Lamborghini’s Early Icon
The Lamborghini Miura is a legendary supercar, renowned for its groundbreaking design and high-performance capabilities. Introduced in 1966, the Miura represented a bold departure from traditional automotive aesthetics, with a sleek, low profile and aggressive styling. The car’s mid-engine layout and powerful V12 engine made it one of the fastest and most exciting sports cars of its time. The Miura quickly earned a reputation as one of Italy’s first supercars, and its staggering price tag reflected its prestige at the time of its production. When the car was first introduced, it cost around $20,000, which was an astronomical sum for a car at that time. Despite its cost, the Miura has earned a special place in automotive history and is considered one of the greatest sports cars ever made. Nowadays, acquiring a Lamborghini Miura in any condition will set any collector back more than seven figures.
Lamborghini Miura Specs
The Lamborghini Miura was produced from 1966 to 1973 in the manufacturer’s Sant’Agata factory. The earliest variations of the Miura were the P400 and P400 S. In 1969, the P400 SV was introduced, which featured a larger engine and improved handling. Later versions of the Miura included the Jota, a prototype race car that never entered production, and the SVJ, a limited edition production model that featured several performance enhancements. Despite the numerous variations of the Miura, all models shared the same basic design, with a mid-engine layout and classic Italian styling.
Engine
Lamborghini fitted the Miura with a V12 engine, designed by Italian engineer, Giotto Bizzarrini. The engine, also known as the “Miura engine,” was a 3.9-liter unit that produced around 350 horsepower. It featured a quad-cam layout with twin ignition and six Weber carburetors, which allowed the engine to rev up to 8,000 rpm. The engine was mounted transversely (sideways) in the rear of the car, which was a unique feature at the time and helped improve handling and weight distribution. The engine’s power and placement contributed to the Miura’s reputation as a groundbreaking supercar and cemented Lamborghini’s place as a top-tier automaker.
Transmission
The Miura’s 5-speed manual gearbox was innovative for its time, being one of the first transaxles ever implemented on a production car. This design allowed for superior weight distribution, improved handling, and increased stability at high speeds. The transmission also featured a gated shifter, which was a key part of the driving experience and added to the car’s overall charm. The Lamborghini Miura was truly a masterpiece of automotive engineering, and its pioneering transmission played a big role as a pioneer for the future of supercar engineering and production.
| Lamborghini Miura Specs | |
| Horsepower: | 350 hp |
| Torque: | 300 lb/ft |
| 0-60 mph: | 5.0 s |
| 0-100 mph: | 11.7 s |
| 1/4 Mile: | 14.0 s |
| Weight: | 2,848 lbs |
| Production: | 764 Units |
Design And Aerodynamics
The mid-engine, two-seater sports car was designed by engineer Gian Paolo Dallara and stylist Marcello Gandini. The Miura’s sleek and wedge-shaped design was groundbreaking and remains an iconic symbol of automotive design. Its aerodynamic styling not only enhances its appearance but also improves its performance. The Miura features an integrated rear spoiler, which reduces lift while improving stability at high speeds. The car’s overall design reduces drag by minimizing the frontal area, tapering the body, and using flush-fitting windows and headlights. Thanks to its groundbreaking design and the unmistakable and fascinating “eyelashes,” 475 units of the 350 CV Miura were produced.
Interior
The interior of the Lamborghini Miura is a true reflection of the Italian automaker’s dedication to luxury and innovation. The cockpit of this legendary car features a sport-driven design with bucket seats upholstered in premium leather that provide ultimate comfort and support. The steering wheel is contoured for enhanced grip and handling, while the dashboard is carefully crafted to provide easy access to the controls and instruments. Glossy wood and chrome accents add an elegant touch to the interior. The Lamborghini Miura’s interior is a work of art and boasts the perfect balance of luxury, style, and performance.
View All Lamborghini Miura For Sale
Sources: Lamborghini