The Lamborghini Miura P400 was an Italian, two-door, sports car, whose design had first been unveiled to the public in 1965. When it rolled out of the factory in 1966, it was the fastest car in the world, featuring a beautiful, streamlined design conceived for high speeds. Fitted with a powerful 350-HP, V12 60° gasoline engine, the Miura was able to reach the astonishing top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph). This luxury car was designed by the Italian engineer Marcello Gandini and produced by the firm Lamborghini S.p.A. in Bologna, northern Italy. The form of the body was created by the firm Carrozzeria Bertone; this body shape was not only modern but timeless, in a sense that even today, sixty + years later, the car is still regarded as advanced, stylish, and beautiful.
When it was introduced in 1966, the Lamborghini Miura immediately struck a chord with the public as it became famous world-wide. It was named after a Spanish breed of bull: 'miura'. The 'P' of P400 indicates the positioning of the engine and the '400' the 4-liter displacement. The V12 engine was also unusual as it was effectively merged with the transmission and differential, which shows a lack of space in the tightly-wrapped and compact design. Many orders would be placed, driving the engineers and factory workers hectic and busy. It was a surprise to both Ferruccio Lamborghini, the owner, and Nuccio Bertone. Between 1966 and 1968, 265 Miuras were produced and sold. That number increased in 1969 with the launch of the Miura P400 S, of which 338 were sold between 1969 and 1971. The Miura SV was sold between 1971 and 1973, with 150 cars delivered.
Technical Characteristics
The Lamborghini Miura was conceived as a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel drive car, with a low, compact, and bold streamlined design. The engine was set up transversely on the chassis to keep the wheelbase of the car short. This forced the engineers to alter the gearbox arrangement. The Miura P400 was a two-seater club coupé, with its body and frame consisting of steel sheet and light alloy parts, with the engine block cast in aluminum alloy. The transmission was five-speed manual + reverse. Until 1973, the last production year, the car would undergo periodic improvements and upgrades.
The engine of the Miura had twelve cylinders which were arranged in a 'V' 60° layout, with six cylinders on each side of the 'V'. The gearbox and differential were built in the same block. The engine could deliver 350 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, and 370 HP at 7,700 rpm in the P400 S version. The compression ration was 9.8 : 1. The crankshaft had seven main bearings with connecting rods per throw. The valvetrain consisted of four overhead camshafts. The engine was fitted with four triple-body Weber carburetors and two coil ignition system. It had a forward-mounted water radiator, with two thermostatically-controlled fans.
Specifications
Type: GT sports car
Weight: 1,293 kg
Length: 4.36 m
Width: 1.76 m
Height: 1.055 m
Ground Clearance: 12.5 cm
Power Plant: one 350-HP, V12 60° gasoline/petrol engine, with transverse alignment.
Traction: Rear-wheel drive
Maximum Speed: 300 km/h (186 mph)
Transmission: 5 speeds + reverse manual
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| Above, a restored 1970 yellow Lamborghini Miura S. |
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| Front view of the Miura P400 S driving in northern Italy. |
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| Side view of the Lamborghini Miura. |
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| The V12 engine of the Miura. |
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| An orange Lamborghini Miura on sale. |