profile.
Collectors increasingly view such cars as long term cultural assets rather than mere vehicles. Their appreciation in value is driven not only by rarity but by the emotional narrative surrounding each model. The story of Gordon Murray and his lifelong dedication to perfection is therefore an inseparable part of the S1 LM’s appeal.
The Gordon Murray S1 LM has already etched its name in automotive history. By becoming the most expensive new car ever sold at an open auction, it stands as a celebration of engineering integrity, performance purity and the enduring legacy of one of the greatest designers in motorsport. Its record breaking sale reaffirms that even in a world accelerating toward electrification, the soul of the analogue supercar remains irreplaceable.
