Bertone’s Best: 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400S

If you want eyelashes on your Lamborghini Miura’s headlamps, you have exactly 613 chances to score, and this 1969 P400S is one of them. Only 764 Miuras were ever made, and the last of the breed – the SV – was devoid of the delicacy that was so evident in the earliest cars. The P400S presented here is heading to its final offers on June 25, in a sealed-bid auction run by RM Sotheby’s. Chassis no. 3874 is located in Deerfield Beach, Florida. The estimate is “available on request” but we can tell you the auction house is hoping for a minimum of $2.2 million. Let’s find out why that might be an aggressive ask, even for one of the most beautiful cars on Earth. And – Araknid78, always appreciate your tips!

The Miura delivered shock value to the automotive ecosystem, enabled by talented engineers who created a vehicle that broke conventions in many ways. The car was not an assignment from Ferruccio Lamborghini, per se; instead, the project was led by the company’s younger employees, who wanted to see a race car delivered by the company that wasn’t interested in racing whatsoever. While the Miura’s eventual job in life was to run roads, not tracks, every component of this world-class supercar was designed with speed in mind, from its restrained curves to the mid-mounted V12 engine. Its 3929 cc powerplant evolved through three iterations – always dressed with four Webers – from the P400’s 345 hp to the P400S’s 365 hp, and finally 380 hp when the P400SV was launched in 1971. The five-speed manual transaxle was cast as a unit with the block. Later cars used a “split sump” to keep gearbox debris away from the engine. This example has elements of its early roots, but benefits from a rebuild overseen by Lamborghini test driver Bob Wallace, incorporating upgrades as well as SV specs. Aside from the rebuild, a fire suppression system was installed, and the gearbox was recently refreshed.

Inside, the leather seating is in perfect condition, though this car’s colors represent a change from stock: it was delivered in Argento Indianapolis (silver) paint with Naturale (tan) upholstery. Air conditioning was installed by a prior owner – an option that was available on the P400S but only after this car was produced. The console has been altered to accommodate the fire system controls. A toolkit and a jack are still with the car.

Marcello Gandini penned the Miura’s restrained curves; it’s a car without a single faulty aspect. Every view is graceful, balanced, alluring. Routinely named as one of the most beautiful automotive designs ever created, the Miura is as collectible as they come. Yet, two years ago, chassis no. 3874 sold in Monterey, also represented by RM Sotheby’s, for $1,897,000. Can it sell for more than that now? A buyer who appreciates this example’s upgrades might pay more than the last guy, but if I were on the hunt for one of these incredibly rare cars, I would covet originality over comfort. What do you think? Air conditioning and Giallo Fly yellow, or a Miura as Lamborghini sent it out of the factory?