 1971 Miura P400SV |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |  |  |  |
 |  |
1972 Lamborghini Miura news, pictures, and information | ||
| Tweet | ||
 |  |  | Coupe Designer: Bertone Chassis Num: 5012 Engine Num: 30708 |
| Sold for $1,215,000 at 2013 Bonhams. | |||
Lamborghini and sports cars seem as synonymous as Italy and Italian Red. However, prior to the mid-1960s, the company founded by Ferruccio Lamborghini was focused more on grand touring cars than heart-stopping exotic supercars.
Gian Paolo Dallara, Paolo Stanzani and Bob Wallace, however, believed they had a better direction for the company. Lamborghini's three top engineers had a vision for a prototype but were well aware of Lamborghini's stance on the direction he had intended for his company. Therefore, in an effort to convince Ferruccio, the three men would work after hours in their spare time on their prototype idea.
The notion was simple enough. The men believed in building a car that was capable of competing and winning on the track over the weekend, but that could be driven on the streets as well. The idea of a street car with a racing pedigree certainly wasn't a new idea. However, a street car that could be driven straight to the track and be successful certainly was a new direction.
Known as the P400, the three men would start out with the car's chassis. Rarely is a chassis put on display without the bodywork, but the Miura would be so ground-breaking that just the chassis would make an appearance at the 1965 Turin Auto Show. Even without a sleek and evocative body, the Miura chassis would attract a crowd and would impress to such a degree that Bertone would agree to design a body for the car so that it could make its debut at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show.
At the Geneva Motor Show, on-lookers were treated to a truly ground-breaking car boasting of flowing, inspiring lines from the Bertone body and the promise of racing car-like performance from a 4.0-liter V12 engine and a 5-speed manual transmission. Receiving an enthusiastic reception at the show, the Miura and the legend of the supercar were officially born.
The following year, the Miura would go into production. Complete with the V12 engine and the now famous fighting bull badge, Lamborghini had found the reputation of his company would forever change.
Periodically evolved and remaining in production until 1972, the Miura would be Lamborghini's flagship until the advent of the Countach, which would go into production in 1974. However, the Miura would be remembered as the car that started it all, not just for Lamborghini, but for the supercar class altogether.
And one of those iconic and legendary Lamborghini Miuras would be offered for sale at the 2013 Bonhams auction held in Scottsdale, Arizona. Chassis 5012, with its 4.0-liter, 385bhp V12 numbered 30708, would be one of those produced in the final year of the Miura.
But although this particular Miura is one of the later model Miuras, it is far from lacking distinction. A Miura SV, chassis 5012 is one of just 150 Miura SVs ever built. Furthermore, the car is just one of 96 built to have a splint-sump.
Being that it is an SV, chassis 5012 boasts of the slight updates to the bodywork and interior that include the distinctive 'eyelash' headlights, different tail lights and flared wheel arches. The updates also included a more powerful V12 engine, cosmetic changes to the interior and the strengthening improvements made to the chassis itself.
Determined to be strictly for VIP clients, the SV would be by special order. And amongst the few SVs that would be built, just 21 were to be delivered to the United States. This particular chassis, 5012, had been completed in 1972 and was supplied to a Belgian agent, Hollebecq.
One of the early owners of this particular chassis would be a French gentleman by the name of Alain Auoizerat. Then, in the very early '80s, the car would be sold to a Middle Eastern gentleman who would commission the Lamborghini factory to restore the car fully. Not long after completing restoration, the car would again be sold. This time it would go to a Swiss owner.
The Swiss owner would be so enthralled by the car that it would remain in Swiss ownership for a period of a couple of decades. It seemed the car would not change hands again. However, in 2005, the car would be sold. As part of its new collection, the SV would share space with an SVJ, the famed Shah of Iran car.
While under its new ownership, the Miura SV would undergo a thorough overhaul. The work would be completed by the British restorers DK Engineering. The overhaul would include all of the car's electrical works, as well as, the engine.
Once completed, the Miura SV would be entered in the Tour d'Espagne Rally. The car would not only arrive in time for the event but would take part in the whole event without incident.
Completing the rally, the Miura would be sent to Graeme Shultz's Lamborghini agency in the U.K. to be repainted. Once the repainting was completed the car was shipped to the United States where, toward the later-part of 2006, the car would again be sold.
Acquired by the Oldenburg Family, the Miura has remained with the family ever since. In 2012, the car was shipped to Motion Products for a thorough service. During its time with Motion Products the Miura received new primary exhaust manifolds, new tail pipes and a tune-up. When completed, the 4.0-liter V12 engine was tested and found to be putting out some 390bhp, more than any other Miura they ever handled.
Bob Wallace would be quoted as saying the SVs were, 'an altogether different beast from their predecessors in every respect, they were better built, faster and the best looking.' And just one glance at this particular SV and one will come away with the breathlessness the Miura first evoked.
Though repainted, the car retains its original color scheme. The interior shows some signs of wear not to be unexpected for a near 50 year old car. Boasting of just 47,000 kilometers and a tuned engine producing every single one of its horses it left the factory with some decades earlier it is little wonder why estimates prior to auction have this particular Miura SV, chassis 5012, going for between $900,000 and $1,100,000.
Sources:
'Lot 335: 1972 Lamborghini Miura SV Chassis No. 5012 Engine No. 30708', (http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20582/lot/335/). Bonhams. http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20582/lot/335/. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
'1971 Lamborghini Miura P400SV News, Pictures and Information', (http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z987/Lamborghini-Miura-P400SV.aspx). Conceptcarz.com: From Concept to Production. http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z987/Lamborghini-Miura-P400SV.aspx. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
Wikipedia contributors, 'Lamborghini Miura', Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 2 December 2012, 23:09 UTC, http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lamborghini_Miura&oldid=526085624 accessed 8 January 2013By Jeremy McMullen
 |  |  | Coupe Designer: Bertone Chassis Num: 5080 |
Miura SV 5080 is a late-chassis Miura in the ultimate factory-fitted specification of split-sump engine, A/C and twin fuel pumps. Delivered new to ace Ferrari racer Karl Foitek, this example is one of the last Miuras built in the iconic 'Spinto Veloce' variant.
 |  | Coupe Designer: Bertone Chassis Num: 4820 Engine Num: 30747 |
| Sold for $891,000 at 2008 RM Auctions. | ||
In 2001, the car was purchased by Al Burtoni before selling it to its current owner. The car has been shown at events such as Concorso Italiano where it won the People's Choice award. The car remains period correct, finished in period-correct colors of Orange with Gold rockers and wheels. The interior is Biscuit leather hides. It has been driven only 3700 miles - though in 1982 it was fitted with a new set of gauges that started at zero so it is unknown how many total miles have been accumulated during its lifetime. It is believed, however, that the old gauges had less than 19,000 miles on them.
In 2008, this 1972 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV with chassis number 4820 was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $825,000 - $975,000. Those estimates were proven accurate when the lot was sold for $891,000, including buyer's premium.
By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2009
The Miura was first show to the public at the November 1965 Turin Auto Show. At the time, it did not have a body. It was just a rolling-chassis. The design was mid-engined, very revolutionary at the time. Bertone was chosen to body the vehicle. Nuccio Bertone gave the project to Marcello Gandini. In early 1966 the Bertone body and the chassis designed by Giampaolo Dallara were assembled into one unit. In completed form, it was show to the public at the 1966 Geneva Auto Show and dubbed the Miura. The name coming from a breed of Spanish fighting bulls.
The vehicle was instantly popular with demand overshadowing the supply. Ferrucio Lamborghini had originally planned the Miura to be a low production, flagship vehicle with production set to around 30 models. The demand for the vehicle eventually changed the plan for the vehicle and throughout its lifespan, three series of the Miura were produced, the P400, S, and the SV. Each series brought with it mechanical and aesthetical changes through either fixed problems from the prior series or brought about new developmental improvements.
The P400 was the first series, the 'P' stood for Posteriore, the location of the engine. The 400 represented the engine size, or 4.0 liters. The four-liter engine was capable of producing 350 horsepower to the rear wheels. The spot-welded chassis was made from steel and the steering was a rack-and-pinion unit built and designed by Lamborghini. The front and rear hoods were both 'clamshell' design. There were two small compartments in the rear allowing a small amount of luggage or storage space.
Since the vehicle had been initially intended to be a temporary vehicle, it was poorly assembled and lacked quality. Another major problem was the lack of materials available. The builders of the vehicle rarely had the parts and resources they needed to keep up with demand. As time progressed, so did the quality.
Production began in March of 1967 and offered at a price of nearly $20,000 US dollars with 108 units being constructed. The Miura S series appeared in December of 1968. It was debuted to the public at the 1968 Turin Auto Show. The 'S' stood for 'Spinto' meaning 'Pushed' or 'Tuned'. Horsepower had been increased to 370, thanks in part through the use of a new combustion chamber and larger intakes. The later 'S' series models were given ventilated disc brakes and a modified rear suspension. Air conditioning was available for an extra cost.
In March of 1971, the final version of the Miura, the SV, was displayed at the Geneva Auto Show. The SV was the pinnacle of performance in regards to the Miura series. The rear suspension received modifications including a wider track. Wider tires were placed increasing the performance and handling. The headlights, turn signals, bumper and tail lights received changes. A carburetor change and larger intakes brought the horsepower rating to 385. During its production lifespan only 142 examples of the Miura SV were created. The acronym 'SV' represented 'Sprint Veloce'.
750 examples of the Miuras were built, the last being constructed on October 12, 1973. Production would have continued but Lamborghini was preparing to introduce its successor, the Countach. Since Lamborghini was a small shop, it could only handle the production of one model.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009
The vehicle was instantly popular with demand overshadowing the supply. Ferrucio Lamborghini had originally planned the Miura to be a low production, flagship vehicle with production set to around 30 models. The demand for the vehicle eventually changed the plan for the vehicle and throughout its lifespan, three series of the Miura were produced, the P400, S, and the SV. Each series brought with it mechanical and aesthetical changes through either fixed problems from the prior series or brought about new developmental improvements.
The P400 was the first series, the 'P' stood for Posteriore, the location of the engine. The 400 represented the engine size, or 4.0 liters. The four-liter engine was capable of producing 350 horsepower to the rear wheels. The spot-welded chassis was made from steel and the steering was a rack-and-pinion unit built and designed by Lamborghini. The front and rear hoods were both 'clamshell' design. There were two small compartments in the rear allowing a small amount of luggage or storage space.
Since the vehicle had been initially intended to be a temporary vehicle, it was poorly assembled and lacked quality. Another major problem was the lack of materials available. The builders of the vehicle rarely had the parts and resources they needed to keep up with demand. As time progressed, so did the quality.
Production began in March of 1967 and offered at a price of nearly $20,000 US dollars with 108 units being constructed. The Miura S series appeared in December of 1968. It was debuted to the public at the 1968 Turin Auto Show. The 'S' stood for 'Spinto' meaning 'Pushed' or 'Tuned'. Horsepower had been increased to 370, thanks in part through the use of a new combustion chamber and larger intakes. The later 'S' series models were given ventilated disc brakes and a modified rear suspension. Air conditioning was available for an extra cost.
In March of 1971, the final version of the Miura, the SV, was displayed at the Geneva Auto Show. The SV was the pinnacle of performance in regards to the Miura series. The rear suspension received modifications including a wider track. Wider tires were placed increasing the performance and handling. The headlights, turn signals, bumper and tail lights received changes. A carburetor change and larger intakes brought the horsepower rating to 385. During its production lifespan only 142 examples of the Miura SV were created. The acronym 'SV' represented 'Sprint Veloce'.
750 examples of the Miuras were built, the last being constructed on October 12, 1973. Production would have continued but Lamborghini was preparing to introduce its successor, the Countach. Since Lamborghini was a small shop, it could only handle the production of one model.
By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2009
| MERCEDES-AMG HELPS TO ENSURE SAFETY IN FORMULA 1 | |
 | In the new 2013 Formula 1® season, Mercedes-AMG will once again help to ensure safety at all Formula 1® races forming part of the FIA Formula One World Championship™. For the 18th year the performance brand of Mercedes-Benz is providing the Official F1® Safety Car and the Official F1® Medical Car. The SLS AMG GT with 435 kW (591 hp) and the C 63 AMG Estate with 358 kW (487 hp) will be deployed at the direction of Race Control officials usually when weather or incidents are considered to impact o...[Read more...] |
| Final Countdown Underway To South Florida's Premier Collector Car Auction | |
 | • Auctions America kicks off its 2013 auction season, March 22-24 with its highly anticipated Fort Lauderdale Collector Car Auction • Celebrating its 11th year, the multi-day auction features more than 550 quality collector cars • Latest feature attractions include an outstanding 1963 Shelby Cobra and a 1974 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS • Digital catalog now available for download at auctionsamerica.com AUBURN, Indiana (February 27, 2013) – With the final countdown underway to its highly an...[Read more...] |
| 1968 Belgian Grand Prix: A First for McLaren | |
 | McLaren and Formula One are truly synonymous. Over the course of its history, McLaren has completed 714 races and have garnered no less than 178 victories. But while McLaren and victory in Formula One are an almost certainty, the very first would be anything but a complete surprise. In December of 1959, Jack Brabham would be leading the way in his Cooper T51 with Bruce McLaren following along not all that far behind. The final lap of the United States Grand Prix held at Sebring, Florida has j...[Read more...] |
| 1962 Monaco Grand Prix: McLaren Carries the Cooper Flag back to the Top | |
 | By the beginning of the 1962 Formula One season Jack Brabham had left Cooper to form his own racing team. It seemed the glories days of the double World Championship were well and truly behind them. However, left in Brabham's stead would be a man very akin to the Australian in so many ways. And in Bruce McLaren, Cooper had a driver and competitor more than apt to help carry the team forward into the future. The first race of the 1962 season, the Grand Prix of the Netherlands, certainly didn't...[Read more...] |
| 1963 Andre Simon/Lloyd Casner Maserati Tipo 151/2 | |
 | At a time when Maserati's financial picture couldn't have looked more bleak, it would be enticed to build what many would end up considering to be one of their finest sportscars ever. It would even be suggested it could have been one of the greatest of all time if Maserati had had the money to develop it. Unfortunately, the Maserati Tipo 151 forever lives in relative obscurity when it truly deserves to be remembered as much more. It is often remarked that for a race team to win a championship...[Read more...] |
 1972
Lamborghini
models |
| Lamborghini Espada 400 GTE |
| Lamborghini Jarama |
| Lamborghini Urraco |
| Similar Automakers | |
| Aston Martin | Bentley |
| Bugatti | Devon |
| Ferrari | GTA |
| Koenigsegg | Lotus |
| Maserati | Maybach |
| McLaren | Porsche |
| Rolls-Royce | Spyker |
| Tesla | |
| Similarly Priced Vehicles from 1972 |
| Maserati Ghibli ($19,280-$19,910) |
Average Auction Sale: $1,147,240 |
| Lamborghini: 1971-1980 |
| Similar Automakers |
| Lamborghini History |
| Other models by Lamborghini |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 350/400 Aventador Countach | Diablo Espada F1 | Gallardo Islero Jalpa | Jarama LM 002 Miura | Murcielago Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce Silhouette | Urraco |
| 1971 Miura P400SV |
