1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 Coupe

The Lamborghini Miura SV brought with it an improved suspension which helped alleviate some of the front-end lightness that plagued the earlier cars. The Miura SV received a more aggressive stance, rear bodywork, larger carburetors, and different cam-timing. The engine offered 385 horsepower, zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in 5.8 seconds, and top speed was quoted at 180 mph.

Lamborghini built 150 examples of the Miura SV which accounted for 20% of the entire production run. 1971 was the model's first production year, and around 70 examples were built during that year.

This particular example is fitted with Borletti air conditioning which had a price of $555, and it is believed that 30 examples were fitted with that option, and only 11 single-sump Miura SVs. The exterior color is Rosso Corsa, one of 46 cars finished as such. The interior is trimmed in black leather upholstered, and the engine is number 30655. The car left the factory with chrome bumpers, an external fuel filler cap, and custom slats in the front clamshell.

This Miura SV was one of 49 examples to remain in the home country. In August of 1971, it was invoiced to an unnamed first owner. Around six or seven years later, it was acquired by Claudio Zampolli. Zampolli kept the Miura SV at his home in Southern California, registering it with California vanity plates 'SV BULL.' At some point, Mr. Zampolli had his SV sent back to Italy where it was restored in the Cizeta Automobili factory - a Company he had formed in Modena in the 1980s. In 1995, the car was purchased by Louis Puccio of Anaheim. Mr. Puccio displayed the car at several events including The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering, in 2006. It won a 1st in Class at both the 2006 Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance and the 2009 Los Angeles Concours d'Elegance, as well as a 3rd in class at the Palos Verdes Concours in 2009.

The next owner was Dr. Alex Albarian of Glendale, California, who commissioned his own restoration of the Miura, removing the car's external fuel filler and special slats, replacing them with standard and factory-correct components. While in Dr. Albarian's care, the car was awarded a Best in Class at Palos Verdes.

The current caretaker acquired the car shortly after the completion of the restoration.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2018