1967 Lamborghini Miura P400
Many enthusiasts consider the Lamborghini Miura to be the first supercar ever created. Its graceful and stunning design is complemented by an underlying ferocity. The alluring bodywork conceals a high-performance steel chassis, housing a mid-mounted V-12 engine that is oriented transversely behind the driver. This remarkable automobile exemplifies a fusion of advanced engineering and aesthetic beauty, standing at a mere 3 feet 6 inches tall. Today, the Miura continues to captivate with its visual and auditory charm, just as it did at its launch.
It is an understatement to claim that the Lamborghini Miura left the automotive world in awe. First presented as a bare chassis at the Turin show in November 1965, just two years after the introduction of the 350GT, the Miura impressed competitors, the media, and spectators with its groundbreaking transverse mid-mounted V-12 engine. This vehicle was intended for the road, not for the racetrack.
Lamborghini amazed industry experts when it presented the fully realized car, designed by Marcello Gandini, at the Geneva Motor Show the following March. At the young age of twenty, Gandini was on the verge of becoming the chief designer for Bertone after Giorgetto Giugiaro left the firm. This unveiling was significant as it introduced the Miura name, which was inspired by Ferrucio Lamborghini’s zodiac sign, Taurus, and the name of a formidable and brave lineage of fighting bulls bred by Don Miura.
In May 1966, the car made another notable appearance at the Monaco Grand Prix, where Lamborghini development engineer Bob Wallace, accompanied by a mechanic, drove the prototype to the Royal Casino. This event took place on the eve of the prestigious race, and the car’s presence eclipsed the other exotic vehicles parked there. It further demonstrated the determination of the innovative engineering team behind the Miura to leave a significant impact on the automotive industry.
Beyond its distinctive bodywork and drivetrain configuration, the Miura aligns closely with contemporary supercar norms. It features a steel box-section monocoque chassis, characterized by robust longitudinal members and numerous lightening holes. To enhance rigidity, two forked radius rods link the rear chassis components to the passenger compartment’s firewall. The suspension system employs a traditional arrangement of unequal-length A-arms and coil springs at each wheel, complemented by substantial anti-roll bars at both the front and rear. Braking is managed by Girling four-wheel disc brakes, while steering is facilitated through a rack-and-pinion system.
While the Miura was built on relatively traditional foundations, it stood out distinctly from its contemporaries. The vehicle’s appearance, handling, and performance were unparalleled for its era. It incorporated design elements reminiscent of contemporary racing cars, featuring front and rear sections that could tilt upward for easy access to the drivetrain, similar to the Ford GT40. Nevertheless, it maintained its identity as a two-seat touring car, delivering impressive engine versatility with its 350 horsepower DOHC V-12. The challenge of fitting the lengthy V-12 into a mid-engine configuration was cleverly addressed by positioning the engine transversely and placing the gearbox behind it.
Production of the Miura was restricted, with a total of just 760 units manufactured between 1966 and 1973. Its performance was remarkable for its era, achieving 0 to 60 mph in mere seconds and reaching a top speed exceeding 170 mph. Marcello Gandini remarked, “The Miura wasn’t the creation of a new line. Rather, it was an arrival point of all the sports cars of the 1950s and 1960s. The lines were very soft but very animalistic.”
Chassis number 3066 represents a remarkable Lamborghini Miura. It was dispatched to the selling dealer on July 19, 1967, and is believed to have been sold to its first owner, Robert Miles Runyan, a prominent architect from California. The vehicle was originally finished in #41 Lime Green with a black leather interior, which remains its factory colors to this day. The current owner, thought to be the third custodian of this exceptional car, initiated a comprehensive and meticulous transformation to the SV configuration.
The initial phase of the project focused on the engine, which was upgraded to SV specifications. This upgrade was conducted by Bob Wallace, a development engineer and test driver for Lamborghini, who is based in Phoenix, Arizona. Renowned as the leading authority on the Miura, Wallace not only completed the SV upgrade but also improved the car’s performance and functionality, leveraging his extensive experience of over 40 years since the original model’s development. His enhancements included a split sump, a dry sump system, improved oil distribution for better balance and reduced noise, effective seals to prevent early smoking, and lighter gears for optimal performance. The owner claims that the vehicle is nearly vibration-free throughout its operating range. Receipts are available for examination.
The body was meticulously transformed to SV specifications by the skilled metal craftsman Cass Nawrocki from Nawrocki Fabricating, located in Moose Lake, Minnesota. To guarantee an accurate replication, an SV model was present in the workshop for direct comparison throughout the process. The inner structure of the body was also faithfully recreated to match SV standards. Comprehensive photo documentation is available, along with receipts exceeding $100,000 for the body fabrication and painting. Interior enhancements feature full leather upholstery, modern power windows, and an overhead console consistent with SV specifications. Additional upgrades include a complete SV suspension overhaul, modifications to fuel distribution, SV wheels, and hood latches that meet SV criteria.
