Man Purchases All Five Gordon Murray S1 LMs, Then Concludes He Might Only Need Four | Carscoops

      RM Sotheby’s is set to auction the final available Gordon Murray S1 LM during the Vegas GP.

      The auction will take place on November 21, with the winning bidder having the opportunity to collaborate with Gordon Murray on the car's full specifications. The V12 engine can reach 12,100 rpm, and the estimated price exceeds $20 million.

      The Las Vegas Grand Prix promises to be thrilling this year, with significant excitement potentially happening outside the race track. Gordon Murray Special Vehicles will auction the “final” S1 LM over the weekend, with the sale of Chassis #1 highlighted at the amfAR benefit gala on November 21.

      The S1 LM is an extraordinary creation. It stands out as a successor to the McLaren F1, eclipsing anything else that has been called its heir.

      It is exceptionally exclusive, meticulously crafted, and highly focused on the driver experience. One can imagine how Gordon Murray would have evolved the F1 had he leveraged modern materials and technologies; that encapsulates what the S1 LM represents.

      Only five S1 LMs will be produced, reflecting the five McLaren F1 LMs created to celebrate the F1 GTR’s 1995 Le Mans triumph. Chassis #1 is the last unit available for sale, and the winning bidder will gain more than just a car.

      They will have the chance to meet with Murray to design their bespoke specifications, akin to the custom supercars of the 1990s.

      What Powers It

      Beneath its lightweight carbon exterior is a newly developed 4.3-liter naturally aspirated GMA-Cosworth V12, designed exclusively for the S1 LM. This engine produces over 700 hp and revs to 12,100 rpm, paired with a six-speed manual transmission and aimed at a weight of just 957 kg (2,150 pounds).

      Murray eliminated the rear fan and cooling system to accommodate the larger V12 and a custom Inconel exhaust wrapped in 18-carat gold heat shielding, which, along with the four central exhaust outlets, pays homage to the 1995 Le Mans champion.

      For Murray, the car holds personal significance. He worked on this project during his recovery from cancer, stating that the focus required was crucial in getting him through that challenging time.

      RM Sotheby’s anticipates the bidding to reach around $20 million, largely due to the rarity of the vehicle, as GMSV sold all planned production units to a single buyer. The brand confirmed to Carscoops that this status remains unchanged.

      Speculation arises that the original buyer has opted to sell this particular unit. This could potentially be one of the most remarkable resales we’ve seen. We will update on any further information regarding the deal from GMA.

      How US-Legal Is It?

      A final note for U.S. buyers: importing this car comes with certain conditions. It only qualifies under the “Show or Display” exemption. Fortunately, Gordon Murray will assist in completing the necessary paperwork, as stated in the auction listing.

      “Gordon Murray will help with the necessary steps to include the S1 LM on the approved list for this exemption,” the RM Sotheby’s listing states. “It remains the buyer’s responsibility to pay all relevant import duties, tariffs, and taxes, as well as any costs related to federalizing the vehicle, should they choose to do so.”