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1972 Lamborghini Miura Coupe

  • Designed by Bertone
  • Chassis Number: 5012
  • Engine Number: 30708
COACHWORK BY BERTONE

Rosso Corsa with blue leather interior

Engine: V12, inboard rear, transverse mounted double overhead camshafts, 3,929cc, 385bhp at 7,850rpm; Gearbox: five speed within engine unit; Suspension: independent front and rear double transverse wishbones with coil springs; Brakes: front and rear ventilated disc. Left hand drive.

Named after the famous breed of fighting bull, the Miura was introduced in completed form at the 1966 Geneva Salon and has since been widely regarded as the original 'supercar'. It was certainly the car that caused sleepless nights at Ferrari and got the Maranello firm thinking hard. Imagine, if you will, a sports GT for the street, with a transversely mounted V12 engine capable of 170mph! The Miura was nothing short of an astounding sensation at Geneva that year.

Never one to miss a promotional opportunity, Ferruccio Lamborghini had his chief development engineer Bob Wallace drive the prototype Miura to Monte Carlo over the Grand Prix weekend. Strategically positioned in front of the Casino, crowds quickly gathered around what many now consider to be the most beautiful sports car ever built. With crowds ten persons deep, Ferruccio himself climbed in and fired up the V12. Within minutes, the number of awed onlookers doubled!

Both beautiful and fast, the iconic Miura was the sports car to own in the '60s and '70s. Well-heeled clients waited a year or more for the Sant'Agata factory to complete their often personalized Miuras, in many cases taking delivery at the factory itself. The list included the likes of '60s Formula One driver Jean-Pierre Beltoise, King Fahd of Saudi Arabia, Briggs Cunningham, the Shah of Iran, Frank Sinatra and Rod Stewart.

It is clear that Ferruccio Lamborghini adored the Miura indeed. Interviewed by the French magazine Automobiles Classiques for its Spring/Summer 1984 issue, he quite simply stated, 'When people ask me nowadays to describe my ideal sports car, I still answer with one word; MIURA... When we launched the Miura, our plan was for (just) 50 cars... I know sports enthusiasts all over the world who would have paid a king's ransom for a racing version... for the rest of my life I'll feel happy when I look at my Miura... I say that nobody has built anything better since. It was the first car of our wildest dreams, a car for absolute fanatics. We refused to make a single technical compromise in the Miura. Mounting the engine transversely in the center was a daring step in itself, one that no one had ever dared to try (for the street in 1966). As for its appearance, you can judge for yourself nineteen years later... when I miss the sound and fury, I take refuge in my garage and turn the key in the ignition of my Miura.'

Ferruccio was probably referring to his beloved red Miura SV, no. 5028, that he drove during his years of retirement from the factory, and that he kept in the family, leaving it to his son Tonino when he passed away in 1992.

474 examples of the Miura's original P400 were thought to have been built before the Miura P400 S was introduced in 1968. The 'S' featured ventilated disc brakes halfway along its production run, which ended after 140 examples had been built. In 1970, Bob Wallace built the one-off Miura Jota in an experimental project sanctioned by Chief Engineer Paolo Stanzani. Some of the technical knowledge gained was employed for the Miura's ultimate version, the Miura P400 SV. The two letters SV (Spinto Veloce, which translated means 'tuned fast') came to symbolize the very best version of Lamborghini's legendary Miura, a car that eventually gained cult status among its dedicated group of enthusiasts. 142 SVs were built by the factory from 1971 to 1973.

The SV was introduced at the Geneva Salon of 1971, and the accompanying factory press release at the time stated that it would be built to special order for VIP clients only. The factory described the Miura's Swan Song as 'even more aggressive and more beautiful' in a 100 x 200mm mini-brochure, and heralded the SVs arrival on the sports car scene. The SV now featured a wider rear track, revised suspension geometry, reinforced chassis, a split sump separating gearbox and engine oil (this was employed in the last 96 SVs built and is obviously the much desired version), hotter cam-timing, larger inlet valves and upgraded Weber carburetors making power and torque increases to 385bhp and 289ft-lb respectively. Dry weight was listed at 2840lbs. Cosmetically, the SV received wider 9in Campagnolo rear wheels, wider rear fenders, deletion of the grilled 'eyelashes' around the headlights, new larger 3-section Altissimo taillights and a revised front bumper with parking lamps. The interior appointments were usually leather-lined and air conditioning remained an option. The SV improvements over the P400 and the P400 S led Bob Wallace to describe it as 'a different car' by comparison in terms of handling and performance. From a driver's standpoint, those fortunate enough to own a SV soon found out that the new model was not only easier to pilot effectively, but displayed superior acceleration and better handling on the road. 21 SVs were built for US production, with just 11 delivered in 1971 and a further 10 in 1972.

Chassis 5012, a late model, split sump SV was supplied new in March 1972 to agent Hollebecq in Belgium, bearing the Rosso Corsa and blue leather interior trim livery combination it retains today. Optional air conditioning was also fitted. It later passed to Alain Auoizerat, a Frenchman and owner of an SVJ Miura, and in his hands it was registered in France.

In the early 1980s the car was sold to the Middle East and into a noted Miura enthusiast's collection. While in this ownership the car returned to the factory and was subjected to a detailed restoration. Post-restoration the car was sold through Philippe Fournier to Switzerland, where it remained for nearly two decades, later selling to another noted Miura enthusiast before passing into the present hands.
Last year, following a change of ownership the car was sent to DK Engineering in the UK, where it received various preparation works, including overhaul of the starter, radiator, and engine as well as attention to the electric window winders (at a cost approaching $17,000) prior to use on the Tour d'Espagne rally, which it was driven to and back from the UK. Since then the car has been repainted by Graeme Shultz's Lamborghini agency in the U.K.

At some time during the Miura's life the air conditioning machinery was removed, most probably very early on as the systems were generally renowned for causing expensive failures (being run off the flywheel), but the car is otherwise ostensibly to original specification and with the air-con ducting still in place, this could once again be fitted.

Today, the Miura can best be described as a good driving car, with fresh paintwork and tidy original interior. The latter shows modest signs of wear commensurate with its age and reflecting its mileage, which is generally believed to be original at approaching 50,000km from new.

With the average prices of Miuras steadily increasing, opportunities to acquire the definitive model are few and far between, Christie's is delighted to be able to present this example for sale.

Source - Christies
At the 1966 Geneva Show Lamborghini turned a page in automotive history when it unveiled its high-performance, two-seater, mid-engined sports car known as the Miura. All of a sudden, the exotic sports car was born. But had the work not been done at night, in secret, the Lamborghini name would likely have never been associated with savage, audacious sports cars.

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 2013

By Jeremy McMullen

2013 Bonhams - The Scottsdale Auction

Sale Price :
USD $1,215,000

1972 Lamborghini Miura Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the Lamborghini Miura

(Data based on Model Year 1972 sales)
1972 LAMBORGHINI MIURA P400 SV
Chassis#: 5066
Sold for USD$3,580,000
  2023 Gooding & Company : Pebble Beach
1972 Lamborghini Miura image  1972 Lamborghini Miura image  
1972 Lamborghini Miura SV
Chassis#: 5050
Sold for USD$2,545,819
  2017 Artcurial : Retromobile
 
1972 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV by Bertone
Chassis#: 5014
Sold for USD$2,420,000
  2015 RM Sotheby's NY Auction : Driven By Distruption
 
1972 Lamborghini Miura SV Coupé
Chassis#: 4818
Sold for USD$1,539,913
  2013 Goodwood Revival
 
1972 Lamborghini Miura SV
Chassis#: 5012
Sold for USD$1,215,000
  2013 Bonhams - The Scottsdale Auction
1972 Lamborghini Miura image  1972 Lamborghini Miura image  
1972 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV
Chassis#: 5048
Sold for USD$1,375,000
  2012 Gooding and Company - Pebble Beach Auction
 
1972 Lamborghini Miura SV
Chassis#: 4818
Sold for USD$1,107,960
  2010 RM Auctions - Automobiles of London
 
1972 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV
Chassis#: 4820
Sold for USD$891,000
  2008 Sports & Classics of Monterey by RM Auctions
1972 Lamborghini Miura image  1972 Lamborghini Miura image  

Lamborghini Miuras That Failed To Sell At Auction

1972 Lamborghini Miura's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1972 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV by Bertone36732016 RM Sotheby's : Monterey $1,900,000$2,200,000
1972 Lamborghini Miura SV50362011 RM Auctions London$1,127,000$750,000$900,000

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1972 Lamborghini Miura

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Other Lamborghini Miura model years

1972 Lamborghini Miura Vehicle Profiles

1972 Lamborghini Miura vehicle information
Coupe
Designer: Bertone
Chassis #: 5066
Engine #: 30728
1972 Lamborghini Miura vehicle information
Coupe
Designer: Bertone
Chassis #: 3673
1972 Lamborghini Miura vehicle information
Coupe
Designer: Bertone
Chassis #: 5038
1972 Lamborghini Miura vehicle information
Coupe
Designer: Bertone
1972 Lamborghini Miura vehicle information
Coupe
Designer: Bertone
Chassis #: 4820
Engine #: 30747
1972 Lamborghini Miura vehicle information
Coupe
Designer: Bertone
Chassis #: 5080
1972 Lamborghini Miura vehicle information
Coupe
Designer: Bertone
Chassis #: 5012
Engine #: 30708