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The Lamborghini Miura P400 SV stands as a timeless masterpiece of automotive design and engineering, a vehicle that redefined the supercar landscape. Among the mere 150 examples of the P400 SV ever completed, the exquisite car presented here holds a particularly desirable status. Dispatched from the Lamborghini factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese on 4 December 1971, this late-production model boasts the highly coveted “split-sump” lubrication system and the added luxury of factory air conditioning, making it an exceptionally rare and sought-after configuration. Originally specified in the striking combination of Rosso Corsa over a Bleu interior, this Miura P400 SV, chassis number 4946, was destined for the United States, delivered through the Modena Car dealership in New York City.
While the early history of this Miura SV remained largely undocumented, it resurfaced in the 1980s in California, owned by dentist Norman Baker. According to The Lamborghini Miura Register, the exterior had been repainted in blue by this time. Returning to Europe in the following decade, the car was offered for sale in France and later in the Netherlands by Very Superior Old Cars, having passed through the ownership of Peter Veegers and Paul VJ Koot, the former president of Borrani wire wheel company and Carrozzeria Touring. In 2003, the Lamborghini found its way into a private museum collection in Portugal, and shortly thereafter, its exterior was returned to red. In 2012, the P400 SV was acquired through a dealer in Belgium and, with the expertise of leading marque authority Gary Bobileff, made its way back to the United States.
Upon its return across the Atlantic, Gary Bobileff assessed the Lamborghini to be in excellent overall condition. However, to elevate the car to its absolute finest, chassis number 4946 was entrusted to his Bobileff Motorcar Company in San Diego, California, for a comprehensive mechanical refresh. During this process, the P400 SV was also meticulously repainted in its original Rosso Corsa, and the interior was reupholstered in Bleu by Spinneybeck of New York, utilizing a swatch of original leather to ensure authenticity. The brakes, front suspension, and instruments were fully rebuilt, and the hydraulics, including the clutch master cylinder, were overhauled. Furthermore, the fuel lines were replaced, and a new aluminum fuel tank was installed, demonstrating the thoroughness of the work undertaken.
The dedication to preserving and enhancing this Miura SV was rewarded in 2016 when it was rightfully crowned “Best Lamborghini” at Concorso Italiano’s Miura 50th Anniversary celebration during the prestigious Monterey Classic Car Week. This significant accolade underscored the inherent quality of this exceptional car, as it achieved top honors without requiring a full, extensive restoration. Offered today in its stunning, factory-correct color scheme, this beautiful example of a Miura is made even more desirable by the fact that it retains its matching-numbers chassis, body, and the iconic 3.9-liter, transversely mounted V-12 engine. Accompanied by its complete set of books in their original folios, a tool roll, a spare wheel, and a meticulously reproduced fitted luggage set, this rare “split-sump” Miura P400 SV with factory air conditioning undoubtedly ranks among the most coveted examples of this legendary supercar in existence.
Engine and Performance: The heart of the Lamborghini Miura P400 SV is its magnificent 3.9-liter (3,929 cc) naturally aspirated V-12 engine, mounted transversely behind the driver. This engineering masterpiece, featuring dual overhead camshafts per bank and four Weber carburetors, produced a claimed output of 385 horsepower at 7,850 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 5,750 rpm. The “split-sump” lubrication system, a highly desirable feature of later SV models, provided separate oiling for the engine and the gearbox, addressing earlier reliability concerns. This powerful engine, coupled with a five-speed manual transmission, allowed the Miura SV to achieve a claimed top speed in the region of 180 mph (290 km/h), making it one of the fastest production cars of its era. The exhilarating sound and the raw power delivery of this iconic V-12 engine contribute significantly to the Miura’s legendary status and the visceral driving experience it offers.
Exterior: The breathtaking design of the Lamborghini Miura P400 SV, penned by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, remains as captivating today as it was in the early 1970s. The low-slung profile, sensuous curves, and distinctive details like the “eyelash” headlight surrounds and the dramatic rear louvers are hallmarks of its iconic styling. This particular example is presented in its factory-correct and striking Rosso Corsa (Racing Red) paintwork, a color that perfectly accentuates the Miura’s dramatic lines. The quality of the repaint, performed by Bobileff Motorcar Company, is undoubtedly of the highest standard, ensuring a deep and lustrous finish. The bodywork, retaining its original matching numbers, is reported to be in excellent condition, a testament to the care and the mechanical refresh it has undergone.
Interior: The interior of this Miura P400 SV is equally impressive, having been reupholstered in its original Bleu (Blue) Connolly leather by Spinneybeck of New York, using a swatch of original material to maintain authenticity. The cockpit is driver-focused, with comfortable bucket seats, a purposeful dashboard layout, and a gated shifter for the five-speed manual transmission. The lightweight carbon fiber trim (if originally fitted or part of the refresh) would add a touch of sporting elegance. The presence of factory air conditioning, a desirable and relatively rare option, enhances the comfort and usability of this supercar. The meticulous attention to detail during the interior refresh ensures that it presents in a condition befitting a Concorso Italiano award winner.
Chassis and Handling: The Miura P400 SV features a lightweight steel monocoque chassis, contributing to its agile handling. The independent suspension system, with unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, and anti-roll bars at both the front and rear, provided exceptional roadholding for its time. The rebuilt brakes and front suspension, along with the overhauled hydraulics (including the clutch master cylinder), ensure that this Miura SV performs as well as it looks. The installation of a new aluminum fuel tank addresses any potential issues with the original steel tank and ensures fuel safety and integrity. The combination of its sophisticated suspension and well-maintained mechanicals allows this Miura SV to offer a thrilling and engaging driving experience, reminiscent of its legendary status.
Summary
- One of only 150 Lamborghini Miura P400 SVs built
- Original “split-sump” lubrication system
- Factory air conditioning
- Matching-numbers chassis, body, and 3.9-liter V-12 engine
- Presented in factory-correct Rosso Corsa over Bleu livery
- Won “Best Lamborghini” at Concorso Italiano 2016
- Accompanied by books, tool roll, spare wheel, and fitted luggage set
- Late production example (December 1971 build date)
- Mechanical refresh by Bobileff Motorcar Company
- Interior reupholstered in original Bleu leather
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.
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