Monterey Car Week has barely begun, yet Gordon Murray has already managed to capture the spotlight. The legendary designer, best known for creating the iconic McLaren F1, has introduced not one but two brand-new supercars under his latest venture, Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV). These two models, named the S1 LM and the Le Mans GTR, signal the emergence of a fresh chapter for Murray’s expanding automotive empire.
Since the establishment of Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA), Murray has already proven his ability to set lofty standards within the supercar world. Previous creations such as the T50, its track-focused sibling T50S, and the smaller yet equally sophisticated T33 have all sold out, earning praise for their brilliance and engineering ingenuity. When Murray teased the unveiling of two new models at Monterey Car Week, many assumed they would simply be limited-run derivatives of the T50 or T33. To everyone’s surprise, the S1 LM and Le Mans GTR turned out to be entirely new, distinct projects with their own personalities.
The S1 LM pays homage to Murray’s crowning achievement, the McLaren F1, particularly its unforgettable victory at the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car is a modern reinterpretation, blending elements of the original F1 with influences from the T50 and T50S, while also incorporating entirely new design details. Visually, the body takes cues from the F1’s shape, but it asserts its individuality through unique touches. The headlights resemble the F1’s but have a fresh design language, while the ducting on the sides cleverly merges old and new ideas—oval slats reminiscent of the F1 sit alongside new scoops positioned on the door shoulders. Inside, the S1 LM features a three-seat cabin layout, with the driver positioned centrally, much like the F1, but with a modern twist GMSV refers to as “skeletal architecture.” Only five examples of the S1 LM will ever be built, and interestingly, all five are destined for a single collector.
Underneath, the car is just as impressive. Power comes from a naturally aspirated 4.3-liter V12 engine that produces over 700 horsepower. The gearbox uses a mix of components from both the T50 and T50S, while the suspension has been engineered to be lighter yet stiffer than the T50, ensuring sharper handling and agility.
On the other hand, the Le Mans GTR is Murray’s tribute to the F1 GTR Longtail, though it also borrows inspiration from classic endurance racers such as the Porsche 917, Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/3, and Matra-Simca MS660. Unlike the S1 LM, the GTR retains the same powerplant as the T50 but radically alters almost everything else. The signature fan of the T50 is gone, replaced by a long-tail aerodynamic design that reduces drag while simultaneously increasing downforce. The car also features large air vents, prominent side pods, and extensive cooling solutions to keep the engine performing at peak levels during demanding track sessions. Solid drivetrain mounting improves responsiveness, while engineers have managed to minimize unwanted noise and vibration. Only 24 units of the Le Mans GTR will be built, and each will feature a highly customizable three-seat cockpit, giving customers a chance to personalize their machine extensively.
Speaking on the design philosophy, Murray explained his admiration for longtail race cars, praising their unique balance between aerodynamics and aesthetics. To him, these designs represent a perfect marriage of practical engineering and flowing beauty.
With the introduction of the S1 LM and Le Mans GTR, it is clear that GMSV is not bound by conventional limits. Instead, Murray’s latest company seems prepared to deliver almost any dream that a buyer’s imagination—and budget—can conceive. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, the possibilities feel less like constraints and more like an open horizon.