Words: Nik Berg
Images: McLaren and Nathan Morgan
As if Gordon Murray’s cars weren’t special enough already, the British automotive engineering guru has launched a new Special Vehicles division to build even more exclusive machines in ultra-low volume.
The new department, GMSV, will focus on three niches. It’s Bespoke cars will be true one-offs, based on a new platform, but with a design that’s unique to each customer.
Under the Heritage Banner the company is set to build continuation cars or restomod versions of his previous designs, potentially opening the door for a very small run of McLaren F1s or Rockets, which were originally made by the Light Car Company.
The third channel will be Special Vehicles, designed and engineered by GMSV to sit outside the standard Gordon Murray Automotive stable of T.50 and T.33 hypercars.
“Over the years, we have received many requests to design and build one-offs and specials of all kinds,” explains Murray. “This has only accelerated as our business and brand has matured and our resources have grown with dedicated engineering, design and manufacturing at our global HQ and technology campus at Highams Park in Windlesham. Until very recently we always resisted these requests as we were focused on launching our halo T.50 supercar, and finalising development of subsequent products: the T.50s Niki Lauda and the T.33 range.
“Now, as we have grown the business and team, we have established separate design and engineering departments for GMSV – it’s the perfect time to extend our offering to special vehicles. GMSV has a different agenda and will work across three distinct special product categories – Bespoke, Heritage, and Special Vehicles – all of which sit outside of the current GMA product and platform plan.”
Details of the GMSV platform and powertrain have yet to be revealed but the first two cars are set to be delivered to Murray’s customers this year with one bespoke commission and a Special Vehicles programme collaboration.
If money was no object, what special request would you give to Gordan Murray’s new department? Let us know in the comments below!
