Supercar Auction Breaks Records with $20.6 Million Sale

The S1 LM supercar from Gordon Murray Special Vehicles achieved a historic sale price of $20,630,000 at an auction in Las Vegas on November 21, 2023. This remarkable figure marks a new record for the most expensive new car ever sold at auction, excluding charitable sales. The vehicle, identified as Chassis #1, represents the final model in an ultra-exclusive production run of just five cars, showcasing the pinnacle of engineering and design.

High-Stakes Auction at Gala Dinner

The auction was held during the amfAR charity Gala Dinner, coinciding with the Las Vegas Formula One Grand Prix. The evening commenced with a dramatic arrival of the S1 LM, which made its entrance suspended beneath a helicopter, captivating attendees at the Wynn Las Vegas. This theatrical display set the tone for a night filled with competitive bidding, as collectors both present at the gala and participating remotely vied for ownership of the coveted supercar.

The auction concluded with a record-breaking hammer price that is expected to resonate within both the luxury and automotive sectors. The winning bidder is set to embark on “an experience unlike any other,” according to GMSV, which includes exclusive ownership of the rare vehicle along with a unique 500-page monograph. This monograph chronicles the S1 LM’s creation and features original sketches and notes from the design notebook of Professor Gordon Murray, CBE.

Engineering Art and Driving Perfection

The S1 LM is a homage to Murray’s legendary McLaren F1 LM and stands as the first and most exclusive creation from GMSV. Each of the five units produced is a testament to lightweight engineering and timeless design. The vehicle aims to embody Gordon Murray’s seven principles: Driving Perfection, Lightweight, Engineering Art, A Return to Beauty, Exclusivity, and The Customer Journey.

Unveiled during Monterey Car Week in August 2025, the S1 LM garnered immediate attention, with all five supercars purchased by a single individual. While the auction in Las Vegas marks a significant milestone, details regarding the ownership of the remaining four chassis have yet to be disclosed.

Professor Gordon Murray expressed his sentiments regarding the auction, stating, “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.”

The extraordinary sale of the S1 LM not only redefines market values for luxury vehicles but also highlights the growing demand for bespoke automotive creations. As the luxury car market evolves, the S1 LM’s record sale stands as a testament to the intersection of art and engineering in the automotive industry.