by Gordon Murray Automotive is creating only 25 examples of the T.50S model.
Driving philosophy, not absolute speed
If Gordon Murray had set out to design and build the fastest road or track car, we have no doubt he would have done so. However, with the T.50 and the subsequent T.33, the legendary Formula 1 designer chose a different path. He focused on creating a car that maximizes driving enjoyment, and which, incidentally, turns out to be extremely fast.
Flagship T.50S: an almost entirely new car
The current flagship of GMA is the T.50S. Although it shares its name with the road-going T.50, they have very little in common, as Dario Franchitti recently told veteran journalist Chris Harris. In fact, the only parts carried over from the standard model include the headlights, taillights, windshield, and the same basic Cosworth V12 engine block, albeit heavily upgraded.
Driving impressions: unexpected refinement
To see what the T.50S was capable of, Harris was given the opportunity to drive it around the old Top Gear track. This car is one of the most extreme road-going track cars, and yet Harris says it is surprisingly accessible, with the V12 engine delivering exceptionally linear power.
The key factor in the car’s appeal is its weight — just 852 kg. For comparison, an Aston Martin Valkyrie weighs 1030 kg, and the AMR Pro version is only 30 kg lighter. Thanks to this low weight, the T.50S glides through corners before sprinting down straights, rapidly gaining speed as the engine revs out.
Not the monster expected
Harris particularly praises the smoothness of the engine. As with some competitors, the V12 engine is rigidly mounted to the carbon fiber chassis, and yet very little vibration is felt through the bulkhead or seat. This gives the car a feeling of sophistication often lacking in such purpose-built machines.
“It is an exceptionally smooth and linear engine. It doesn’t scare, it inspires.”
Limited series and increasing value
The total production of the T.50S is limited to just 25 examples, and all have already been sold. Given how prices for the road-going version have increased, we suspect that prices for the T.50S will also rise significantly, making us even more envious of those who already own one.
This material demonstrates that even in the world of hypercars, where the pursuit of records reigns supreme, there is room for a ‘driver’s car’ philosophy. The T.50S, despite its extremeness, remains a tool for enjoyment, not just a soulless lap-time machine. Its lightness and incredible engine smoothness make it a unique phenomenon even among the most expensive and rarest track cars, highlighting Gordon Murray’s mastery in creating not just fast cars, but truly alive machines.
