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MIURA

The fastest car in the world

Overall Model Biography: Miura

There are some cars that are notable milestones in the automotive landscape, and the Lamborghini Miura, which made its public debut in 1966, certainly was one such car. It was the first mid-engine Lamborghini, featuring the V12 nestled behind the cockpit and ahead of the rear wheels. The engine was mounted transversely to keep the wheelbase of the car short, but that meant other engineering challenges, notably around the gearbox. The drawings were first presented to Ferruccio Lamborghini who was instantly taken with the design. Others, including the media, were similarly affected, and the Miura was the first that they termed a “Supercar”. The shape of the body, created by Carrozzeria Bertone, was timeless so that even today, more than 60 years later, it is still regarded as modern, stylish and beautiful. 

Overall Model Biography: Miura

There are some cars that are notable milestones in the automotive landscape, and the Lamborghini Miura, which made its public debut in 1966, certainly was one such car. It was the first mid-engine Lamborghini, featuring the V12 nestled behind the cockpit and ahead of the rear wheels. The engine was mounted transversely to keep the wheelbase of the car short, but that meant other engineering challenges, notably around the gearbox. The drawings were first presented to Ferruccio Lamborghini who was instantly taken with the design. Others, including the media, were similarly affected, and the Miura was the first that they termed a “Supercar”. The shape of the body, created by Carrozzeria Bertone, was timeless so that even today, more than 60 years later, it is still regarded as modern, stylish and beautiful. 

Presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1966, the P400 Miura immediately struck a chord with the public, too. The P indicates the positioning of the engine and the 400 the 4-litre displacement. Numerous orders were placed, which was a surprise to both Ferruccio Lamborghini and Nuccio Bertone. Between 1966 and 1968, 265 P400 cars were produced. That number increased in 1969 with the launch of the P400 Miura S, of which 338 were sold between 1969 and 1971. The Miura SV was sold between 1971 and 1973, with 150 cars delivered. Among the specials also produced there were four SVJs derived from the Miura Jota prototype and the Miura Spyder, that was created by Bertone.

Miura design

The Miura design deserves a book to itself. Created by Carrozzeria Bertone, the Miura stood out with its bold, sleek lines, the long and low front, the rounded headlights that were surrounded by the eyelashes that became associated with the Lamborghini brand, and the very low ground clearance. The maximum height of the car was just 110cm from the ground. At the rear, the large engine cover integrated with the trunk and the rear wheel arches. The design of the rear window slats not only added to the allure of the car, but also dissipated heat from the engine. The interior was refined and characterised by two recessed counters, the rev counter and the speedometer.

Miura technical

The position of the V12 engine, transversely mid-mounted, may have been new to Lamborghini’s production car, but the idea had been considered in concept cars that were never put into production. The Miura featured technical revolutions that were directly taken from competition. To keep the overall dimensions in check, a unique casting was used to marry the engine and gearbox. Power from the V12 engine was progressively increased throughout the life span of the car, from 350hp at 7,000rpm in the original P400 to 370hp at 7,700rpm in the P400 S, while the SV saw power increase again, to 385hp at 7,850rpm. The S had slightly different aesthetics and more comfortable interior compared to the original, but the SV was more radical. Introduced in 1971, the SV featured larger rear tyres, widened wheel arches, a stronger chassis, revised suspension and independent gearbox lubrication system. The eyelashes, which were so prominent on the previous versions, were also removed from the headlights.

Miura technical

The position of the V12 engine, transversely mid-mounted, may have been new to Lamborghini’s production car, but the idea had been considered in concept cars that were never put into production. The Miura featured technical revolutions that were directly taken from competition. To keep the overall dimensions in check, a unique casting was used to marry the engine and gearbox. Power from the V12 engine was progressively increased throughout the life span of the car, from 350hp at 7,000rpm in the original P400 to 370hp at 7,700rpm in the P400 S, while the SV saw power increase again, to 385hp at 7,850rpm. The S had slightly different aesthetics and more comfortable interior compared to the original, but the SV was more radical. Introduced in 1971, the SV featured larger rear tyres, widened wheel arches, a stronger chassis, revised suspension and independent gearbox lubrication system. The eyelashes, which were so prominent on the previous versions, were also removed from the headlights.

Lifestyle Miura

The Miura became the legend that Lamborghini had hoped it would be. It was an iconic model sought after by rock stars and film stars. Many films featured the Miura but its role in the 1969 film “The Italian Job” propelled it into super stardom. Rossano Brazzi opened the film on the Gran San Bernardo road to the soundtrack “In Days Like These” by Matt Monroe, which sealed the status of the car. It was an unforgettable scene that remains one of the most admired and well-known in the history of automotive cinema.

Lifestyle Miura

The Miura became the legend that Lamborghini had hoped it would be. It was an iconic model sought after by rock stars and film stars. Many films featured the Miura but its role in the 1969 film “The Italian Job” propelled it into super stardom. Rossano Brazzi opened the film on the Gran San Bernardo road to the soundtrack “In Days Like These” by Matt Monroe, which sealed the status of the car. It was an unforgettable scene that remains one of the most admired and well-known in the history of automotive cinema.