Gordon Murray Automotive (GMA), the esteemed British car manufacturer, has revealed an exclusive series of 25 T.50s Niki Lauda supercars, each bearing a unique name that pays homage to Gordon Murray’s illustrious career in Formula One racing. This special edition lineup commemorates the dates of Murray’s initial 24 Grand Prix victories across various circuits, alongside a memorable endurance race win, encapsulating a rich tapestry of racing heritage.
Allocated to their proud owners, these track-only marvels are arranged in a chronological sequence that begins with Murray’s maiden victory in 1974 at South Africa’s Kyalami circuit, spanning through to his triumph in 1995 at La Sarthe, France. This initiative precedes the global dynamic introduction of the T.50s Niki Lauda prototype slated for 13 April at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in the UK. The event is poised to draw over 15,000 enthusiasts, eager to witness the race-spec car’s prowess, particularly its exhilarating 12,100 rpm redline performance. Additionally, the T.33 prototype, affectionately dubbed ‘James’, will also debut, showcasing the strides in innovation made by the GMA research and development team.
The gathering at Goodwood is set to honor Niki Lauda, the legendary F1 driver from the 1970s and 1980s, whose spirit lives on in each T.50s chassis. A highlight of the event will be an exploration of the intimate bond between the T.50s and the iconic Brabham BT46B ‘Fan Car’, driven by Lauda to victory in 1978. This car, birthed from Gordon Murray’s visionary mind during his tenure as the Chief Designer for the Brabham Formula One team, achieved fame instantly thanks to its ground-breaking fan system which created an enhanced ground effect.
Gordon Murray, the Executive Chairman of the Gordon Murray Group, expressed his enthusiasm for the dynamic debut of both the T.33 mule and the T.50s XP1, marking a significant milestone for the supercars’ development. He shared his pride in commemorating Niki Lauda’s exceptional career and the unveiling of the T.50s’ meaningful names as a tribute to the motorsport victories that have deeply influenced the GMA team.
The event will also feature insights from GMA’s Dario Franchitti about the BT46B’s historical significance and its impact on the design and engineering of the T.50 supercar and its track-optimized sibling, the T.50s. The showcase will include a visit from His Grace the Duke of Richmond, who will explore the array of heritage race cars and contemporary GMA supercars, highlighting Gordon Murray’s pioneering contributions to automotive design and engineering.
Among the vehicles on display are the 1967 IGM T.1, Gordon’s initial race car design; the 1972 Duckhams Ford LM; the 1974 Brabham BT44, Murray’s first F1 race-winning car; and the iconic 1995 McLaren F1 GTR, a Le Mans victor. Also featured are the developmental stages of the T.50 supercar and the prototypes for the T.50s Niki Lauda, showcasing the evolution of GMA vehicles from concept to production.
The T.50s Niki Lauda stands as a testament to uncompromised track performance, weighing under 900 kg and harnessing a 772 PS GMA V12 engine to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. Designed from the ground up, it boasts a central driving position, a unique monocoque, and advanced carbon fiber bodywork. The T.33, with its 1,090 kg frame and the Cosworth GMA.2 V12 engine, epitomizes GMA’s commitment to “driving perfection” with its agile, responsive handling and the distinctive roar of a V12 engine.
As GMA continues the tradition of naming its prototype vehicles, the T.33 mule ‘James’ marks the latest addition, continuing a legacy that blends historical reverence with cutting-edge automotive innovation.
