5 Minutes
Unique T.50 'Celeste' Seen on London Streets
The latest Gordon Murray T.50 to roll off the production line — chassis number 30 — was recently photographed stretching its legs around London. Nicknamed Celeste, this is the only T.50 so far finished in that bespoke light-blue hue, and it already feels like a unicorn among modern supercars: a nostalgic throwback wrapped in cutting-edge engineering.
Gordon Murray Automotive began deliveries of the limited-run T.50 in early 2024, with most cars handed over during 2024 and into 2025. Production is scheduled to wrap up around mid-2026, making every example increasingly scarce and sought after by collectors.
Why owners rarely drive their T.50s
These cars are ultra-rare, ultra-expensive and engineered to extreme performance standards. With a road-going price that starts at £2.36 million plus VAT (roughly $3 million), owners typically trailer their T.50s to events and shows rather than adding miles. Beyond preservation, many prefer to avoid everyday hazards: in a market where value is tied closely to condition and mileage, careful handling preserves collectibility.
"This is not a daily driver," many owners will tell you — and Celeste proves the point, arriving in London for a brief, celebrated outing rather than a commuter run.
Distinctive styling and bespoke interior
Celeste stands out with a painted rear fan and a polished aluminium grille — details that make chassis 30 the only car in the world with this exact specification. Inside, the T.50 preserves Gordon Murray’s iconic three-seat layout that places the driver front and center, a clear nod to the McLaren F1’s cockpit. The cabin philosophy favors driver engagement and lightness over abundance of luxury tech, reinforcing the car’s analog, driver-focused character.
Heart of the car: Cosworth 4.0L naturally aspirated V12
Under the hood is a Cosworth-developed, 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V12 that redlines at an astonishing 12,100 rpm. That high-revving design is not a gimmick: it produces 654 horsepower (663 PS) and 345 lb-ft (467 Nm) of torque, while tipping the scales at roughly 2,160 pounds (980 kg). The engine itself weighs about 175 kg (385 lb) — a reminder that weight savings were prioritized across the project.
Performance figures underline the drivetrain’s purpose:
- 0-60 mph (0-97 kph): 2.9 seconds
- Top speed: 226 mph (364 kph)
When the V12 fires, the T.50’s sound and presence make it impossible to blend into traffic. It’s an exercise in auditory and mechanical drama: raw, naturally aspirated power in an era of turbochargers and hybrids.
Track-only T.50 Niki Lauda
Gordon Murray Automotive also developed the T.50 Niki Lauda, a track-only tribute to the late Formula 1 champion. Only 25 examples will be built, each starting at £3.1 million (pre-tax). The Niki Lauda version is even lighter than the road car, reportedly weighing around 1,878 pounds (852 kg), thanks to further stripping and aerodynamic upgrades.
Market positioning and comparisons
The T.50 sits in the rarefied zone occupied by collector hypercars that prioritize driver engagement and engineering purity over pure lap-time bragging rights. While modern hypercars from other manufacturers often use hybrid systems to amplify performance, the T.50 is a statement for naturally aspirated engineering and bespoke craftsmanship. Comparisons to the McLaren F1 are inevitable because of the three-seat layout and driver-centric approach, but the T.50 is very much a Gordon Murray original — a modern interpretation of what an ultimate driving machine could be.
Highlights:
- One-off Celeste paint and unique rear fan spec
- Cosworth 4.0L V12, 12,100 rpm redline
- 654 hp, 2.9s 0-60 mph, 226 mph top speed
- Road model price ~£2.36M + VAT; T.50 Niki Lauda ~£3.1M
Whether you’re a collector, a fan of analog supercars, or simply a petrolhead grateful for a high-revving V12, the Celeste outing in London is a reminder that small, focused manufacturers like Gordon Murray Automotive can still create unforgettable automotive experiences. Expect the T.50 to remain a headline-grabbing, investment-grade supercar until the last example leaves the factory.
Source: autoevolution
Comments
atomwave
Is it worth owning if you never drive it? seems more like a safe deposit box on wheels, curious how many ever see a track day, or is it all show and storage lol
driveline
That Celeste paint is wild, like a pastel rocket. 12,100 rpm V12 though? mind blown. Owners trailering them makes sense, but still wanna hear it scream in traffic...
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