Next to Ferrari, Lamborghini is one of the best-known producers of Italian sports cars. Its most important supercar currently in production is the Huracán, packing a screaming V10 harnessing 631 hp. Lamborghini made several other iconic models, but many, including the Miuraare tragically extinct.
However, that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy these deceased Lambos. Many enthusiasts regard the Miura as the world’s first supercar and the best classic car. Here’s a look at the rich history of the Miura to see what makes this model unforgettable.
Back to the Lamborghini Miura
The founder of the Italian manufacturer, Ferrucio Lamborghini, was not the best driver. He frequently damaged his Ferraris after repeated use, so he decided to build something better, SlashGear reports. He wanted to create a mid-engine supercar that he could also use for everyday driving. So he assembled a team of engineers to build the engine and teamed up with coachbuilding legend Nuccio Bertone to create the body.
Released in 1966, the Lamborghini Miura P400 was the first incarnation of the vehicle. Packing a 3.9-liter V12, it developed 350 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. During its three-year production run, Lamborghini only made 275 examples.
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Halfway through the P400’s run, the automaker launched the Miura P400 S. It was slightly more powerful with 370 hp, giving it a faster acceleration time. It also offered more desirable luxury features and was more abundant, with 338 examples available.
The last three model years saw the release of the Miura SV. This version receives a new chassis but sees its power drop to 350 hp. The designers also gave the body a wider stance. Unfortunately, Lamborghini only produced 150 copies due to poor sales and the oil crisis of the 70s. A year later, the automaker replaced the Miura with the Countach.
What makes the Lamborghini Miura so special?
Even before knowing the power it produces, the Lamborghini Miura stands out for its elegant body. According to The reader, Marcello Gandini was responsible for the design of the Miura. It was the first car he had ever designed on his own, despite having worked for many years in Bertone’s development team.
The Miura also broke many world records. With a 0-100 km/h time of almost six seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h, the P400 was the fastest car of the 1960s. of the Miura SV reached 174 mph.
Additionally, Lamborghini built several special editions, many of which were limited to a single example. The Miura Roadster debuted in 1968, with the same specifications as the P400. However, the roadster also had a large rear spoiler and exaggerated air intakes built into a soft-top rear cowl.
The most powerful version of the 3.9-liter V12 belongs to the Miura SVG, P400 Jota and SVJ Spider. In all of these models, the engine produces 440 hp and 296 lb-ft of torque. Its 0-60 acceleration time is 3.6 seconds.
Lamborghini built the P400 Jota strictly as a test car for famed automotive engineer Bob Wallace. The talented test driver was also involved in the development of the Miura. And the automaker actually released the Miura SVJ Spider outside of car production for display at auto conventions. It featured large wheels and a large rear spoiler, the latter having been removed by its first owner.
What does “Miura” mean?
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As you can guess from the car manufacturer’s logo, Lamborghini names several of its cars after bulls. “Miura” is the name of one of the fiercest bullfighting breeds, Road & Track reports. Considering the power and established fame of the Lamborghini Miura, we would say that this vehicle is well deserving of its moniker.
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