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
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
Related Reading : Lamborghini Miura History
The Miura was first shown 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....
Continue Reading >>
Continue Reading >>
Lamborghini
Similar Vehicles
Similar Automakers
Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 1970
1970 Lamborghini Miura P400S Vehicle Profiles
Recent Vehicle Additions
Performance and Specification Comparison
Price Comparison
$13,955
$19,506
$22,520
Miura P400 S Specification Comparison by Year
Year
Production
Wheelbase
Engine
Prices
Related Automotive News
The legacy of the Lamborghini Countach in a video series. From the idea car, the LP 500 of 1971, to five generations spanning seventeen years
In its celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Countach, Automobili Lamborghini is launching a series of four videos on its social media channels. Every Monday they will recount the legacy of an automotive icon in an unprecedented manner, by involving...
Lamborghini Miura SV turns 50 in 2021
The Lamborghini Miura SV, the last evolution of the highly successful P400 project, was officially unveiled in March 1971, on the Lamborghini stand at the Geneva Motor Show. On the same occasion, on its stand, Carrozzeria Bertone presented the Countach...
Lamborghini Celebrates The 50Th Anniversary Of The Jarama GT
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Lamborghini Jarama GT, presented for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1970.
The Jarama, whose name derives from an area north of Madrid famous for breeding fighting bulls, was the latest evolution...
The Best Of Lamborghini At London Concours 2020
The London Concours has announced its Great Marques Lamborghini display, celebrating the very best from SantAgata
Line-up includes icons early pioneers like the 400GT and iconic Miura, through to the Diablo SV, Murcielago and Aventador SVJ
Les...
Lamborghini Miura Celebrated In A Dedicated Class At The 59Th Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance
SantAgata Bolognese, 12 August 2019 – The Pebble Beach Concours dElegance, established in 1950, is the one of the most renowned classic car shows in the world, and every year the selection of cars for display is very severe, because only the...