Supercar Sells for Record $20.6 Million at Las Vegas Auction
The auction of the S1 LM supercar by Gordon Murray Special Vehicles achieved a historic milestone on November 21, 2023, when it sold for an astonishing $20,630,000 (approximately £16 million) in Las Vegas. This sale marks the highest price ever paid for a new car at auction, excluding charitable sales, and highlights the growing interest in ultra-exclusive automotive collectibles.
The event took place during the amfAR charity Gala Dinner, coinciding with the Las Vegas Formula One Grand Prix. The S1 LM, which arrived in a dramatic fashion suspended from a helicopter, set the stage for an unforgettable evening filled with excitement and competitive bidding.
Bidding was fierce, as collectors both present at the gala and participating remotely vied for the final chassis from a limited production run of just five units. The final hammer price is expected to have significant implications for both the luxury car market and automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
An Experience Beyond Ownership
The winning bidder of the S1 LM will embark on a unique customer journey, described by GMSV as “an experience unlike any other.” Alongside ownership of this remarkable supercar, the buyer will receive a detailed 500-page monograph documenting the car’s creation, featuring original sketches and insights from Gordon Murray’s own design notebook.
Professor Gordon Murray, CBE, expressed his gratitude for the auction result, stating, “This world record auction result is a defining moment for our entire team and for the automotive world.” He emphasized that the S1 LM represents a culmination of his extensive experience in automotive design, combining driving perfection, engineering artistry, and aesthetic beauty.
The Exclusivity of the S1 LM
The S1 LM, with a name that pays homage to the legendary McLaren F1 LM, stands as the first and most exclusive offering from Gordon Murray Special Vehicles. Each of the five cars produced is a testament to lightweight engineering and timeless design.
Gordon Murray’s philosophy is encapsulated in seven principles that guide the creation of the S1 LM: Driving Perfection, Lightweight, Engineering Art, A Return to Beauty, Exclusivity, and The Customer Journey. The S1 LM was unveiled during Monterey Car Week in August 2023, where it was revealed that all five units were purchased by a single individual. Details regarding the ownership of the remaining four chassis remain undisclosed.
The success of this auction and the unprecedented sale price reflect the growing demand for high-end, limited-production vehicles, setting a new benchmark in the automotive industry.
