“The Special One”: Final Gordon Murray S1 LM to Be Auctioned During Las Vegas Grand Prix Weekend
Image source: Official media release provided by Vcomm Ltd on behalf of Gordon Murray Automotive and RM Sotheby’s
Las Vegas, Nevada (November 6, 2025) – In one of the most exclusive auctions of the year, Gordon Murray Automotive and RM Sotheby’s will present the final Gordon Murray S1 LM supercar available for sale at the amfAR Las Vegas Benefit Gala, held during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix on November 21, 2025.
This extraordinary vehicle—Chassis #1, known as “The Special One”—represents the last opportunity for collectors to acquire the most extreme and emotionally charged creation from the mind of Professor Gordon Murray CBE, the legendary designer behind the McLaren F1.
A Tribute to the 1995 Le Mans Legend
The S1 LM was conceived to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the McLaren F1 GTR’s 1995 Le Mans victory, one of motorsport’s defining achievements. It is the first model to emerge from Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV), a new division dedicated to ultra-exclusive, driver-focused masterpieces.
Only five examples of the S1 LM will ever be built, echoing the five McLaren F1 LMs that celebrated that historic win. The car combines analogue purity with modern lightweight technology, channeling Murray’s lifelong philosophy: “lightness, beauty, and driving perfection.”
Engineered for the Purest Driving Experience
At the heart of the S1 LM lies a bespoke 4.3-liter naturally aspirated Cosworth V12, producing over 700 horsepower at 12,100 rpm. It is paired with a six-speed manual gearbox and housed within a chassis targeting an incredible curb weight of just 957 kg.
Key highlights include:
A unique Inconel exhaust system wrapped in 18-karat gold heat shielding.
Larger displacement and lighter internals than the standard T.50 V12.
Centralized four-exit exhaust layout inspired by the 1995 Le Mans winner.
Hand-built carbon fiber structure designed to achieve perfect aerodynamic balance.
Image source: Official media release provided by Vcomm Ltd on behalf of Gordon Murray Automotive and RM Sotheby’s
The result is the ultimate expression of analogue driving—a car designed for those who value connection over computers and emotion over numbers.
“The Special One” – Chassis #1
The S1 LM to be auctioned at the Wynn Las Vegas carries unique significance: it is the final car available for sale from the five planned units, giving the winning bidder the exclusive opportunity to co-create the specification alongside Professor Gordon Murray himself.
As Shelby Myers, Global Head of Private Sales at RM Sotheby’s, described:
“This is more than a car; it’s a one-in-a-lifetime experience. The chance to design your S1 LM directly with Gordon Murray is like stepping back into the 1990s to shape the modern reincarnation of the world’s most iconic supercar.”
The car is estimated to sell for in excess of $20 million USD, placing it among the most valuable modern analogue hypercars ever offered at auction.
A Personal Project of Passion
Beyond its engineering brilliance, the S1 LM carries a deeply personal story for Murray. The project was developed during his recovery from cancer, becoming, in his own words, “a big part of getting me through that journey.”
“The amount of effort and focus that goes into designing a new car leaves no room for anything else,” said Professor Gordon Murray CBE, Chairman and Chief Designer of Gordon Murray Automotive.
“The S1 LM is special for all those reasons—it’s not only a machine, it’s a testament to resilience, creativity, and joy in design.”
The Auction and amfAR Gala
The auction will take place on November 21, 2025, at the Wynn Las Vegas, as part of amfAR’s Benefit Gala held during the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend. The event will also honor Professor Murray with the amfAR Award of Innovation, recognizing his decades of groundbreaking contributions to automotive design and engineering.
Proceeds from the gala will support amfAR’s global research and advocacy programs in the fight against AIDS, continuing the foundation’s four-decade commitment to science and progress.
Conclusion
“The Special One” is more than a collector’s car—it’s the culmination of six decades of Gordon Murray’s engineering genius and a tribute to the golden era of driving. With its auction at amfAR Las Vegas, the final S1 LM stands as both a celebration of human achievement and a new symbol of hope, precision, and beauty in motion.
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