In classic cars, few names evoke as much passion and reverence as Lamborghini. The Miura, often hailed as the first supercar, represents a pinnacle of automotive design and engineering. Recently, an extremely rare historic discovery has captured the attention of car enthusiasts and collectors alike: three completely unrestored Lamborghini Miuras, long thought lost, have been unearthed from a junkyard in Los Angeles. This extraordinary find highlights the enduring allure of these vehicles and presents a unique opportunity for restorers and collectors to engage with automotive history.
Finding a single Lamborghini Miura is rare enough; discovering three at once is nothing short of sensational. These cars are not just any Miuras; they are examples of the P400 and P400 S models, each with its own story and significance.
As unrestored vehicles, they offer an authentic glimpse into the past, preserving the original craftsmanship and character that made them legendary. Imagine stumbling upon these gems, covered in dust and debris, yet still holding the essence of their former glory. For professional restorers, this discovery is akin to finding a time capsule—a chance to bring these masterpieces back to life while respecting their historical integrity.
Where Were These 3 Unrestored Lamborghini Miuras Discovered?
The unrestored Lamborghini Miuras were discovered in the Rudi Klein Collection, a legendary junkyard located on the outskirts of Los Angeles, California. This collection, amassed by Rudi Klein—who immigrated to the U.S. in the 1950s and started a scrapyard focusing on European cars—has remained largely unseen for decades.
Klein‘s operation evolved into a treasure trove of rare vehicles, including multiple Lamborghini Miuras, Porsche 356s, and several one-off classics. Klein passed away in 2001, leaving behind a collection that his family maintained in its original state, shrouded in mystery and largely inaccessible to the public. The collection has been described as one of the most spectacular “junkyards” on the planet, filled with automotive history waiting to be rediscovered.
RM Sotheby’s is now set to auction this extraordinary collection on October 26th 2024, offering a rare glimpse into a world where classic cars have patiently awaited restoration or rediscovery.
The 3 Unrestored Miura’s: A Closer Look
1. 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400 by Bertone
The 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400 is a true classic in the world of cars, known for its stunning design and engineering. A group of passionate engineers worked late nights at the Sant’Agata Bolognese factory to bring the Miura to life, and their efforts changed the game in sports car design. The car’s sleek body was designed by a young talent named Marcello Gandini, who was just 22 at the time.
The name “Miura” pays tribute to a famous Spanish ranch famous for breeding fierce fighting bulls, reflecting Lamborghini’s love for bullfighting themes. Technically, the Miura was ahead of its time, with a lightweight aluminum body, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes that set new standards for performance. One of its standout features was the innovative engine layout. Instead of the traditional front-mounted engines, the Miura had a mid-mounted V-12 engine, inspired by the compact design of the Austin Mini. This not only improved its handling but also made it lighter and more agile. The all-aluminum 3.9-liter V-12 engine, equipped with six Weber carburetors, produced an exciting 350 horsepower.
In the early production days, the first 120 Miura chassis were made from thinner 0.9-millimeter steel, while later models used 1-millimeter steel. These early versions, known as thin chassis examples, are especially valued for their lighter weight and pure design.
Now available for sale for the first time in over 40 years, this specific Miura—chassis number 3195—is the 53rd one built and is one of those sought-after “thin chassis” models. According to records, it originally left the factory in a striking yellow and blue color scheme. It was sent to a dealer in Rome, but not much is known about what happened next.
The car’s story picks up again in May 1979 when it was owned by someone in Baldwin Hills, Los Angeles. By May 1980, it had developed an unspecified problem and was no longer operational. It was then taken by Porsche Foreign Auto Wrecking in June 1980, where it remained untouched for the next 44 years.
Now, after four decades of hibernation, chassis 3195 presents a rare chance for collectors. While it doesn’t come with an engine or gearbox, the next owner can restore it to its original P400 setup or opt for a powertrain from a later Miura model. Bringing it back to its original yellow and blue would be a nod to its ’60s roots, but its current state allows for a variety of exciting color options.
This project will certainly require a dedicated collector ready for a full restoration, but chassis 3195 offers a unique opportunity to create a custom thin-chassis Miura, allowing the owner to personalize it as if they were ordering it brand new in 1967.
Specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3.9-liter V12 |
| Power Output | Approximately 350 horsepower at 7,000 RPM |
| Torque | 279 lb-ft at 5,000 RPM |
| Top Speed | Approximately 172 mph (277 km/h) |
| 0-60 mph | Approximately 6.25 seconds |
| Weight | 2,855 lbs (1,295 kg) |
| Dimensions | Length – 171.5 in (4,355 mm), Width – 71 in (1,803 mm), Height – 42.1 in (1,068 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 98.6 in (2,504 mm) |
Image source: rmsothebys.com
2. 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S by Bertone
Now offered after 46 years of continuous residence within the walls of Porsche Foreign Auto Wrecking, this very early unrestored and substantially intact 1969 Miura P400 S has remained off the road since March 1978. It was acquired locally by Rudi Klein following a front-end collision and has remained entirely untouched from then until July 2024 when RM Sotheby’s staff arrived on-site to catalog and photograph the entire collection.
Originally delivered new to a noted Lamborghini customer in Italy on May 20, 1969, chassis 4070 was initially specified in Giallo Fly over Bleu leatherette and cloth interior. Interestingly, records from longtime Lamborghini employee Enzo Moruzzi note that chassis 4070 was repainted by the factory in Bleu before delivery; thus this rare Miura P400 S is believed to still wear its original factory-provided paintwork and upholstery.
The car’s original Jaeger metric instrumentation indicates that chassis 4070 had traveled nearly 32,750 miles between Italian and later California-based owners by the time of its traffic accident.
Importantly, chassis 4070 retains its original numbers-matching S-specification V-12 engine (number 30366) as well as its original bodywork minus some distinctive features like the front clamshell and rocker panel trim.
Ownership of a Lamborghini Miura is a dream that very few enthusiasts realize. Finding one of the scant 338 documented P400 S examples in totally unrestored and original condition is exceedingly difficult. With its established provenance and nearly half a century of slumber inside Rudi Klein’s personal stash of significant automobiles, chassis 4070 is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable Miura S examples offered in recent memory.
It deserves a brave new owner—one who is committed to restoring this incredible supercar to its former glory.
Specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | Upgraded 4.0-liter V12 |
| Power Output | Approximately 370 horsepower at 7,500 RPM |
| Torque | Approximately 300 lb-ft at around 5,500 RPM |
| Top Speed | Approximately 180 mph (290 km/h) |
| 0-60 mph | Approximately 6.5 seconds |
| Weight | Approximately 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) |
Image source: rmsothebys.com
3. 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400 by Bertone
Finally, we have another notable example—the 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400, which showcases transitional design elements that defined this era at Lamborghini. This model combines features from both earlier and later iterations making it a fascinating study for collectors and restorers alike.
Originally finished in Giallo Miura over an interior upholstered in Bleu leatherette, this example—chassis number 3417—was specified for the Italian market and equipped with instruments in kilometers. The Miura was officially dispatched from the factory to dealer Lamborcar in March 1968 with Mr. Zampolli listed as the customer of record.
According to The Lamborghini Miura Register, there was an instance where another Miura claimed this car’s identity was for sale in Germany back in 2006 painted black with an SV appearance; however, RM Sotheby’s confirmed that this specific vehicle is indeed a production example number 159, correlating all visible body numbers with chassis number 3417.
Although “Zampolli” is not an uncommon Italian name; it raises speculation whether this car’s original owner might have been Claudio Zampolli—the Lamborghini factory test engineer/driver who worked alongside Bob Wallace before founding Cizeta supercars himself. Zampolli also imported Lamborghinis to Southern California which may explain how this car came into Rudi Klein’s possession by the late ’70s.
By March ’78 this Miura was on premises at Porsche Foreign Auto Wrecking as reflected by dated photo prints on file; at that time painted bright aqua green—it entered into extended storage lasting no less than 46 years, finally emerging now!
For those looking to restore this vehicle, there will be an emphasis on reviving a vibrant color scheme while ensuring all mechanical systems are brought back up-to-speed optimally; restoration promises an intriguing project for dedicated caretakers seeking stewardship over important ground-up rebuild!
Lamborghini collectors are therefore invited to consider the availability of long-undocumented chassis number 3417, offering the perfect platform for comprehensive refurbishment!
Specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | Upgraded 4.0-liter V12 |
| Power Output | Approximately 370 horsepower at 7,500 RPM |
| Torque | Approximately 300 lb-ft at around 5,500 RPM |
| Top Speed | Approximately 180 mph (290 km/h) |
| 0-60 mph | Approximately 6.5 seconds |
| Weight | Approximately 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) |
Image source: rmsothebys.com
The Restoration Journey
Restoring a classic car like the Lamborghini Miura is not merely about fixing mechanical issues; it’s about reviving a piece of automotive art. Each vehicle tells a story—a narrative woven through time that reflects not only engineering prowess but also cultural significance.
Key Steps in Restoration:
- Assessment: A thorough evaluation of each vehicle’s condition is essential. This includes checking structural integrity, engine health, and assessing interior components.
- Sourcing Parts: Finding authentic parts can be challenging but crucial for maintaining originality. Networking with other collectors and specialists can yield surprising results.
- Mechanical Restoration: This phase involves overhauling engines, transmissions, and suspensions to ensure peak performance while retaining original specifications.
- Bodywork: Repairing or replacing body panels while preserving original paintwork or reapplying historically accurate colors is vital.
- Interior Restoration: Restoring interiors requires careful attention to detail—using period-correct materials for upholstery and trim.
- Final Touches: Once mechanical work is complete, detailing brings out the beauty in these vehicles—polishing chrome accents and cleaning every inch.
The Market Impact
The discovery of these three Lamborghini Miuras has significant implications for collectors and enthusiasts alike. As unrestored examples become increasingly rare, their value skyrockets—estimates suggest they could fetch well over $2 million each at auction.
For collectors looking to invest in classic cars, this find underscores the importance of provenance and originality in valuation. Unrestored vehicles often command higher prices due to their authenticity; they provide a direct link to automotive history that restored cars may lack.
Discovery of 3 unrestored Lamborghini Miuras: Our Thought
Finding these three unrestored Lamborghini Miuras, each with its own unique story, is a big deal for classic car collectors and Lamborghini fans. In a time when cars are increasingly about modern tech and mass production, these Miuras take us back to an era where craftsmanship and engineering combined to create something truly special.
For collectors, these Miuras are more than just expensive cars—they offer a chance to connect with automotive history at its best. Unrestored models like these are getting harder to find, making this discovery even more important. Owning one is like having a piece of art, a real connection to a time defined by bold design and creativity.
This discovery also highlights how crucial it is to preserve classic cars. As restorers and enthusiasts come together to revive these Miuras, they help protect automotive heritage for future generations. Restoring them not only boosts their value but also keeps their stories alive for others to admire.
As these Miuras come out of hiding after decades, they remind us that their true worth isn’t just in their rarity, but in the stories they tell and the passion they inspire. The road ahead promises excitement as these cars are restored, celebrated, and enjoyed again, ensuring their legacy lives on for years to come!
