Introduction
The founder of Lamborghini group was Ferrucio Lamborghini. After few years of fortunate existence of business (Lamborghini tractor company was incorporated in 1948, later the coverage of activities were expanded into manufacturing of air conditioning, other appliances), having the possibility to own the best cars then available and discover their weaknesses, Ferrucio decided to try to built better car. The first step to implement this wish was the incorporation of the company "Automobili Ferruccio Lamborghini SAS" in 1963. In the same year, 90 000 m² of land plot was purchased, where the car factory (15 000 m²) was built. It should be mentioned that all the construction/ installation and setup of the factory was financed solely from the pocket of Ferrucio. ~500 millions of Liras (~ 1 300 000 $) were invested in total.
Birth of Miura
The development of prototype, named P400 began by the initiative of talented engineers of Lamborghini Company in the year 1965. Initially Lamborghini thought that this car will be very expensive and the company will not manage to materialize it. Nevertheless, with the assumption that P400 will be a good marketing trick, if not more, Lamborghini blessed the birth of this model.
The prototype of Miura was introduced in public for the first time at the 1965 Turin Motor Show. It was introduced as a car chassis, with no name. The mid-engined car was a big novelty those times (the mid-engine layout was used in race cars only), so even without a "dress", Miura was definitely noticed during the show.
After the Turin Motor Show Lamborghini speeded the development of car design Bertone Design Company was hired to make Miura's appearance and finalized that in a few months.
Lamborghini P400 debuted at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. Due to the exclusive design, Lamborghini P400 was undoubtedly the ornament of the 36th Geneva Motor Show, and the phrases like "400 hp", "1 meter height", "300 km/h" were additionally attracting the audience.
The car was named as Miura. This word means the type of fighting bull in Spanish.
Lamborghini became the victim of its triumph: orders came from all over the world. Development of the car was done in a high speed and the first customers received the cars very late 1966. In fact, the cars were sold so soon that it were not properly tested (total prototype testing did not exceed 15000 km when the first Miuras were sold). The development of Miura model was continued in the next versions: P400S and the P400SV.
Miura's versions and statistics of production
Miura was produced during the year 1966 and 1973. This model had three series: P400 (Miura), P400S (Miura S) and P400SV (Miura SV). Countach model replaced Miura in 1974.
P400
First Miuras (also known as P400) had 3,9 liter, V12 engine, containing 350 HP (260 kW) power. Though this car costed as four Jaguars E-Types (the price of Miura was ~ 20 000 $, what will be approximately 114 000 $ nowadays), 474 units of Miura were built and sold during first 3 production years. Miuras were grabbed by pop stars and business people.
Many specialists noticed the instability of the car when driving at the high speed (>240 km/h). Though the later versions of Miura attempted to solve this matter (improved suspension, more modern tyres and bottom front spoiler were installed), it did help the situation considerably, but the problem was never fully eliminated.
P400S
P400S (Miura S) was introduced at the 1968 Turin Motor Show. Comparing to a predecessor, Miura S had chrome trim around external windows, new inline console, and electric windows. Improving the engine intake granted additional 20 HP (15 kW).
Miura S was also available with optional air conditioning, which costed additionally 800 $. However, in accordance with the reviews of the owners, air conditioning in Miura was not effective and useless.
140 units of Miura S were built between December, 1968 and March, 1971. One of the world known Miura S owners was Frank Sinatra.
P400SV
The last and most desirable is Miura SV (P400SV). Comparing to previous versions, P400SV had the following differences: the "eyelashes" around the headlights were eliminated, rear fenders became wider, new 9-inch-wide wheels accommodated, rear taillights were renewed.
The main technical difference was the separate engine and gearbox lubrication systems. This change allowed using the appropriate types of oil for the gearbox and the engine. This also relieved concerns that metal shavings from the gearbox could travel into the engine and be the reason of serious breakdowns. Due to the improved carburettors the car gained additional 15 HP (11 kW) and had 385 HP (283 kW) in total. Though Miura SV is mostly improved between all versions of Miura in terms of handling, it was slightly slower because of increased weight (due to the separate lubrication system, wider wheels, etc.).
148 SV models were built in total. First 52 units of them had a common engine and gearbox lubrication system.
Miura SV/J
Lamborghini Company also released the limited Miura SV/J version. It had improved engine, renewed suspension, some different interior and design details. Only 5 Miuras SV/J were manufactured in total. One of the owners of such car was an actor Nicolas Cage. He bought Miura SV/J at the auction in 1997 for 490 000 $. This price was the model's highest ever price sold in an auction.
Miura SVJ Spider
Topless Miuras, named Lamborghini Miura SVJ Spider also exist in the world. As it was a concept model, other than private modifications, there are only two "open" Miuras produced. One of them was presented on the Bertone's stand at Bruxelles in 1969, and other example was shown on the Lamborghini stand at the Geneva Motor show in 1981. Serial production of Miura SVJ Spider was not undertaken.
Design and interior of Miura
First sketches of Miura were made by Giorgetto Guigiaro, when he worked at Bertone Design Company. When he left Bertone, Marcello Gandini continued the design works. Finally the owner of company, Nuccio Bertone did the i's and crossed the t's before submitting final design to Lamborghini. By courtesy of these three men, each detail of Miura design looks taintless.
Many people call Miura the most beautiful car ever made. All the inquiries undoubtedly include this car in top ten most beautiful cars in the world.
The car was made using monocoque construction, where body parts are mounted onto the general base. The door and main base were made of steel, and other body pats from aluminium alloy.
One of the novelties in the cabin was headrests. They were installed near the back partition and appeared like inseparable part of the seat.
Back partition was made of double Plexiglas, which protected the passengers from the heat and noise of the engine. Exclusivity in the cabin is brought by the switches installed overhead.
Interesting
- Due to the lack of time, P400 model, introduced at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show didn't have an engine. The engineers of Lamborghini didn't make to install the engine in it's compartment, therefore the car exposed in Motor Show was without it. In order this "absence"would not be revealed, the hood was kept locked firmly;
- Miura is named as a first "supercar". This term was used by automotive writer LJK Setright for the first time, when he found Miura as something with exotic looks, advanced design and incredible performance. The Miura was branded as a "supercar"also because of its engine position. This Lamborghini is the first serial road car, having mid-engined construction.
- The tests showed that Miura managed to reach 272 km/h top speed. With respect to this fact, Miura was titled as the fastest car in the world by 1969, when Ferrari introduced Daytona 365GTB/4 model;
- Lack of good drainage in the original design influenced rust problems, which are seen on pretty much all Miuras except for those that have undergone a recent restoration;
- In the beginning it was planned to produce 30 units of Miura, but the demand after the Geneva Motor Show dictated the other figures. No more Miuras were built only because of the limited capability of Lamborghini factory;
- In April of 1972 Ferruccio sold off his controlling shares of "Automobili Ferruccio Lamborghini SAS" company, probably because he achieved all his aims with the Miura.
Final word
Undoubtedly Miura is the car that famed "Automobili Ferruccio Lamborghini SAS" as car manufacturer. Without Miura, the company probably would not be survived. Low production figures and emphatic achievements seen in motoring history made this car one of the most desirable collection cars.
Mindaugas Musininkas, D&S Automobiles
http://www.dsautomobiles.com/.
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