In the world of classic car collecting, few discoveries are as thrilling as a true “barn find” – a vehicle hidden away and forgotten for decades, only to be rediscovered and brought back into the light. But even among barn finds, the story of this 1972 Lamborghini Miura P400SV In Bruno Metallizzato stands out as extraordinary.
This particular Miura P400SV, one of the last ever made, spent over 40 years locked away in a bricked-up room within a decaying palazzo in northern Italy. Its owner, Aurelio “Lello” Gardini, purchased the car in 1977 for 7,500,000 Lire (equivalent to just $11,000) and proceeded to fend off a parade of persistent buyers for decades while keeping the car hidden and protected.
When Gardini passed away in 2020, his family sealed off the garage containing the Miura. It seemed this automotive treasure would remain entombed indefinitely – until the family finally agreed to part with the car through a sealed bid auction in 2021.
The Bruno Metallizzato Color: Rarest of the Rare
What makes this particular Miura P400SV so special, even among the already rarified world of Classic Lamborghini supercars?
To start, it is one of just two examples finished at the factory in the striking “Bruno Metallizzato” paint color. This chocolate brown metallic hue is set off beautifully by an interior trimmed in “Pelle Avana”, a rich shade of caramel leather. The combination is as tasteful as it is uncommon.
Additionally, this car is the 755th Miura built, making it the seventh-to-last example to emerge from the factory. As one of the final Miuras made, it benefits from all of the model’s refinements and upgrades implemented over its production run.
Upgrades and Refinements: How the Miura P400SV Outshines the P400 and P400S?
The Miura P400SV represented the ultimate evolution of the Miura, with a more powerful and reliable engine, improved suspension and handling, distinguishing exterior updates, and more luxurious interior options compared to the original P400 and P400S models.
- Engine Upgrades
The Miura P400SV featured a 3,929cc naturally-aspirated V12 engine producing 385 hp, an increase from the 370 hp of the Miura S. It benefited from a split sump lubrication system that provided separate oil supplies for the engine and gearbox, allowing a limited-slip differential to be fitted. This was a key improvement over earlier Miuras.
- Suspension and Handling Refinements
The P400SV received significant suspension upgrades to improve handling. The rear suspension geometry was revised and the car was slightly lowered in the front to reduce lift at high speeds, an issue with earlier Miuras. It also got wider wheels and tires housed under flared fenders.
- Exterior Updates
Visually, the SV lost the “eyelashes” around the headlights that were a signature of earlier Miuras. The wider rear fenders, different taillights, and lack of “eyelashes” distinguish an SV from other Miuras.
Being the 755th of 762 total Miuras made, this particular car has all of the final production refinements. The combination of its special color, final production upgrades, and extremely low production number make it exceptionally rare and desirable even by Miura SV standards.
| Specifications | P400 | P400S | P400 SV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.9L V12 | 3.9L V12 | 3.9L V12 |
| Displacement | 3929 cc | 3929 cc | 3929 cc |
| Power | 350 hp @ 7000 rpm | 370 hp @ 7700 rpm | 385 hp @ 7850 rpm |
| Torque | 355 Nm @ 5000 rpm | 388 Nm @ 5500 rpm | 400 Nm @ 5750 rpm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.7:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 280 km/h (174 mph) | 290 km/h (180 mph) | 300 km/h (186 mph) |
| 0-60 mph | 6.7 seconds | 6.5 seconds | 6.5 seconds |
| Production Years | 1966-1969 | 1968-1971 | 1971-1973 |
| Units Produced | 275 | 338 | 150 |
1972 Lamborghini Miura P400SV In Bruno Metallizzato: Past Owners and its current whereabouts
Image source: Kidston.com
According to the reports, the rare Miura p400SV in Bruno Metallizzato had approximately 18,000 km on the odometer when discovered. Its history, as revealed by the Publico Registro Automobilistico (PRA), shows a fascinating ownership lineage.
Miss Maria Luisa Pencarelli was the first registered owner in 1972, followed by Miss Rossetta Berton in 1974. Lello Gardini became the third owner on October 12, 1977, and kept the car hidden for decades.
Although the new owner who acquired the car through an auction after it was discovered by Simon Kidston in 2020 remains undisclosed, however, the new owner has wisely chosen to preserve rather than restore it (giving us an idea that it has fallen into safe hands of someone who knows how to treat a rare classic car). The Miura has been carefully cleaned and recommissioned, but its delightfully aged cosmetics will be left intact as a testament to its extraordinary history.
Considering the car is said to have been driven at speeds up to 280 km/h by its passionate original owner, those imperfections have certainly been earned honestly. These details make this Miura SV barn find all the more special – a singular example of an already legendary automobile, with a rich and intriguing story that adds significantly to its allure and historical importance.
Why Barn Find are always special in the Classic Car World?
The allure of barn finds in the classic car world is a multifaceted phenomenon that captivates collectors, enthusiasts, and casual observers alike. At its core, the appeal of a barn find lies in the thrill of discovery – the automotive equivalent of unearthing buried treasure. The idea that a rare or valuable car could be hidden away, forgotten for decades, appeals to the treasure hunter instinct in many collectors. It’s akin to finding a lost masterpiece painting tucked away in someone’s attic, offering a tangible connection to automotive history that’s been untouched by modern hands.
Preservation of History
One of the most compelling aspects of barn finds is their ability to preserve history in a uniquely authentic way. Many barn finds are remarkably original and unrestored, offering a glimpse into automotive history that’s untouched by modern hands. These cars often retain period-correct details that might be lost in a restoration, such as:
- Original paint and patina
- Factory-installed components and accessories
- Period-correct modifications or upgrades
For historians and enthusiasts, these details provide valuable insights into how cars were built, used, and maintained in their era.
Additionally, the unexpected nature of barn finds adds to their appeal. Unlike buying from a dealer or known collector, you never quite know what you might find in an old barn or garage. This element of surprise can lead to incredible discoveries, like:
- Rare or limited production models
- Prototypes or pre-production vehicles
- Cars with significant historical provenance
For historians and enthusiasts, these details provide valuable insights into how cars were built, used, and maintained in their era, offering a window into the past that’s both tangible and evocative.
The element of surprise inherent in barn finds adds another layer to their appeal. Unlike buying from a dealer or known collector, you never quite know what you might find in an old barn or garage. This unpredictability can lead to incredible discoveries, from rare or limited production models to prototypes or pre-production vehicles, and even cars with significant historical provenance. This element of the unknown fuels the imagination and adds an extra layer of excitement to the world of classic car collecting.
Investment Potential
From a financial perspective, barn finds can offer significant upside. A car purchased for relatively little as a dusty relic could, after careful preservation or restoration, be worth many times its purchase price. This profit potential adds an exciting dimension for investors and speculators in the classic car market.
Storytelling Value
Every barn find has a story – why was the car stored away? Who owned it? How was it discovered? These narratives add depth and intrigue to the vehicle beyond its mere mechanical specifications. A good barn find story can significantly enhance a car’s appeal and value.
The Challenge of Revival
For many enthusiasts, the process of carefully bringing a barn find back to life is deeply rewarding. This can involve:
- Careful cleaning and preservation of original finishes
- Mechanical recommissioning to make the car roadworthy
- Researching the car’s history and provenance
This hands-on connection to automotive history is a major draw for many collectors and restorers.
To summarise, barn finds represent more than just old cars – they’re time capsules, investment opportunities, and romantic notions of automotive archaeology all rolled into one. Their appeal lies in their ability to connect us with automotive history in a tangible, unfiltered way that restored or well-maintained classics simply can’t match.
Assessing the Value of 1 of 2 1972 Lamborghini Miura P400SV In Bruno Metallizzato
What is a one-of-two barn find Miura SV worth? Although the final sale price hasn’t been publicly revealed, we can make an informed estimate based on recent transactions.
Typically, a concours-quality 1972 Miura SV is valued between $1.9 million and $3 million. However, the unique history and specifications of this particular car could drive its value even higher. Some experts suggest that when the fourth owner, an undisclosed European buyer, purchased it, the price may have approached or even surpassed $4 million. For context, compare that to the 7,500,000 lire (around $11,000) that Gardini paid for it in 1977. The Miura has proven to be an extraordinary investment, with its value soaring over the decades—even after factoring in inflation.
.This raises one final question – is the Miura SV still a smart investment today, even at multi-million dollar prices?
For the right collector, the answer is likely yes.
Lamborghini Miuras have shown consistent value growth over recent decades, with the best examples appreciating steadily. With only 150 SVs built in total, they remain a scarce and highly sought-after commodity among collectors. Moreover, Miura’s historical significance as the world’s first supercar means its appeal should endure even as the collector car market evolves. It is an icon of automotive design and engineering, and that pedigree will always attract passionate enthusiasts.
