The First GMSV SL1 LM Supercar Could Fetch Over $20 Million at Auction

Although auctions are a ubiquitous form of fundraising that vary in effectiveness depending on what’s crossing the block and who benefits, philanthropic bidding will be in overdrive at a single-lot event in Las Vegas on November 21. That’s when RM Sotheby’s, Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA), and the American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) present the opportunity to own the first of only five S1 LM supercars to be made. That privilege alone will cost more than $20 million.

It was on August 15 of this year that the Special One Le Mans (S1 LM) was globally revealed at the Quail, a Motorsports Gathering, as part of Monterey Car Week, premiering simultaneously with the marque’s Le Mans GTR. Both extremely limited-edition models debuted Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV), which, according to its official press release at the time, “works with visionary customers to create unique, ultra-low volume vehicles . . .”

What that mission meant in the case of the S1 LM, was GMSV working with one undisclosed client who wanted to honor automotive maestro Gordon Murray’s seminal McLaren F1. More specifically, the project was to take inspiration from and celebrate the version of the F1 that took the checkered flag at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1995. To that end, the client bought all five S1 LM in advance.

Speaking with Gordon Murray in 2023, we asked him about why his McLaren F1 resonates with collectors and the entire car community the way it does.  “It had so many firsts; it was the first carbon-fiber structure with a center driving position, and it had the best V-12 built up to that point,” he told us. “That’s probably half the story, and then of course, it went on to win at Le Mans in its first attempt, and that you can never take away from a motorcar.”

As for the S1 LM, Gordon Murray and team worked with their patron to improve on the original Le Mans–conquering F1 variant’s design even further. Such a daunting task had been previously applied to crafting, in Murray’s opinion, an even better version of the street-legal F1, which resulted in the limited-production GMA T.50, unveiled to the world in 2021.

With the S1 LM,  the marque’s preliminary announcement of the car stated that it has new carbon-fiber body panels, a lower profile, and, among other aero considerations, a “dual-element rear wing.” It also showcases a naturally aspirated, 4.3-liter V-12—revving to 12,100 rpm—mated to a six-speed manual that further redlines the car’s visceral thrill and tactile engagement. And while the claimed output—in the neighborhood of 700 hp—may not rival that of some high-performance SUVs, the car is aimed to weigh only about 2,100 pounds. And yes, it retains the center drive position of the McLaren F1.

A GMSV representative has informed Robb Report that the automaker “is supporting the owner of the five S1 LM supercars in the auction as part of the exceptional customer journey each owner benefits from.” Per RM Sotheby’s preliminary lot description, Dario Franchitti, who has won the Indianapolis 500 three times and has partnered with GMA as its development driver, will work closely with the winning bidder through the production process.

The auction will take place at the Wynn as part of the amfAR Las Vegas Benefit Gala, helping Formula 1’s Grand Prix weekend in the desert metropolis get in full gear. The percentage of the lot’s sale amount that’s earmarked for fueling AIDS research is currently unclear, but most any slice of at least $20 million should move the needle.  

Click here for more photos of the S1 LM from Gordon Murray Special Vehicles.