S1 LM: Gordon Murray’s Ode to Le Mans—Where Racing Heritage Meets Analog Purity

By Himanshu Kumar

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S1 LM: Gordon Murray’s Ode to Le Mans—Where Racing Heritage Meets Analog Purity

Amid the excitement of Monterey Car Week 2025, Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV) unveiled a masterpiece that celebrates racing heritage and engineering purity: the S1 LM—a road‑legal supercar paying homage to the 1995 McLaren F1 GTR that triumphed at Le Mans under Murray’s design.

A Timeless Tribute Rooted in Racing DNA

Conceived as a bespoke commission, the S1 LM—where S1 stands for Special One—coalesces thoughtful design with legacy. It channels the spirit and proportions of the legendary F1 GTR, yet stands resolutely in a modern context.

Its silhouette features hallmark F1 GTR cues: a central aerodynamic spine, roof‑mounted air intake, split‑level rear wing, and quad circular rear lights—a visual language that echoes the original while asserting its own identity.

Lightweight Engineering & Aerodynamic Precision

Built from ground‑up carbon‑fibre bodywork, the S1 LM boasts a lower roofline than its sibling, the T.50. Every panel, vent, and contour is meticulously sculpted for aerodynamic efficiency—incorporating a front splitter, a dual‑element rear wing, and an aggressive rear diffuser to ensure formidable downforce without the T.50’s rear fan.

Gordon Murray himself emphasized that the design steers clear of sensationalism: it’s “timeless and beautiful,” emphasizing balance, beauty, and proportion over extravagance.

Heart of the Beast: Cosworth V12 & Manual Engagement

At its core lies a meticulously engineered 4.3‑litre, naturally aspirated Cosworth V12, an enlargement of the T.50’s engine. It delivers over 690 bhp (and in some sources, more than 700 PS), soaring to a staggering 12,100 rpm redline.

True to Murray’s analog ethos, the engine connects directly to a six‑speed manual gearbox—using T.50 internals with refined linkages for rifle‑bolt‑short throws.

Adding to the sensory drama is the custom Inconel exhaust system, sheathed in 18‑karat gold heat shielding, channeling the V12’s voice through centrally‑mounted quad pipes—a nod to the F1 GTR’s aesthetic and audible legacy.

Racing‑Focused Chassis & Cockpit

Optimized for engagement, the S1 LM’s chassis features a solid‑mounted engine for heightened throttle response and precision. Custom suspension geometry, bespoke dampers, and a lowered ride height complete a handling envelope sharper than the already nimble T.50.

Inside, the cockpit adheres to Murray’s signature 3‑seat layout with central driver position, offering unparalleled connection between driver and machine. Stripped of excess, the cabin is crafted with lightweight materials, minimalist architecture, a central race‑spec bucket seat, tartan upholstery with red accents, and a vintage‑style wooden shift knob—merging tradition with precision craftsmanship.

Exclusivity Elevated: Five Cars for One Visionary

Exclusivity lies at the heart of the S1 LM story. Only five road‑legal examples will ever be built—commissioned by a single client—and all have already been spoken for. Deliveries are slated to begin in 2026.

Why the S1 LM Matters

  1. Heritage Honored: This is not a retro look-alike—it’s Murray’s own reinterpretation of his legendary F1 GTR, rooted in the very design DNA of a Le Mans winner.
  2. Analog Revival: In an era leaned toward electrification and automation, the S1 LM is a defiant celebration of pure, mechanical driving joy.
  3. Engineering Art: Every inch of the car balances beauty with function, reflecting Murray’s belief that innovation should never dilute aesthetic harmony.
  4. Collector’s Crown: With just five examples, the S1 LM is destined to join the pantheon of ultra‑exclusive, historical supercars.

Closing Thought

The S1 LM is more than a car—it’s a philosophical statement. It declares that craftsmanship, lightness, mechanical engagement, and timeless proportions are still invaluable in a world enchanted by technology. It reminds us that on the road—or the track—the emotional purity of driving still resonates. For aficionados and collectors alike, the S1 LM isn’t just a tribute to the past—it’s a beacon for the future of analog driving excellence.

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