Lamborghini Miura (Ultimate Guide)

A Brief Lamborghini Miura History

Only three years after the first Lamborghini prototype appeared at the 1963 Turin Motor Show, Miura number 1 was parked on the Place du Casino during the 1966 Monaco F1 week. The car shared its name with the fierce fighting bulls from Seville and it was completely different from anything Ferrari had on offer. Ferruccio said “the Miura is for the keenest sporting driver who wants the ultimate in looks and performance.”1 It caused a stir that weekend and had to be one of Ferruccio Lamborghini’s best moments.

Before the Miura, Ferruccio had established himself as a successful industrialist and decided to take on Ferrari with a series of high-quality grand tourers known as the 350 GT and 400 GT. These laid foundations for the Miura, such as the V12 engine designed by ex-Ferrari engineer Giotto Bizzarrini to have as much available horsepower as possible. Initially, this high-revving, 3.5-liter V12 produced a maximum output of 360 bhp at 9800 rpm and was enlarged on the SV to 3929cc for a reported 385 bhp. For the Miura, it was formed from a single aluminum casting that combined the cylinder blocks, crankcase and transmission.

Gian Paolo Dallara and assistant Paolo Stanzani designed the unique steel tub chassis that placed Bizzarrini’s V12 engine directly behind the driver in a transverse position. They were inspired by both the Lola GT, a race car developed by Eric Broadley that lent its chassis tub design to the Ford GT; and the Austin Mini with its transverse engine that had a common crankcase for the engine and transmission. The final design was first presented as a bare chassis at the 1965 Turin Motor Show where everyone could admire its radical layout and only imagine what the final product would look like.

Although the Miura chassis design could be mistakenly interpreted as a race chassis, Ferruccio had a strict no-racing attitude. He wrote a policy in the company’s bylaws that prohibited racing and avoided the pitfalls of expensive development by trying to intercept Ford vs Ferrari at Le Mans. Instead, the Miura was destined to be a road car of the highest order.

At the Turin show, design of the Miura’s body was still up for grabs and at the end of the show Ferruccio gave Nuccio Bertone the job as he was well suited for series production at Carrozzeria Bertone SpA. Initial sketches were laid out by Giorgetto Guigiario who thought he was designing a new Bizzarrini. When he left the firm, Marcello Gandini finished the work which included a lower nose that repositioned the front radiator. Bertone then sent Gandini on vacation while he finalized the design himself before submitting to Lamborghini. Due to these three talented men, the Miura didn’t have a wrong line anywhere. Later, Carrozzeria Bertone became responsible for manufacturing the Miura bodies and interiors on chassis produced by Marchersi. Final installation of the engine, transmission and suspension were completed at Lamborghini’s factory in Santa’Agata Bolognese.

The first completed prototype was painted orange and personally driven by Bertone to the 1966 Geneva Motor Show where it became the highlight of the event and overshadowed the debuting Ferrari 330GTC. Furthermore, with a press release proclaiming 198 mph, everyone in Maranello took notice. A later trip down to Monte Carlo for the F1 weekend was another resounding success.

Initially, orders exceeded production and Lamborghini had to only worry about manufacturing. Several pre-production prototypes were built and tested which varied only slightly to the final production specification. Over time, upgrades and small details were changed, but a huge update called the SV was planned in 1971 starting with chassis 4758. The main focus of the SV was a new rear suspension that made the car much wider. Longer wishbones were fitted that added 1.5 inches of length. Furthermore, larger Campagnolo cast magnesium wheels were added with wider Pirelli Cintaurato tires. Many of these changes were undertaken by chief test driver Bob Wallace in conjunction with Claudio Zampolli and greatly improved handling of the Miura.

Eventually the oil crisis and lack of demand halted Miura production in 1973 after nearly 150 cars were completed. By this time, development emphasis had been placed on the Countach which the public first saw in 1971. In April of 1972 Ferruccio sold off his controlling shares of the Lamborghini, probably because he achieved everything he had set out to do with the Miura.

The Basics

• Years: 1966-1973

• Production: 764 units

• Assembly: Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy

• Layout: Transverse rear mid-engine,

• Driven Wheels: Rear-wheel-drive

• Engine: 3.9L Naturally Aspirated V12

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  Original price (base): US$20,000 (1966)

• Successor: Lamborghini Countach

Miura Fun Fact

Lamborghini had decided to name his first supercar Miura, after his long-time friend, Don Eduardo Miura, a renowned breeder of Spanish fighting bulls in Seville, Spain. Don Eduardo was reportedly filled with pride when he learned that his friend, Ferruccio, had named a car in honor of his family and their line of prized bulls.

Best Miura? The SV

This one is easy. The Lamborghini Miura SV, also known as the P400SV was easily the best Miura made. It was introduced in 1971. Essentially an updated Miura S, the SV was the last and most famous Miura. Produced in significantly smaller numbers than the previous versions, the SV is also the rarest Miura as well. Although visual updates were mostly subtle, the Miura SV featured extensive drivetrain and chassis upgrades that enhanced both the output and the handling of the car.

Lamborghini Miura P400

• Years: 1966 – 1969

• Production: 275 units

• Engine: 3.9 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 350 bhp @ 7,000 rpm

• Torque: 300 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 6.7 seconds

• Top Speed: 174 mph

Lamborghini Miura. The first supercar definitely stood out in looks, tech and performance. The Miura was the fastest production car in the world with a top speed of 163 mph and 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds.

Unlike almost anything on the road, the Miura was endowed with a quad-cam V12, that sat transverse and behind the drivers. Immediately, everything from Ferrari to Aston Martin looked outdated by comparison upon release. The Bizzarrini-designed quad-cam 3929cc V12 was carried over from 400GT. Output increased from 320hp to 350hp thanks to increased compression ratio and the upright positioning of carburetors. This overwhelmed Ferrari 275GTB by as much as 50 horsepower. Fastest car in the world.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Miura P400 S

• Years: 1969 – 1971

• Production: 338 units

• Engine: 3.9 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 370 bhp @ 7,500 rpm

• Torque: 287 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 6.5 seconds

• Top Speed: 177 mph

Lamborghini Miura S. The second generation Miura was released at the 1968 Turin Motor Show with a number of detail upgrades both in and out of the car. It shared the same potent transverse V12 engine and Bertine-designed body from it’s predecessor released three years earlier. Inside Lamborghini fitted power windows to the Miura S and also offered optional air conditioning for the first time. Detail differences included a locking glove box. The engine also received an overhaul which was good for 20 additional horsepower. This included new intake manifolds and different camshafts. Outside, the car received a new chrome trim piece around the window locking strip. Around 140 cars of this type were produced until the SV replaced the model in March of 1971.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Miura P400 SV

• Years: 1971 – 1972

• Production: 150 units

• Engine: 3.9 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 385 bhp @ 7,850 rpm

• Torque: 295 ft lbs @ 5,750 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 5.75 seconds

• Top Speed: 186 mph

Lamborghini Miura SV. Over time, upgrades and small details were changed, but a huge update called the SV was planned in 1971. The main focus was a new rear suspension that made the car much wider. Longer wishbones were fitted that added 1.5 inches of length. Furthermore, larger Campagnolo cast magnesium wheels were added with wider Pirelli Cintaurato tires. Many of these changes were undertaken by chief test driver Bob Wallace in conjunction with Claudio Zampolli and greatly improved handling of the Miura. Other changes also resulted in a much more aggressive car that emphasized the Miura’s rear-engine power. In the end, the Miura SV was a remarkable performer. Lamborghini’s listed 385 bhp but this was likely exaggerated, production cars making less.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Miura Jota

• Year: 1970

• Production: 1 unit

• Engine: 3.9 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 440 bhp @ 8,500 rpm

• Torque: 297 ft lbs @ 6,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds

• Top Speed: 199 mph

Lamborghini Miura Jota. Only one original Miura Jota was ever made, and it was Bob Wallace’s personal test car built around chassis #5084. He used it to test various ideas that would prepare the Miura for the track and improve overall performance. Having plenty of time on his hands, the Jota became evermore radical to the point were it eclipsed standard Miura performance by several degrees. The main focus of Bob’s modifications was to decrease and balance weight. This meant the car had a completely stripped interior, single window wiper, Plexiglas windows and fixed headlights. Most of weight savings came from the use of a light-gauge aluminum alloy called Avional which was used for the new body, floor pan and front spoiler.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Miura SVR

• Year: 1968 (1975)

• Production: 1 unit

• Engine: 3.9 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: N/A

• Torque: N/A

• 0-60 mph: N/A

• Top Speed: N/A

Lamborghini Miura SVR. When Heinz Straber, from Germany, acquired this Miura in 1974 he had her sent back to the factory to have a very special conversion done to really understand why we have to go back to 1970, when famous Lamborghini test driver Bob Wallace took chassis #5084 from the assembly line and created the Miura Jota in his spare time, a pure-bred racing machine based on the Miura, using engine 30744 inside a body made from Avional composite on a lightened chassis fixed headlights, a deep chin spoiler, wide wheel arches and additional air vents and intakes made the Miura Jota look amazing. The Jota was lost forever, but several regular Miura were rebuilt to Jota specifications, some sources call these the Miura SVJ model.

Guide

Lamborghini Miura SVJ

• Year: 1971 – 1975

• Production: 1 unit

• Engine: 5 units

• Power: 440 bhp @ 8,500 rpm

• Torque: 297 ft lbs @ 6,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: N/A

• Top Speed: N/A

Lamborghini Miura SVJ. As if the Miura wasn’t already radical enough, Lamborghini let test driver Bob Wallace make an experimental version that was even better. Prepared as a quasi-racecar, it had no compromises to comfort. Known internally as ‘Miura Privata’ by the factory, the project was later named Jota to potential customers. Unfortunately the original Jota was lost in the crash, but the factory fitted some Jota modifications to several road cars and these became known as the SVJ. The main focus of Bob’s modifications was to decrease and balance weight. This meant the car had a completely stripped interior, single window wiper, Plexiglas windows and fixed headlights. Most of weight savings came from the use of a light-gauge aluminum alloy called Avional.

Guide / Pictures

Lamborghini Miura Roadster (Zn75)

• Year: 1968

• Production: 1 unit

• Engine: 3.9 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 350 bhp @ 7,000 rpm

• Torque: 300 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: 6.6 seconds

• Top Speed: 174 mph

Lamborghini Miura Roadster. There was only one factory built Roadster and it was created in 1968 by Marcello Gandini and Bertone for the Geneva Show. Ot featured larger air intakes, lower roll-over hoop, different taillights and a larger spoiler. It was more than just a chop job, it was dramatically different from production Miuras. As released at the show, the Roadster featured larger air intakes and a lower roll-over hoop which distinguished it from any other Miura. Other modifications included different taillights and a larger spoiler. As needed, the box section structure of the chassis was strengthened up to cope with additional loads usually absorbed by the roof.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Lamborghini Miura Targa Special

• Year: 1971

• Production: 1 unit

• Engine: 3.9 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: N/A

• Torque: N/A

• 0-60 mph: N/A

• Top Speed: N/A

Lamborghini Miura Targa Special. In September 1980 the Miura Jota Spider was nearly finished, adding a deep front spoiler, removing the roof section (but it still remained functional unlike the original Miura Roadster that didn’t even have a roof) and the necessary Jota look alike vents cut into the front hood, two replacing the grilles on top and two large air outlets on the side, just behind the front wheels. To make it look even better additional air extractors behind the rear wheels and broadened ‘shoulders’ were added. A bit too modern on a Miura for some people, but that didn’t keep this very rare car from being sold right on the 1981 Geneva Auto Show exhibit.

Guide / Pictures

Lamborghini Miura P400 Prototipo

• Year: 1966 – 1967

• Production: 5 units

• Engine: 3.9 L Naturally Aspirated V12

• Power: 350 bhp @ 7,000 rpm

• Torque: 300 ft lbs @ 5,500 rpm

• 0-60 mph: N/A

• Top Speed: N/A

Lamborghini Miura Concept. Before the first production Miura was completed on April 20th of 1967, Lamborghini produced five developmental prototypes which were used for testing and as show cars. A total of five prototypes were built in 1966 and 1967 which progressed towards the production spec. These cars were chassis 0502, 0862, 0706, 0961 and 0979. The first one appeared at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show as the Miura P400 GT, also known as the Sperimentale. The first three of the prototypes featured counter-clockwise crankshaft rotation which later turned clockwise with car number four with the addition of an idler gear. The first four cars benefit from a slightly lower roofline.

Guide

Lamborghini Miura P400 SV Prototipo

• Year: 1971

• Production: 1 unit

• Engine: 3.9 L Nat Aspirated V12

• Power: 385 bhp @ 7,850 rpm

• Torque: 295 ft lbs @ 5,750 rpm

• 0-60 mph: N/A

• Top Speed: N/A

Lamborghini Miura SV Prototipo. Over time, upgrades and small details were changed on the Miura, but a huge update called the SV was planned in 1971 starting with development chassis 4758. The main focus of the SV was a new rear suspension that made the car much wider. Longer wishbones were fitted that added 1.5 inches of length. Furthermore, larger Campagnolo cast magnesium wheels were added with wider Pirelli Cintaurato tires. Many of these changes were undertaken by chief test driver Bob Wallace in conjunction with Claudio Zampolli and greatly improved handling of the Miura. The prototype is the first car to feature many of the SV upgrades that later typified the model and was first shown in Geneva in 1971.

Guide / Specs / Pictures

Recent lamborghini Miura News & Updates

Lamborghini Miura NEWS, UPDATES, AUCTION RESULTS, WALLPAPERS AND MORE. While the Miura has long been out of production, there are lots of people the world over with one in their garage and millions more wishing that there was a miura in theirs! Whenever we find something cool about the LAMBORGHINI Miura, we will post it here.