Gordon Murray and his new McLaren F1 GTR

In a world increasingly dominated by hybrid and electric supercars, Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV) has finally unveiled a breathtaking ode to the golden era of pure and real performance: the Gordon Murray S1 LM. Revealed at Monterey Car Week 2025, this ultra-exclusive, road-legal supercar reimagines the iconic McLaren F1 GTR—designed by Gordon Murray himself—that clinched victory at Le Mans in 1995. With only five units commissioned for a single client, the S1 LM is a rare fusion of heritage, cutting-edge engineering, and bespoke craftsmanship.

Here’s everything you need to know about this modern masterpiece.

A tribute to iconic McLaren F1 GTR

The S1 LM, or “Special One” Le Mans, is the first offering from GMSV’s Bespoke division, which focuses on one-off and ultra-low-volume commissions. Built on the platform of the acclaimed GMA T.50, the S1 LM channels the spirit of the McLaren F1 GTR, the car that stunned the racing world by winning Le Mans with minimal modifications from its road-going counterpart. This new supercar isn’t just a nostalgic nod—it’s a full-throttle celebration of Murray’s design philosophy, blending timeless aesthetics with modern performance.

Not only elegance, power as main character

Limited to just five units, the S1 LM is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.3-liter V12 developed by Cosworth, pushing out over 690 horsepower and revving to a staggering 12,100 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission, emphasizing driver involvement and purity—a core value of Murray’s philosophy.

The S1 LM features extensive aerodynamic upgrades over the standard T.50, including a prominent rear wing, larger diffuser, front splitter, and more aggressive bodywork—all crafted from lightweight carbon fiber. Inside, it remains focused and minimal, with a center-driving position reminiscent of the McLaren F1.

Celebration of a track monster

• Date: June 17–18, 1995
• Details: The McLaren F1 GTR’s most iconic victory came at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, where it secured an overall win against fierce competition from purpose-built prototypes like the Courage C34 and Ferrari F40 LM. The #59 car, fielded by Kokusai Kaihatsu Racing and driven by JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas, and Masanori Sekiya, clinched the victory under grueling wet conditions.
• Significance: This win was historic for several reasons:
• Context: The F1 GTR was minimally modified from the road-going F1, retaining its BMW S70/2 6.1-liter V12 (producing ~600 hp in race trim) and lightweight carbon-fiber chassis. Its aerodynamic efficiency and driver-friendly handling shone in the rain-soaked race, proving Gordon Murray’s design genius.