The Lamborghini Miura P400 S wasn’t just a sports car, it was the car that defined the word supercar. When Lamborghini unveiled it in 1966, it stunned the world. With its transversely mounted V12 in a mid-engine layout, it rewrote the rulebook on high-performance engineering and design.
The Miura Was More Than Just Bold Styling
It’s easy to be swept away by the Miura’s looks. Designed by Carrozzeria Bertone, its low-slung silhouette and aggressive lines made it an instant poster car. But Ferruccio Lamborghini had a bigger dream: to create a machine that would challenge Ferrari and set a new standard in performance and refinement.
Lamborghini Miura P400 S Performance and V12 Power
The Miura P400 S was not just revolutionary, it was blisteringly fast. Its 3.9-liter V12 delivered 370 CV at a screaming 7,700 rpm, pushing the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds. That was supercar territory in the late 1960s, and in many ways, it still feels like it today.
With a top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph), the Miura claimed the title of the world’s fastest production car at its launch. But it wasn’t just about numbers. The V12 sat transversely behind the seats, snarling through four Weber carburetors and a dual exhaust system. Every gearshift was mechanical poetry, and every drive felt like a race against the horizon.
Behind the Scenes: The Genius of Stanzani and Dallara
Young engineers like Giampaolo Dallara and Paolo Stanzani were instrumental in bringing the Miura to life. Stanzani took Giotto Bizzarrini’s original V12 and adapted it for road use. Their work laid the foundation for Lamborghini’s future, influencing icons like the Countach and Espada.
Lamborghini Miura P400 S: A Star of Screen and Street
The Miura didn’t just turn heads, it stole scenes. One of its most iconic appearances was in the 1969 film The Italian Job, where it opens the movie with a solo run through the Alps. Its sound, its style, and its soul made it a favorite of directors and enthusiasts alike.
Miura Owners: A Rock Star Roster
From Miles Davis and Rod Stewart to Peter Sellers and the Shah of Iran, the Miura attracted a who’s who of global icons. Some owned more than one. Others, like Eddie Van Halen, kept theirs for decades. Even today, names like Jay Kay still proudly drive theirs.
The P400 S Legacy Lives On
Although Lamborghini closed the chapter on the pure V12 engine in 2022 with the Aventador Ultimae, the Miura remains a living blueprint. Its influence is felt across every Lamborghini that followed. It was fast, it was beautiful, and it sounded like nothing else.
Summary
The Lamborghini Miura P400 S was more than a car. It was a declaration of intent from a young automaker that dared to dream bigger. With its revolutionary layout, high-revving V12, and timeless beauty, it became a legend that still roars in the hearts of enthusiasts today.
Disclaimer: This article reflects historical information on the Lamborghini Miura P400 S and does not constitute current vehicle specifications.
Source: Lamborghini
