The S1 LM supercar, produced by Gordon Murray Special Vehicles, achieved a historic auction price of $20,630,000 (approximately £16 million) on November 21, 2023, in Las Vegas. This record-setting sale marks the highest amount ever paid for a new car at auction, excluding charitable sales. The vehicle, known as Chassis #1 from a limited run of just five units, captivated collectors and enthusiasts alike during the event.
The auction took place at the amfAR charity’s Gala Dinner, which was held in conjunction with the Las Vegas Formula One Grand Prix. As a highlight of the evening, the S1 LM made an unforgettable entrance, arriving suspended from a helicopter, which set an extravagant tone for the occasion. The dramatic reveal was fitting for a vehicle that has been dubbed the “Special One,” showcasing its unique status in the automotive world.
Bidding for the S1 LM was intense, with both attendees at the gala and remote bidders vying for ownership. The resulting hammer price not only set a new benchmark in the luxury car market but also underscored the significance of this supercar within the broader automotive community.
Gordon Murray, CBE and founder of Gordon Murray Special Vehicles, expressed pride in the auction’s outcome. He stated, “This world record auction result is a defining moment for our entire team and for the automotive world. The S1 LM represents everything I have learned in six decades of design – a pure expression of driving perfection, engineering art, and a true return to beauty. To see it achieve this scale of appreciation is truly humbling.”
Luxury Redefined: The S1 LM Experience
The S1 LM is not just a car; it embodies a journey for its new owner. Alongside the vehicle, the winning bidder will receive a unique 500-page monograph detailing the car’s development. This includes original sketches and notes from Gordon Murray’s design notebook, enhancing the ownership experience with a tangible connection to its creation.
Gordon Murray Special Vehicles emphasizes that the S1 LM is a manifestation of the principles that define their brand: Driving Perfection, Lightweight Engineering, Engineering Art, A Return to Beauty, Exclusivity, and The Customer Journey. The culmination of these elements results in a supercar that is as much a work of art as it is a high-performance machine.
The S1 LM debuted during Monterey Car Week in August 2025, and it was revealed that all five units were purchased by a single individual. The recent auction in Las Vegas has brought renewed attention to this exclusive collection, although details regarding the ownership of the remaining chassis remain undisclosed.
As the luxury automotive market continues to evolve, the S1 LM stands as a testament to innovation and design excellence. Its record sale not only highlights the growing appetite for high-end vehicles but also reinforces the impact of unique craftsmanship in the supercar segment. The legacy of the S1 LM is poised to resonate far beyond this auction, setting new standards for excellence in automotive engineering.
