The 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400 arrived as a shock to the automotive world, effectively inventing the mid-engine supercar blueprint that defines the exotic segment today. Engineered by the legendary trio of Dallara, Stanzani, and Wallace, the Miura paired a revolutionary transverse-mounted V-12 with a silhouette of unparalleled beauty. This specific example, chassis number 01024, occupies a hallowed position in the marque’s history as just the third production example and the eighth Miura ever constructed. Because it is a “thin-chassis” car built before the standardization of later series, it features rare, hand-hammered details and a level of purity that collectors consider the ultimate expression of Ferruccio Lamborghini’s early ambition.
Bleu Miura Curves and Prototype-Era Details
The visual character of chassis 01024 is defined by its status as the first of only 26 P400 examples factory-finished in the sophisticated Bleu Miura paint. The bodywork, hand-hammered on a wooden buck by Bertone’s craftsmen, showcases the sinewy muscularity penned by a young Marcello Gandini. As a pre-production era example, it lacks the back-up lights and specific body stampings found on later cars, maintaining a clean and uninterrupted form. Following a comprehensive four-year restoration by Bobileff Motorcar Company, the exterior has been returned to its original factory hue, a finish that earned it Best Lamborghini honors at the 2024 Concorso Italiano and further accolades in late 2025.
Senape Accents and Bespoke Ivory Leather
Inside the cockpit, this early P400 features a unique nine-light center console configuration, a rare detail consistent with the original prototypes. While the factory logs record the original interior as Senape (Gobi), the current owners elected for a more elegant Ivory leather re-trim during the restoration process. This bespoke cabin incorporates authentic fabric inserts woven by the original period OEM vendor and is complemented by Senape carpeting and a Nero leather dashboard. The absence of factory seatbelts, correct for this early build number, reinforces the car’s identity as a transition point between Lamborghini’s experimental prototypes and its formalized production run.
Matching Numbers V-12 and Engineering Refinements
Performance is derived from a 3.9-liter V-12 engine, a development of Giotto Bizzarrini’s quad-cam masterpiece that produces a combined 350 hp (355 PS) and 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) of torque. This matching-numbers unit is mounted transversely behind the driver, integrated with the gearbox in a single-cast unit. During its restoration, the powertrain received a vital split-sump modification to separate engine and gearbox lubrication, significantly improving component longevity. The “thin-chassis” frame members were also internally reinforced with gussets to improve rigidity, ensuring that this early bull handles the road with a level of precision that exceeds its original 1967 factory benchmarks.
Technical Specifications
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Chassis Number | 01024 (Number 8 Overall) |
| Engine | 3.9L V-12 (Matching Numbers) |
| Configuration | Transverse Mid-Engine |
| Chassis Type | Early “Thin-Chassis” (0.9mm Steel) |
| Restoration | Bobileff Motorcar Company (4-Year) |
| Certification | Lamborghini Polo Storico |
| Lubrication | Split-Sump Modified |
| Exterior Color | Bleu Miura |
Auction Exclusivity and Historical Significance
In the current market for 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400 examples, chassis 01024 stands as a benchmark of authenticity and rarity. Benchmarked against later P400S or SV models, the early “thin-chassis” cars are prized for their direct connection to the original design intent and their lighter weight. This example’s unique selling point is its Lamborghini Polo Storico certification, which provides an absolute guarantee of its matching-numbers status and historical correctness. Accompanied by a rare original owner’s manual and parts catalogue sourced from Germany, it represents a complete and turn-key opportunity for a collector to acquire one of the world’s most significant supercars.
A Milestone Entry for The Monterey Auction
This 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400 is a sensational realization of Sant’Agata’s first supercar legend, offered at a time when early, well-documented examples are increasingly disappearing into permanent collections. The combination of its Bleu Miura finish, prototype-specific interior details, and world-class Bobileff restoration makes it a standout entry for the 2026 Monterey auction season. It remains a historically significant artifact of the Dallara and Gandini era, perfectly preserved for the next steward to enjoy on the concours lawn or the open road. As a certified piece of automotive art, it defines the very essence of the “Running with the Bulls” spirit.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
