The Original Supercar

Working behind the back of company founder, Ferruccio Lamborghini, in the mid-1960’s, an elite team of engineers were about to revolutionize the design of sports cars. Gian Paolo Dallara, Paolo Stanzani and Bob Wallace, Lamborghini top three engineers, unveiled a prototype, known as the P400, to Ferruccio behind closed doors. Approval was given, and the project progressed, although not enough time was available to fit the engine to the prototype prior to unveiling at the 1966 Geneva Salon, so instead the engine cover was always kept shut and locked!

Thanks to the sensational reaction, the Posteriore 4 litri (P400), entered full production in 1967, powered by a newly developed version of the 3.9 litre V12 engine previously fitted to the 400 GT series. However, for the Miura, the engineers chose to mount the engine transversely, allowing for improved weight distribution and handling, whilst also engaging Bertone designer, Marcello Gandini, at the tender age of 22, to design possibly the prettiest of all supercars!

The Miura P400 S was the second development of the Miura, identifiable by its chrome-plated window-surround trim, it featured a revised interior with re-designed door cards and electric windows. This upgraded Miura flaunted its status with a ‘S’ badge on the tail, which stood for ‘Spinto’ (Tuned), and this ultimate version of the original supercar was fast gaining a reputation as the fastest, sleekest sports car in the world, bar none!

The first magazine test of a Miura P400 S was conducted by Road & Track who called it “an exercise in automotive art”.  It was also noted the price tag of $19,250 was enough to buy three Corvette 427’s, and the Miura, weighing 1315 kgs, was a colossal 225 kgs lighter than the Ferrari 330 GTS! For the P400 S, factory-fitted air-conditioning also became an option, with additional developments including new Koni shock absorbers and driveshafts. Early P400 S’s retained the Girling brake units with solid disc brakes, whilst the ‘series two’ featured the much-desired ventilated discs.

Overall, the Miura P400 S was more stable, faster and more luxurious than the P400, boasting 370 bhp and a 0-100 kph time of 5.5 seconds, remaining impressive even today! 225 kph was passed in less than 30 seconds, with the P400 S continuing to accelerate until its top speed of 285 kph. In the hands of the brave, it was more than a match for any other road going car of its day!

This Lamborghini Miura P400 S

The Miura offered here was built by Lamborghini in 1969 and finished in Rosso Corsa, just as it is seen today. The car was first registered in Italy, and quickly fell into the ownership of Mr Marcello Tozzi, who also owned another Miura P400 S.

Thanks to the thorough and detailed research carried out during the recent restoration, we know that during the ownership of Mr Tozzi, the identity of the two Miura P400 S’ he owned were exchanged, with this chassis now wearing the identity of chassis 4680.

This stunning Miura remained in its native Italy, being sold to Marcello D’Atanasio on 11^th April 1984 for 20 million Lire. In 1978 Mr Lucidi of Lecco bought the car from a dealer in Rome and in 2016 was contacted by the world leading Miura historian, Giorgio Santanbrogio, on our behalf. Mr Lucidi recalled at the time of his purchase the car was painted red, and that the interior was black leather. During this interview Mr Santanbrogio also managed to obtain a colour image of chassis 4680 during Mr Lucidi’s ownership.

In January 2000, the car was bought by Dima Automobili Srl who retained it for two years before passing it to a prominent collector in Milan, Enzo Nespoli, before passing through several other Italian owners. We immediately embarked upon a complete and thorough restoration, employing only the finest mechanics possible, all in the Modena and Maranello area, with the project being overseen by famed Lamborghini test driver, and Miura aficionado, Valentino Balboni.

During this extensive restoration, the chassis was sent to Marchesi & C S.r.l in Modena. Interestingly, Marchesi & C S.r.l supplied Lamborghini the Miura chassis in period. As part of the thorough restoration process, Marchesi placed chassis 4680 on the Miura jig to reconfirm measurements etc.

The engine, gearbox, suspension, steering, brakes and all running gear have been fully rebuilt by leading specialists Orazio and Luca Salvioli of Top Motors, both of which are ex-Lamborghini factory employees. Mr Salvioli was running the Lamborghini service department throughout the Miura and Countach era! Every component was stripped, cleaned, checked and reassembled. All worn items have been replaced with correct new components to ensure complete peace of mind motoring for the next owner. The interior has been retrimmed by another longstanding Lamborghini expert, Bruno Paratelli who trimmed the cars in period, with the electrical system being completely restored by William Gatti. The bodywork has been painted by the world-renowned Miura specialists, Cremonini Classic in Modena. The cost for restoration has totalled nearly €300,000, there simply cannot be a more beautifully presented Miura P400 S available today.

Cremonini Classic and Balboni have ensured that every detail is correct to the original Lamborghini specifications. Who is better placed to say what is correct, then the men who were assembling the Miura at Lamborghini in period, now working together again to restore this Lamborghini Miura! Recently, 4680 has been test driven by Valentino Balboni, the man who has done more miles than any other behind the wheel of this, the original supercar. To follow Balboni in the driving seat of any Miura is a special opportunity, but in a car which he has overseen the restoration of with the mechanics who built these fabulous cars in period, now that is an opportunity not to be missed!

Price Upon Request