Introduction
When Gordon Murray sets his mind to building a car, it isn’t just a machine—it’s a philosophy in motion. The new GMSV Le Mans GTR, the very first creation from Gordon Murray Special Vehicles (GMSV), is exactly that: a road-legal symphony of design, engineering, and motorsport heritage. Limited to just 24 examples worldwide, this hyper-exclusive longtail is already sold out, but its legacy is destined to echo through the halls of automotive history.
A Mechanical Symphony: V12 at 12,100 rpm
At its heart lies a 4.0-litre naturally aspirated V12, developed with Cosworth and based on the T.50 platform. Producing 654 hp and revving to an astonishing 12,100 rpm, this engine is nothing short of a mechanical orchestra for purists. Paired with a six-speed manual gearbox, it reminds us why Murray’s creations are a love letter to the golden age of driving.
This isn’t just about speed—it’s about sensation. Every downshift, every crescendo to the redline, every mechanical click of the gear lever has been designed to immerse the driver in a raw, analog driving experience.
Longtail Heritage: Honouring Le Mans Legends
The Le Mans GTR isn’t merely a modern hypercar—it’s a direct homage to longtail icons like the McLaren F1 GTR Longtail, the Porsche 917, and the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33/3. Murray himself explained his fascination:
“Longtail racing cars perfectly combine aerodynamic benefit and aesthetic balance. I’ve always loved their mix of considered engineering and flowing design.”
The result is a shape that fuses flowing curves with aggressive aerodynamic intent. The elongated tail creates massive downforce and stability without requiring the iconic rear fan of the T.50. From the roof scoop to the stacked vertical headlights and that full-width carbon fibre wing, every detail is sculpted with purpose.
Between Road and Track
Positioned between the T.50’s road-going purity and the T.50S Niki Lauda’s uncompromising track focus, the Le Mans GTR strikes a unique balance. It is sharper, more purposeful than the T.50, yet still recognisably a Murray road car. The aerodynamic efficiency from the longtail design means less reliance on active aero trickery—everything flows naturally.
Ultra-Exclusive Production
Just 24 units will be built, one for each hour of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and each is already spoken for. Prices remain undisclosed, but “several million” is a safe assumption in today’s ultra-luxury, ultra-limited hypercar world.
Owners will be able to spec their cars to reflect their favourite longtail racers or go completely bespoke. Whether finished in classic Le Mans liveries or wild modern colour schemes, each GMSV Le Mans GTR will be a rolling piece of art.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for Gordon Murray
The GMSV Le Mans GTR is not just a car—it’s a manifesto. It proves that in an era obsessed with electrification and autonomy, there’s still room for V12s that scream past 12,000 rpm, manual gearboxes, and uncompromising design purity.
For Gordon Murray, this is more than a longtail tribute. It’s a declaration of intent: that driving passion will always have a place in the future of automotive engineering.
The Le Mans GTR is already sold out—but its legend has only just begun.
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