North America’s First Gordon Murray Automotive T.50 Supercar Auctions for Record $8.035M at California Mille

GMA’s T.50: A Supercar Born from Legendary Design

Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA), the Surrey-based firm founded in 2017 by automotive design icon Gordon Murray, debuted its first model, the T.50, in 2020. Described by the company as “the most driver-centric supercar ever built,” the T.50 sold out within days of its global launch despite a starting price of approximately $3 million. Its limited production run of just 100 units, combined with its McLaren F1 heritage, ensured immediate demand among collectors.

Record-Breaking Auction Sale in North America

The T.50’s first public auction in North America took place at the California Mille rally in Paso Robles, where chassis 009 achieved a final price of $8.035 million. This sale sets a new record for the model, surpassing its single previous auction result. Alexander Weaver, Senior Car Specialist and Vice President at Broad Arrow Auctions, which handled the sale, remarked:

“The T.50 result is another spectacular example of the strength of the supercar market among today’s most active collectors. This nearly unobtainable icon from the legendary Gordon Murray is one of the cars to have, and we were honored to present it to a room of some of the world’s preeminent collectors and driving enthusiasts along one of the most beautiful tours in the hobby.”

The T.50’s Analog Appeal: Performance Without Electrification

The T.50 stands apart in an era dominated by electrification and computerization. Its heart is a naturally aspirated 3.9-liter V-12 engine, hand-built by Cosworth, delivering 661 horsepower and a spine-tingling exhaust note reminiscent of 1990s Formula One cars, revving up to 12,100 rpm. Unlike modern supercars, the T.50 features a six-speed manual transmission with an H-pattern shifter and clutch pedal, emphasizing pure driving engagement.

The supercar’s lightweight design tips the scales at just 2,200 pounds, comparable to a Mazda MX-5 Miata. Its aerodynamic efficiency relies on active ducts and a massive rear-mounted fan, a concept Murray first pioneered in the 1978 Brabham BT46B “fan car.” The T.50’s seating arrangement mirrors the McLaren F1, with the driver positioned centrally and two passenger seats flanking the cockpit, set slightly rearward.

Chassis 009: A Bespoke Masterpiece

The auctioned T.50, chassis 009, is finished in Reef (red) with a Dune (white) leather driver’s seat featuring a blue stripe. The passenger seats are upholstered in Blue Alcantara and Thruxton blue leather. The car’s rarity, combined with its storied lineage and analog performance, underscored its appeal to the world’s most discerning collectors.