1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S: The Original Supercar Icon

1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S: The Original Supercar Icon

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The Lamborghini 350 GT, introduced in the mid-1960s, marked the Italian marque’s entry into production vehicles, following the 350 GTV prototype. While the 350 GT and its successors demonstrated Ferruccio Lamborghini’s grand touring vision and challenged Ferrari, the arrival of the Miura in the late 1960s was a paradigm shift.

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The Miura, conceived by a team of brilliant Italian engineers including Giampaolo Dallara and Paolo Stanzani, boasted race-derived engineering, breathtaking performance, and an aggressively beautiful design penned by Marcello Gandini of Bertone. Unveiled as a bare chassis at the 1965 Turin Motor Show and then fully formed at the 1966 Geneva Salon, the Miura, named after the formidable Miura fighting bulls, immediately captivated the world’s elite.

Key engineering features of the Miura included a lightweight chassis, independent suspension on all four wheels, tilting front and rear body sections, and disc brakes all around. The exotic DOHC V-12 engine’s early development even involved Giotto Bizzarrini, the mastermind behind Ferrari’s legendary 250 GTO. Initially named P400 due to its 4.0L V-12 engine producing 350 horsepower, the Miura outshone Ferrari’s contemporary offerings. The Miura LP400, available from 1967, delivered stunning performance, reaching speeds close to 170 mph.

Despite its racing car aesthetics, the Miura was intended as an exceptionally fast and glamorous road car, as the costs of international racing escalated in the 1960s. It became the preferred vehicle for entertainers, rock stars, and wealthy individuals. Today, the Miura is celebrated as one of the most beautiful and influential automobiles ever created.

The Miura evolved through three key iterations: the P400, P400 S, and P400 SV, with production spanning from 1967 to 1973. The Miura LP400 S, introduced at the 1968 Turin show, signified a “Spinto” or tuned specification, offering enhanced handling, build quality, and interior comfort. Just 338 examples of the LP400 S were produced between November 1968 and March 1971.

This particular 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S, chassis number 3919, engine number 2772, and production number 323, was built at Lamborghini’s original Sant’Agata Bolognese factory on January 29, 1969. It has undergone a three-year, concours-level restoration completed in 2008 by Bobileff Motorcar Company. The exterior is finished in the striking Verde Miura/Pistachio, repainted in 2017, complemented by a blue-upholstered interior.

Power and Performance: The 3922cc Lamborghini V-12 engine in the LP400 S featured reworked cylinder heads and revised Weber carburetion, increasing the factory-advertised power to 370 HP. Rear-suspension updates and the introduction of state-of-the-art 70-series Pirelli Cinturato radial tires improved handling, while new ventilated disc-brake rotors enhanced braking performance under demanding conditions. The transverse-mounted 3.9L DOHC V-12 engine in this example had all four Weber carburetors rebuilt in 2020. Power is delivered to the road through a 5-speed manual transmission and rear transaxle. The car rides on handsome Campagnolo three-ear, knock-off wheels fitted with new Pirelli Cinturato tires in 2024.

Maintenance and service on this Miura include a comprehensive electrical system overhaul in 2018, featuring a replaced starter, an upgraded 100-amp alternator, new battery and cables, and a new voltage regulator. Drivetrain service included the replacement of the crown gear between the starter and flywheel with a factory unit in 2021 and the installation of a new clutch wheel cylinder in 2023. The muffler was also replaced in 2023.

The Miura’s design is a masterpiece, with captivating features such as the classic gated shifter, chrome window trim, rear window louvers, and the distinctive “eyelashes” around the headlights. The interior features a three-spoke steering wheel and large, clear gauges for vital information. While primarily focused on high performance, the Miura offers select passenger amenities like a central console with a grab handle, power windows, and a locking glovebox. The dual exhaust outlets produce an unforgettable sound, announcing the presence of this iconic, first-of-its-kind supercar.

Summary:

  • 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S, chassis number 3919.
  • Concours-level restoration completed in 2008.
  • Verde Miura/Pistachio exterior, repainted in 2017.
  • Blue leather interior.
  • 3.9L transverse-mounted DOHC V-12 engine (370 HP).
  • 5-speed manual transmission.
  • Weber carburetors rebuilt in 2020.
  • Campagnolo three-ear knock-off wheels with new Pirelli Cinturato tires (2024).
  • Electrical system overhaul and drivetrain service performed.

**Disclaimer: Information provided is for general informational purposes only and is based on available details. Potential buyers are advised to conduct their own thorough inspection and verification of any vehicle.

AI Assistance: Gemini

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