THE EMERGENCE OF A LEGEND

It is one of the more fascinating legends of the modern performance automotive niche. One of the most successful designers in Formula One history received a highly unusual assignment from his championship-winning employer: Design us a road car, they dared him. And why not? He had only been an instrumental pillar in three consecutive Formula One Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships (1988, 1989, and 1990), collaborating with successful team boss Ron Dennis and legendary drivers Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna to forge one of Formula One’s most glorious epochs.

And so it transpired that the perennial racing powerhouse McLaren tasked its design lead, the accomplished Gordon Murray, to apply his expertise to a road-legal sports car, transferring from the F1 team to McLaren Cars by 1991. The result, by unanimous consensus, was one of the most successful cars, bar none: the McLaren F1. Thirty years later, it remains the indisputable pinnacle of the contemporary car space.

The F1 boasted one of the most advanced design and technical profiles ever conceived, with timeless styling and race-perfected mechanicals incorporating the first-ever carbon monocoque used in a road car, featuring a unique three-seat interior layout with dihedral doors. The purpose-built BMW V-12 developed a prodigious 627 horsepower, which in combination with the car’s light weight led to a record-setting performance envelope punctuated by a top speed of 243 mph. The erstwhile crop of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Porsches appeared merely conventional by comparison.

But the irony of the F1’s astonishing performance was that Gordon Murray never set out to break records of any kind. Nor had he intended to construct a racing machine. He simply endeavored to build the best road car possible, with a set of ideas that he later codified into the seven design principles of Gordon Murray Automotive: Driving Perfection, Lightweight, Engineering Art, Premium Brand, A Return to Beauty, Exclusivity, and The Customer Journey.

Gordon was naturally keen on the competition-proven notion that a lightweight car with superior power far exceeds the capabilities of a car that sacrifices weight for additional output, a strategy that served him well during decades of racecar design. In the case of the F1, this strategy was brilliantly applied to a road car, with no consideration for competition. Gordon nevertheless received a great deal of pressure and lobbying from owners and privateer teams to try and make him change his mind.

Gordon reluctantly agreed, and with modest revisions, the F1 GTR debuted at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was there, at the world’s most legendary race, the F1 GTR became the last true road-specified GT car to win the benchmark event outright. The F1 not only won, it dominated the event, finishing in 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 13th places.

Never before had a new GT model so casually attempted Le Mans and promptly crushed the competition, including the purpose-built prototype class. Was it merely coincidence that the checkered flag-waving Sunday was Gordon’s 47th birthday? Serendipitously, number 47 happened to be Gordon’s favorite number, which he first used as his race number for his first-ever design, the T.1, at 19 years old. It was easy to view such serendipity as a nod from the automotive gods, the ultimate recognition of the man’s moment in time.

In celebration of the McLaren F1’s triumph at Le Mans, Gordon designed and built a special commemorative batch of just five cars called the F1 LM, which paid tribute to the five chassis which finished at the historic 1995 race. As one of the highest specifications of the McLaren F1 production run, these cars have come to be viewed as the most desirable evolution of the model.

SETTING UP HIS OWN HOUSE

Gordon eventually established his own British design company in 2007 which evolved over time and, in 2017, attained official manufacturer status as Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA). GMA launched a select lineup of supercars that distilled six decades of Gordon’s experience, while formally showcasing his seven core design principles. Among these models are the T.50 and T.33—refined, purpose-built road cars that echo the spirit and philosophy of Gordon’s lightweighting obsession and driving perfection. Both have been met with widespread acclaim and are set to be produced in strictly limited runs of just 100 units each.

In his relentless pursuit of perfection, in 2024 Gordon decided to create Gordon Murray Special Vehicles to push his seven design principles further than ever before. While the supercars crafted at Gordon Murray Automotive are celebrated for their stunning design and engineering purity, the new Special Vehicles collection elevates exclusivity to new heights—each vehicle a hand-crafted masterpiece reserved for the most discerning collectors.

At the 2025 The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, Gordon Murray Special Vehicles unveiled its first and most significant commissioned project. An avid Gordon Murray enthusiast and collector had approached the company about producing an incredibly special model, one that would not only honor the 30th anniversary of the GTR’s Le Mans win—and the subsequent McLaren F1 LM—but which would exceed the high bar set by Gordon and his storied 60 years of car design. The goal was to create a vastly different experience than that provided by the T.50, providing an even deeper emotional connection between driver and machine.

FIRST COMMISSION: THE SPECIAL ONE

The S1 LM is nothing short of breathtaking: A modern evolution of the legendary McLaren F1 LM, elevated in every sense. While its name honors the icon that inspired it, the S1 LM refines that spirit into something more sculptural, more purposeful, and more beautiful. The surfacing on its carbon fiber bodywork has greater tension and definition, with a dramatic coke-bottle profile replacing the more boxy and upright form of the F1 LM. The body narrows elegantly at the center to shed visual weight, while the wider and more muscular fenders accommodate larger wheels and tires, giving the car a lighter, yet more powerful stance.

At the rear, the S1 LM badge pays homage to the original LM insignia, yet now signifies something deeper. The “S” stands for “Special,” marking it as a creation of Gordon Murray Special Vehicles, while the “1” denotes the first and most significant motorcar to emerge from the brand, the Special One, an extraordinary evolution of a legend.

Just like the McLaren F1 LM, only five examples of the S1 LM will be built, matching the original model’s extreme rarity. While Gordon and his team used the T.50 as a logical starting point, by the time they had finished, an utterly different supercar stood before them. Far greater than a mere revision, the S1 LM is a unique model that elevates the Gordon Murray principles to a new state of realization.

The chassis underwent numerous changes and extensive re-engineering to meet the model’s demanding design and aerodynamics. The most significant change was the removal of the central spine architecture, allowing for a lower, sleeker roofline that not only improved airflow and downforce but also brought the proportions closer to those of the original F1 LM. This modified carbon fiber monocoque was subsequently lowered, lightened, and reinforced in certain areas to deliver even greater rigidity and structural precision.

The new chassis was then blessed with the heart of the S1 LM, a bespoke and exclusive V-12 by Cosworth with an increased displacement of 4.3 liters. The new unit develops over 700 horsepower at a shrieking 12,100 rpm, and 501 Nm (370 pound-feet) of torque, 81 percent of which is, astonishingly, available as low as 2,500 rpm. The low-inertia, high-revving engine features a suite of competition-spec components such as silicon carbide-coated lightweight pistons, titanium valves, titanium connecting rods, and a dry-sump lubrication system. Building on the legacy of the McLaren F1 and the GMA T.50, the S1 LM’s V-12 once again sets a new benchmark as one of the lightest, highest-revving, most power-dense, and most responsive naturally aspirated V-12 engines ever fitted to a road car.

The engine exhales through a lightweight, heat-resistant four-pipe Inconel exhaust system, wrapped in 18-karat gold heat shielding, a nod to the McLaren F1’s iconic tailpipe design. The exhaust insulation reduces temperatures by a further 20% compared to conventional materials, allowing for reduced shielding and a cleaner, more open engine bay that highlights the car's mechanical artistry. The inlet system has been comprehensively reworked to repackage the throttle bodies and air filters into a more compact layout, simplifying the sculptural airbox and revealing the engine’s distinctive cam covers. Each machined and laser-etched with S1 LM and 4.3 graphics, these form a striking visual centerpiece beneath the clear lightweight polycarbonate engine cover.

The S1 LM features a single large engine lid, hinged at the roof, which opens to reveal the inner layer of gold-leaf heat shielding and the breathtaking display of “engineering art” beneath, a theatre of exquisite mechanical components on full view.

Staying true to its promise of delivering driving perfection, the S1 LM is offered exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. This required additional innovation, combining the gearbox case of GMA’s track-only T.50s Niki Lauda with the internals of the T.50. The tub and fuel tank were also modified to enable a more direct routing of the gear cables, resulting in super-short, crisp, rifle-bolt throws that heighten driver engagement.

With the S1 LM, Gordon applied his uncompromising obsession with lightness, pushing the boundaries of weight reduction further than ever before. A pioneer and innovator in carbon composites, one of the most significant areas of weight-saving was achieved through advanced carbon fiber production techniques, a painstaking process that produces the thinnest and lightest carbon matrix weave while maintaining exceptional strength and rigidity. The result is ultra-lightweight body panels just six-tenths of a millimeter thick used throughout the car. Sections are intentionally left exposed in glorious Naked Polish Carbon Fiber form, unlacquered to celebrate the beauty of the material while saving every possible gram.

Weight reduction extends across every area of the car. The new five-spoke wheels are ultra-lightweight forged aluminum alloy, while the interior features a redesigned lightweight center console, handbrake, pedals, and a removable motorsports steering wheel. The driver binnacle is bolted directly to the carbon monocoque via a metallic 3D-printed hollow structure, using exotic alloys that combine aesthetic beauty, mechanical strength, and minimal mass. The T.50’s camera and LCD screen display have been replaced with A-pillar-mounted mirrors, and the drop-down glass replaced by advanced polycarbonate ticket windows.

The craftsmanship of the carbon bodywork, shaped to match consulting designer Florian Flatau’s sculptural vision, feels as though a McLaren F1 LM has travelled through a time machine and re-emerged in the future. Remarkably, the S1 LM is the only GMA or GMSV-built car to undergo traditional clay modeling, allowing the design team to sculpt and refine every curve by hand before translating it into carbon. This artisanal process imbues the design with a heightened sense of emotion and connection, giving the car a soul that can be both seen and felt.

Validating aerodynamic performance has been central to the S1 LM’s development from the outset. Its aerodynamic design has been developed in harmony with its sculpted form. Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) have been leveraged to meticulously analyze airflow to achieve an optimal balance of lift and drag.

Soon, in a first for a GMA or GMSV car, the S1 LM will undergo wind tunnel testing to validate these simulations in a real-world environment. Even more uniquely, the winning bidder will be invited to witness and experience the wind tunnel process firsthand—an exclusive opportunity to glimpse the final refinement of the car’s aerodynamic excellence. The process will ensure the perfect balance of downforce, stability, and beauty that defines the S1 LM.

The driving experience benefits from extensive refinements, including a lighter suspension geometry, and a solidly mounted engine with spherically jointed components for exceptional stiffness and response. The driver can fine-tune aspects of the car’s performance, from suspension camber and geometry to the calibration of the rear wing, ensuring an experience tailored entirely to individual preference.

Inside the cockpit, a GPS-based lap timer, stopwatch, and track map system allow the driver to analyze and refine their performance on track. Beyond its technology, however, the S1 LM is defined by the artistry of its details. At the center of the bespoke shift knob lies a rare quartz crystal found only in select regions of Pakistan. Within the crystal are tiny pockets of oil in liquid form, trapped millions of years ago. Cut and polished like a precious gem, in the shape of a droplet, it serves as a symbol of purity and purpose. This jewel-like emblem reflects the essence of the S1 LM, a car unapologetically powered by one of the most advanced naturally aspirated V-12 engines ever created, proudly carrying the flag for high-octane performance for generations to come, defying the mainstream move toward hybrid and electric powertrains.

Every component of the S1 LM reflects the same single-minded pursuit of perfection. It is an object that blurs the boundary between machine and sculpture, the embodiment of Gordon Murray’s lifelong philosophy that lightness, purity, and precision are the ultimate measures of performance.

For Gordon, the S1 LM also represents a deeply personal triumph, carrying a significance beyond engineering excellence. Gordon worked on its design while undergoing cancer treatment, later admitting that the project was instrumental in helping him endure such a difficult chapter in his life. Now in remission, he regards the S1 LM as a source of resilience—a narrative that gives this car a soul, setting it apart from the often-impersonal world of high-end automotive design.

THE FIRST OF FIVE: THE CHANCE TO TAKE AN UNREPEATABLE JOURNEY

Driving a McLaren F1 is a privilege reserved for only a few; experiencing an S1 LM will be rarer still. This offering—the first of just five S1 LM chassis—is exceptional. Beyond acquisition, the winning bidder will have the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with Gordon and the Special Vehicles team to collaborate on the most bespoke, individually tailored supercar imaginable.

Because the offer of this S1 LM is unique and a future build, the winning bidder will enter into a sales contract that is direct with Gordon Murray Special Vehicles. The sales contract is a part of the Bidder’s Conditions of Business. Each person registering to bid on the S1 LM is entering into and signing the Bidder’s Conditions of business, found here, and agrees to the terms and conditions of the sales contract.

This experience will far exceed the mere purchase of a car, or even the concept of customizing individual paint and interior schemes. The owner will participate in final development test drives, offering personal feedback on performance to further optimize the car to their individual taste. This access to the final development process includes interaction with Executive Product and Brand Director, Dario Franchitti, the four-time IndyCar champion and three-time Indianapolis 500 winner, as well as personal time with the legendary designer Gordon, himself. The buyer will also receive an exquisite 500-page monograph dedicated to the S1 LM, featuring stunning photographs, detailed specifications, and most importantly, copies of original sketches and handwritten notes from Gordon’s personal notebook.

Ownership of the S1 LM is not simply a transaction, instead marking the beginning of an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind journey. This experience includes participating in the construction of one of the world’s most spectacular, heritage-inspired motorcars, guided by one of the automotive space’s most celebrated and accomplished designers. For enthusiasts who once dreamed of joining McLaren’s F1 program over three decades ago, this is the ultimate opportunity: to work directly with Gordon Murray in creating their very own S1 LM, his most complete interpretation of the iconic Le Mans-winning design.

The S1 LM represents the pinnacle of Gordon’s principles and is a rare tribute to the McLaren F1 LM. Crafted with obsessive attention to Driving Perfection, Lightweight, uncompromising Engineering Art, Premium Brand, A Return to Beauty, and Exclusivity, it is paired with a Customer Journey that redefines luxury. The successful bidder can expect an adventure as thrilling as a symphony in motion, meticulously curated through a pioneering build journey. This is more than a car: It is a dream made real.

Note: The S1 LM is a Gordon Murray Special Vehicles Project and is not affiliated in any way with McLaren Group Limited or McLaren Automotive Limited.