Auction During the Las Vegas Grand Prix
The Las Vegas Grand Prix promises to be an exciting event this year, and the brightest action may unfold off the track. Gordon Murray Special Vehicles will auction the “last” S1 LM during the weekend. The sale of chassis No.1 will be the highlight of the amfAR charity gala on November 21.
The Uniqueness of the S1 LM
The S1 LM is an absolutely incredible project. Any car called the successor to the McLaren F1 can go away compared to this creation. It is extremely exclusive, handmade, and focused solely on the driver. Imagine everything Gordon Murray could have done with the F1 if he had modern materials and technologies — this is essentially the S1 LM.
Limited Series and Collaboration with the Creator
Only five S1 LMs will be produced, mirroring the five McLaren F1 LMs built to celebrate the F1 GTR’s victory at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans. Chassis No.1 is the last available unit for sale, and the auction winner will receive more than just a car. They will sit down with Murray to create their own specification, recreating the collaborative process characteristic of exclusive supercars of the 1990s.
Technical Specifications
Under its lightweight carbon body hides a new 4.3-liter naturally aspirated V12 from GMA-Cosworth, developed exclusively for the S1 LM. It produces over 700 hp and revs up to 12,100 rpm, paired with a six-speed manual transmission and having a target weight of just 957 kg.
Murray removed the rear fan and cooling unit to make room for the larger V12 and a special Inconel exhaust system wrapped in 18-carat gold heat protection. Together with the four central exhaust pipes, this is a direct nod to the 1995 Le Mans winner.
Personal Significance for Murray
For Murray, this car has personal significance. He worked on the project while recovering from cancer, calling the required concentration “an important part of my recovery.”
Cost and Future Fate
RM Sotheby’s expects this example to sell for approximately $20 million. This is undoubtedly due to its rarity, as GMSV sold all five planned units to one individual. The brand confirmed that the situation has not changed. One can only assume that the original buyer decided to allocate at least this example for resale. This might be one of the most incredible cases of quick resale we have ever heard of.
Import to the USA
A final note for American buyers: importing the car has its limitations. It meets the requirements only under the “Show or Display” exemption. On the positive side — Gordon Murray will personally assist with the necessary documentation, according to the auction description.
Gordon Murray will assist with the necessary steps to add the S1 LM to the approved list for this compliance. It remains the buyer’s responsibility to pay all applicable import duties, tariffs, and taxes, as well as any costs associated with federalizing the vehicle, if that is their desire.
This auction could become a historic event for car collectors, as it represents not only the last chance to acquire one of the most significant supercars of our time but also a unique opportunity for direct collaboration with the legendary designer. The high engine revs and use of advanced materials demonstrate how far automotive engineering can go when it is not limited by mass production. The story of one buyer purchasing all five cars and then deciding to sell one of them adds an element of mystery to this event and further increases its significance in the collector car market.