The Lamborghini Miura is a head-turning masterpiece that debuted in 1966, etching its name in the automotive history books as the "first supercar." The Miura's design was distinct and unique for its era. It featured a low, wedge-shaped silhouette, with an elongated hood that gives it its undeniable presence. Depending on the variant, its mid-mounted 3.9-liter V12 engine unleashes a thrilling amount of power that pushes the Miura forward from 0-60 in about 6 seconds. The P400 Miura boasts 350 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. At the same time, the later P400SV took things up a notch, churning out 385 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. There's no doubt the Miura is rare, and this is primarily due to its limited production numbers (only 764 were built). The Lamborghini Miura commands a hefty price tag in the used car market as it costs anywhere between $1.5 million and $15 million, depending on the variant, condition, and provenance. It's an investment for the most passionate collectors and connoisseurs, and in this Lamborghini Miura review, we'll show you why!
The Lamborghini Miura has remained a beauty since its 1966 debut. The Miura's low, wedge-shaped silhouette, penned by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, turned heads everywhere when it debuted. Even its revolutionary mid-mounted 3.9-liter V12 engine, a departure from front-engined norms, redefined performance expectations. This layout, pioneered by engineers against Lamborghini's initial wishes, became the standard for many high-performance cars. The Miura was initially launched as the P400 but went through several iterations. The P400S arrived in 1968, boasting improved handling and interior refinements. The ultimate expression, the P400SV, debuted in 1971 with 385 horsepower and wider fenders to accommodate powerful tires. All variants deliver electrifying performance, reaching 0-60 mph in just 6 seconds, a feat still impressive today. Despite its groundbreaking impact, the Miura remains a rare sight. Only 764 were built, each bearing the marks of Italian craftsmanship.
The Lamborghini Miura sports an iconic V12 engine that is as captivating and thrilling as the Miura. All Miuras boast a mid-mounted V12 transversely-placed engine. This revolutionary placement optimized weight distribution and handling and became the reference point for many supercars with mid-mounted engines. Lamborghini offered the Miura in different models, including the base P400, which starts with a 3.9-liter V12, while the P400S and P400SV variants bump it up to 4.0 liters. The Miura P400's engine churns out 350 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, undeniably enough power to thrill most drivers. On the other hand, the Miura P400S and P400SV's engines generated 370 and 385 horsepower, respectively, accompanied by 295 and 400 lb-ft of torque. Regarding the 0-60 times, the Miura comfortably sprints to 60 mph in under 6.7 seconds, reaching a top speed of 174 mph. Even the more powerful Miura versions mentioned earlier shave off about five seconds from that time. The Miura's lightweight construction, featuring aluminum and even Plexiglas windows in early models, kept the weight down to around 2,976 lbs. This contributed significantly to its agility and performance. But even with its lightweight nature, it doesn't have the best mpg figures. The Miura is a purebred performance machine designed to tantalize the senses, not sip fuel. Therefore, you should expect single-digit mpg figures - a small price for such a unique car. Compared to modern engines, the Miura's technology seems quaint. It employed carburetors, chain-driven overhead cams, and wet-sump lubrication. However, its simplicity and focus on power delivery are part of its charm. Compared to other 1960s supercars like the Ferrari Daytona and Aston Martin DBS, the Miura's V12 delivers more power and a more refined driving experience. Its mid-mounted layout also revolutionized the supercar landscape.
The Miura's interior is somewhat cramped for a tall passenger, but that doesn't detract from its luxuriousness. The leather seats in various colors offer a snug fit, cradling you like a race car driver. They aren't the most comfortable, but they provide the necessary support whenever you're out for a drive. Adjustability is limited, but the low seating position and the rakish angle of the windshield instantly connect you to the road. Behind the steering wheel are two large chrome-ringed dials - the speedometer and tachometer - all arranged in a driver-centric layout. The needles dance playfully as you push the V12 to its limits. The dashboard has a unique design as the center stack projects off it. It is home to a handful of gauges displaying relevant car information. Lamborghini did well to cover the dashboard in high-quality leather materials. The other switches and knobs, adorned with chrome accents, add a touch of classic charm to the dashboard. As you look around the interior, you can't help but appreciate the general use of leather and Alcantara that dominates the interior. Their textures and rich colors create a luxurious ambiance. The door panels, center console, and even the floor are swathed in these materials, giving the interior a premium feel. The center console houses essential controls – climate knobs, radio buttons, and the gear shifter. Everything looks in place, and considering the Miura's age, the car's interior feels comfortable and well thought out, even without modern features.
The Miura's design announces its presence without much hassles - that's what you get with a car that has a sleek, pointed front fascia adorned with beautiful headlights. Up on the hood are hood vents that do a great job of drawing cool air to the car's mid-mounted engine. It also does this with the wide grille up front, home to the turn signals on some Miura models. The side of the car shows its low-slung silhouette, accentuated by creases running from front to rear. The Miura's poise is further enhanced by its wide, low-profile tires. Early models sported Pirelli Cinturato 205 VR 15 tires, while later variants received wider options to handle the increasing power. The wheels, available in various styles, add another layer of personalization to the car's overall look. Many Miuras didn't come with side mirrors, but the ones that did sported slender mirrors that offered a decent view of the rear without disrupting the car's design. Don't expect flashy door handles on the Miura. Instead, the sleek, flush-mounted lever handle, integrated within the side strakes leading to the air intake, blends seamlessly into the bodywork, maintaining the car's clean lines. When you open both doors, the side strakes open with the door, and they spread out and look like bull horns on the Miura (when viewed from the front)—such a cool and thoughtful design. The doors are lightweight and adequately sized to ensure easy entry and exit into the Miura. The rear of the Miura is as captivating as the front. The truncated tail, devoid of a traditional rear window, adds a touch of mystery and intrigue. The taillights have a simple rectangular design yet elegant rectangles that look in place with the overall design of the Miura's rear.
The Lamborghini Miura, while a revolutionary icon at its debut in 1966, doesn't boast the plethora of technological features synonymous with modern cars. It does have a mid-mounted V12 engine and four-wheel independent suspension. Everything in the Miura makes for driver engagement, from the gear shifter to the window switches. There's no automatic transmission, power steering, or infotainment system – just a pure, unadulterated connection between driver and machine.
The Lamborghini Miura comes at a hefty price tag in the used car market. The Miura's price depends on several factors, so you should expect to shell out anywhere between $1.5 million and $15 million. Several factors influence the price, including mileage, condition, and variant. The three main Lamborghini Miura variants, P400, P400S, and P400SV, command different prices. The P400, the first and most produced, is the most affordable. At the same time, the rarer and more powerful P400SV can fetch significantly higher sums.
The Lamborghini Miura stands tall as a car that isn't just meant to be driven; it's meant to be experienced. Driving the first supercar ever made should be on your bucket list, and it's a worthwhile achievement. You can also go a mile further and purchase one. Exotic Car Trader is here to bridge that gap. We understand the passion behind these iconic vehicles, and our streamlined platform simplifies the process of buying or selling your dream car. So, if the Lamborghini Miura has ignited a spark within you, don't let it remain just a dream. The Miura checks all the boxes for a splendid driving experience, a rare Lamborghini, and a collector's item.
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