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The Lamborghini Miura is the first mid-engine supercar in history. Built from 1966 to 1973 in around 764 examples, the Miura redefined what a sports car could be. The combination of a transversely mounted 4.0-litre V12 behind the cockpit, a body designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, and performance levels that exceeded all existing GTs made the Miura an instant revolution. The car established Lamborghini's reputation as a technological pioneer and brought the mid-engine architecture that would become the standard for super sports cars for the next half century. For collectors the Miura represents one of the most important automotive milestones ever built. A Miura is not sold to just any buyer; it is passed on to someone who knows the mid-engine revolution and respects the Gandini-Bertone legacy.
The Lamborghini Miura story began in late 1965 with a remarkable engineering rebellion. Three young Lamborghini engineers (Gian Paolo Dallara, Paolo Stanzani, and Bob Wallace) secretly developed a prototype chassis with the engine in the middle, not at the front as was the standard of the time. Ferruccio Lamborghini, originally focused on GT models like the 350 GT, was won over by the prototype. The car was unveiled as a rolling chassis at the Turin Motor Show in November 1965, and then as a complete car at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1966. The body was designed by Marcello Gandini, then just 27 years old, at Bertone. The design had essentially no precedent in its proportion and mid-engine silhouette; it was immediately recognised as revolutionary and brought Lamborghini the attention it needed to challenge Ferrari.
The Miura P400 went into production in 1966. The engine was a transversely mounted 3,929 cc V12 with four overhead camshafts, originally developed for the Lamborghini 350 GT but reworked for the mid-engine configuration. It produced 350 hp at 7,000 rpm. The chassis was a steel monocoque with aluminium subframes, and the body was almost entirely steel with aluminium front and rear hoods. P400 production amounted to around 474 examples between 1966 and 1969, with considerable variation in factory-ordered colours and interior configurations. For collectors the earliest chassis numbers (production year 1966-1967) are the most historic, and factory-ordered unique colour configurations command a substantial premium.
The Miura P400 S was unveiled in 1968 and went on sale in 1969 as a refined evolution. The engine was uprated to 370 hp through improved intake and exhaust, the chassis was widened with revised dampers, and the interior received more extensive leather specification, electric windows, climate control, and more extensive instrumentation. P400 S production was around 140 examples; for collectors the P400 S represents the most practically usable regular Miura, with improved reliability and refinement over the original P400.
The Miura P400 SV was unveiled in 1971 as the closing specification of the Miura line. The engine produced 385 hp through further intake and cooling improvements, a wider rear track (50 mm wider rear haunches), and factory-installed improvements to the lubrication system and exhaust. The total production was around 150 examples. For collectors the P400 SV is the most sought-after regular Miura: top performance, wider visually impactful body, and the symbolic role as the closing of Lamborghini's first supercar era. Well-documented P400 SVs with matching numbers and Polo Storico confirmation are among the most expensive classic Lamborghinis.
The Miura is a fundamental part of modern classic car culture. Since 2014 the valuation curve of all Miura specifications has risen substantially, with top examples (P400 SV in original colour with Polo Storico confirmation) consistently in very high segments. The P400 (oldest specification) and P400 S follow a similar curve. At international auctions (RM Sotheby's, Bonhams, Gooding) Polo Storico-confirmed Miuras have regularly traded above the two-million-euro mark. For sellers this means a well-documented Miura with proven provenance, matching numbers, Lamborghini Polo Storico confirmation, and original factory specification attracts strong international interest. The buyer you want is a Lamborghini collector or a broader classic supercar collector who understands the Miura's historical role.
P400 (1966-1969, ~474 built, original specification with 350 hp), P400 S (1969-1971, ~140 built, upgraded chassis and interior), P400 SV (1971-1973, ~150 built, output raised to 385 hp, wider track). The SV is the most highly regarded regular specification; the P400 (particularly early chassis numbers) is the most historic.
Lamborghini Polo Storico (the factory heritage department) supplies certifications for classic Lamborghini models on request. For the Miura this document is decisive for collectors. It confirms factory specification, colour, original specification, matching numbers, and any factory restoration. Essentially mandatory for top valuation.
For the Miura, matching numbers (chassis, engine, and transmission numbers) is absolutely decisive. Replacement engines occur and must be exactly documented. Photos of the chassis number plate (left front of the frame), engine block number, and transmission number are essential. A Miura without matching numbers confirmation is substantially less valuable for collector-oriented sales.
Most Miuras have been restored over the past fifty years. Document all restorations: by whom (specialist or factory Polo Storico), when, which components were renewed or preserved, and which factory-original components were kept. A Polo Storico-confirmed restoration has the highest collector value.
For Miuras factory-ordered colours such as Verde Pino, Rosso Granata, Giallo Miura (bright orange-yellow), Bianco, Nero, Argento, and specific factory codes drive price. Original leather specification, interior condition, and factory-installed Pirelli Cinturato tyres are highly valued by collectors. Keep the factory build sheet if available.
Steel body and aluminium subframes. Rust investigation on floor pans, sills, engine bay (around the transversely mounted V12), wheel arches, and chassis. For collector-oriented sales proof of original paint (in factory colour), proven unrepaired body, and intact chassis is essential.
Note: These factors may influence buyer interest. Value depends on many factors.
For the Miura this document is decisive for top valuation. Apply via Lamborghini Polo Storico in Sant'Agata Bolognese based on the chassis number. The document confirms factory specification, colour, matching numbers, any factory restoration, and historically correct specification. Lead time is generally several months; cost is significant but recoverable.
Take clear photos of the chassis number plate (left front of frame), engine block number, transmission number, and all factory-installed factory codes. For the Miura this is absolutely decisive; a Miura without matching numbers confirmation is substantially less valuable for collector-oriented sales.
Document all restorations: dates, specialists (for example Lamborghini Polo Storico, Borg Marchetti, Carlsson Italy), which components were renewed or preserved, invoice history, photos of the restoration process. A Polo Storico-confirmed restoration has the highest collector value.
Paint colour with factory code (the P400 had specific factory-ordered colours), original leather specification, intact dashboard, factory-installed instrumentation, original wheels (originally magnesium-cast or later steel wheels depending on specification). For collector-oriented sales factory specification is essential.
Full underbody inspection by a Lamborghini specialist. Photos of floor pans, sills, A-pillars, rear of the engine bay (around the transversely mounted V12), wheel arches, and chassis condition. For collectors proof of original paint (no respraying) and provably unrepaired body strongly drives price.
Ownership chronology from new, geographic distribution (for example Italian, American, Asian), any known first owners (famous-owner provenance can command a substantial premium), club participation documentation, period photos. For the Miura provenance is a strong selling element.
Service at recognised Lamborghini specialist (Lamborghini Polo Storico, Borg Marchetti, or equivalent), any factory-installed service modifications, valve clearance adjustment history, cooling system service. For long-term ownership this is an important factor.
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