1970 Lamborghini Miura P400S

Lamborghini introduced the Miura to the public in March of 1966 at the Geneva Salon and many consider it to be the world's first supercar as it was unapologetically extravagant and extremely fast, with styling that was excessive and colors that were equally absurd. The design was revolutionary, but the performance from the four-liter DOHC V12 engine was something Lamborghini eased into with the conservative 350 GT of 1964. The body was designed by Bertone designer Marcello Gandini who was 27 at the time. The development team of the Miura also included Gian Paulo Dallara and Paolo Stanzini, two engineers who would gain fame in their own rights. The chassis was carefully tuned under the guidance of New Zealander Bob Wallace, a Maserati mechanic. Inspiration for the design came from Colin Chapman's lightweight unitized construction and Eric Broadley's mid-engined Lola, which had evolved into the Ford GT40.

A compact overall layout was achieved by mid-mounting the engine transversely with original design sketches incorporating a glass engine cover and a three-seat layout, with the driver in the middle and one passenger on either side. This tri-seat layout did not survive past the design stage, however, it was later employed in future supercars, most notably on the McLaren F1 of the 1990s.

The Miura was named after Don Eduardo Miura Fernández, a breeder of Spanish fighting bulls. Just like the bulls, the Miura was fierce, with its lightweight frame and V-12 engine breathing through four triple-choke Weber carburetors, the 350 brake horsepower was capable of carrying it to speeds exceeding 175 mph.

The Miura enjoyed steady evolution and improvements during its production lifespan, and in 1968, the 'S,' or spinto (tuned), version appeared, with 370 horsepower, updated brakes, and many other enhancements. The S version was more luxuriously appointed, faster, and more stable, capable of reaching 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds and 140 mph in fewer than 30 seconds. The top speed was now 177 mph.

The P400 S was unveiled at the Turin Motor Show in November of 1968. Outwardly, it was distinguished from its predecessor by its rear badging and chrome window surrounds. The dual overhead cam, 60-degree, all-alloy, 3,929cc unit produced 370 horsepower, an increase of 20 over the original P400. Along with being faster, it was also more civilized. New Pirelli Cinturato tires and subtle chassis revisions resulted in high-speed stability and enhanced handling. The interior now had a locking passenger glove box, overhead console with rocker switches, electric windows, optional leather upholstery, and, late in production, the option of air-conditioning.

Approximately 140 examples of the Miura P400 S were built before the introduction of the SV, the ultimate evolution of the Miura.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2019