Thirty years ago, Gordon Murray’s McLaren F1 GTR did the unthinkable. A car that was never intended for the racetrack stormed the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th. In doing so, it rewrote endurance racing history and cemented its place in the pantheon of motorsport legends. Fast forward to 2025, and Murray has decided to revisit that story. The result is the S1 LM – a road-legal, modern homage based on the GMA T.50 and T.50s.
A customer’s obsession turned into reality.
The S1 LM is not a mass-production car. It is not even a limited-edition car in the conventional sense. Only five will be built, all destined for a single customer who shares Murray’s affection for that 1995 Le Mans win. Working directly with Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA) and its designer, the owner commissioned this reimagined F1 GTR, featuring modern engineering beneath its skin.
The car sits under a new brand, Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV). The division will create ultra-low-volume models under three categories: Heritage, Bespoke, and SV Design. The S1 LM falls into the Bespoke category – a pure one-off vision, executed to perfection.
Engineering the tribute
Underneath, the S1 LM uses a blend of T.50 and T.50s components. The carbon panels are made from lighter material derived from the T.50s, while the three-seat layout and six-speed manual gearbox are borrowed from the T.50. It is, in effect, a greatest hits compilation of Gordon Murray’s recent work.
The headline act, though, is the engine. The naturally aspirated 4.0-litre Cosworth V12 from the T.50 has been enlarged to 4.3 litres. With lighter internals and a bigger bore, it now develops over 700 bhp and revs to a dizzying 12,100 rpm. Torque figures haven’t been disclosed, but expect something in the 480–500 Nm region. Performance numbers are also under wraps, though with its low kerb weight and gearing, speeds well over 330 kmph seem plausible.
To sharpen dynamics, the suspension has been re-engineered with lighter and stiffer components, while the V12 is solid-mounted for quicker responses. GMSV claims that refinement has not been sacrificed, emphasising that this is still a usable road car rather than a circuit-only special.
Design: past meets present
The S1 LM’s design is where nostalgia meets modernity. Its headlights are slim and futuristic but framed by cut-outs that recall the F1 GTR’s lamps. A bridge wing sits in the front clam, while the lozenge-shaped vents, five-spoke wheels, and roof scoop are lifted directly from the 1995 original.
It is at the rear, however, where the homage becomes most obvious. The towering fixed rear wing is nearly identical to the F1 GTR’s, but now features a dual-plane setup for additional downforce. The quad Inconel exhausts sit neatly below four round taillights, which are given a new-age touch with neon-style detailing.
Inside, the car keeps things faithful to Murray’s philosophy of lightweight design. There are tartan seats, a wooden gear shifter, and even a playful nod to the noise levels with a pair of ear defenders. As with Murray’s cars, weight-saving and engineering purity take precedence over excess luxury.
The price of exclusivity
Pricing has not been revealed, but considering the T.50 costs over ₹22 crore (before taxes), the S1 LM will likely command a significantly higher price. Delivery of the first car is scheduled for next year.
GMSV has also hinted that more specials are in development. Whether they revisit another iconic Murray design or embark on something entirely new, the S1 LM sets a high benchmark.
Verdict
The S1 LM is more than a tribute. It is a bridge between two eras of motorsport and design philosophy. By fusing the DNA of the 1995 F1 GTR with the cutting-edge engineering of the T.50, Gordon Murray has created something that is both nostalgic and modern. It might be built for just one customer, but for enthusiasts, it represents the continuation of one of the greatest automotive stories ever told.
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