The Lamborghini Miura is one of the most sought after Italian sports cars ever made. But like all things that reside in a sort of rarified layer of car collecting, there’s always a way to make it better, and certainly more desirable. When it comes to Lamborghinis and Ferraris, there’s no shortage of evidence that both factories were willing to build special one-offs for customers with more money than the U.S. Treasury, and this one-of-three Lamborghini Miura SVJ listed here on Kidston.com is yet another example of a special order car that was reserved for a select few.
While I’m not one of those guy that had a Countach poster on my wall as a kid (I believe it was actually a mixture of old VWs and Mercedes – not much has changed), there’s no denying the Italians just bake a whole ‘nother level of desire into their machines. I mean, this cockpit – it’s just pure sex. That’s it. There’s no other word. I feel like it actually triggered some endorphins just looking at it. The lipstick red leather buckets, complete with period racing harnesses, and the three-spoke wheel are just scratching the surface of what makes cars like these so special – and the SVJ models got a major injection of special equipment.
The SVJ was effectively a replica of the Jota, a one-of-one Miura built to racing-grade specifications. The engine was tuned to give a prodigious 418 b.h.p. at 8800 RPMs, good for a top speed of near 185 miles per hour. Extreme use of aluminum alloy body panels got the curb weight down considerably, while fender flares hid Dunlop racing-grade rubber. The exhaust was thoroughly massaged to emit a glorious bark while adding to the horsepower count, and it all came to a crashing when the Jota was wrecked beyond recovery while en route to be delivered to its new owner. But the legend of the Jota quickly grew, and three lucky customers had their Miuras built to Jota specifications – which included these stunning stopwatches by Tag Heuer.
The Miura SVJ has been extensively restored and painstakingly preserved where possible. The car was never in shambles or otherwise neglected; no, it passed through the hands of multiple collectors but was at one time repainted. The SVJ has been returned to its 100 percent factory-correct spec, and is likely one of the most significant Italian sports cars to come up for sale in recent memory. All of the factory modifications remain in place, including that iconic free-flowing exhaust, which must sound absolutely incredible. If you can buy this, will you consider adopting a fully-grown male with his own fixed address?
Watch the video Jeff and you’ll hear that free-flowing exhaust loud and clear. Wow! There are the Miuras and then there are the “SVJ” Miuras. If you have to ask how much don’t bother right? Oh my gosh, the video is worth the price of admission! The sound of that motor and exhaust and the owner’s “Driver” (supposedly) ascending the mountain had me tapping an imaginary brake and holding on for dear life.
@roughdiamond, I was watching it thinking if you went through the guardrail pushing it through its paces, and plunged into the waters below is there really a better way to go? lol
That is how it is done! Never see a video like that on Bat.
After that video, I think I need to go change my undies….
That’s just fabulous
I would convert this to an EV.
This is one of the most gorgeous automobiles I’ve ever seen in a publication. I love all the rough looking body rivets and the way they contrast with the flowing lines and deep colors. Make sure the volume is up for the video, it’s worth it.
Right? It’s just automotive art. I love everything about it right down to the “Oh Sh*t” handle mounted right on the console for the passenger lol.
Another fan of that video. It’s good to see a car like this being driven.
Great set up for the video- “oh god, another trailer queen…”, and then, Wham!
@wuzjeepnowsabb: You are oh so right!
This is nothing short of an engineering work of art. Blurs the line between car and sculpture. Certainly this is Lambos finest work.
$10,000,000.00?
This is nothing short of an engineering work of art. Blurrs the line between car and sculpture. Certainly this is Lambos finest work.
$10,000,000.00?
After watching the video – more than once (lol) – I found a mountain driving video for an Enzo. Doesn’t even compare, and if this Miura was $2.5m I know which car I’d drop my fantasy disposable money on
Laverda Jota, Lamborghini Jota-one common denominator would be how well they dance on the asphalt given a good leading partner. Both sound incredible at full “chat”, both exciting to watch if you couldn’t afford to pay the price of their attention, and both still very sexy this many years later.
Outstanding find, Jeff.
A sound track playing while the car is revving…perhaps the owner didn’t want us Serfs to enjoy the experience of the raw exhaust note..Hrmpf…back to making the candles…
I may be one of the few that has been in one and while I did not get to drive it I got a ride and one at speed. The interior is much smaller than you might expect. I am not tall, think Colin Chapman size and it was tight for me. Vision is not great but then the phrase what is behind you does not matter comes to mind. Because it is as low as it is even a normal one feels faster than it really is. Bug Eye Sprits have the same feeling for a lot less money.
The critical thing is in person that design just melts your heart. It is so elegant, simple and sleek. When you look at the modern Lambo’s and Ferraris you begin to think that they have lost their way. You have two heart breakers today this one and the Gullwing. Given my choice I would have the Miura.
“…what is behind you does not matter..”
Gumball Rally, Raoul Julia. THIS car would not have been allowed on that set-it would’ve stolen the whole movie.
I saw an example of this in yellow on the highway once, in the mid 70’s, passing in the opposite direction at a great rate of speed. As astonishing as the design may be, photos are not adequate. And it’s a lot smaller than you would expect.
One of the three has a targa top; it used to belong to the shah of Iran and now belongs to Nicholas Cage.
Should be worth a gazillion!!
One of my all time favs
All i can say is ……oh my !!!
While this is a beauty, I still like the SV with the pop-up headlights/eyelashes better.
Thank you SO much Jeff! This brought back a great youth memory. In the early ’70s I was at a large picnic in the mountains of Colorado. One of my buddies said “come here, there’s a really cool looking car; I think it’s a Ferrari!” I went and there near a large home in the woods was a lime green Lamborghini Miura! Being the car geek I had to explain what it was. We looked and gawked some more, then went on our way. Great memory!
I’d empty every vehicle in my stable to buy this, but unfortunately, I’d still have to come up with a couple more million.
I’ve spent my life employing other people at various businesses I’ve founded/shepherded/owned.
That said, the driver in that beautiful car is apparently employed to drive the car. Perhaps I should look for gainful employment as a driver as well!
Agreed, and you’ve a much better chance with your background to get there, but I’d be too inclined to echo Anthony Hopkins when he was asked about his role as Burt Munro and said (to the effect of) “I was afraid they would find out I was so enthralled with the character I would have done it for free”.
I just heard from a representative at Kidston.
Here is what she said:
Good morning
Thank you for your email. The Miura SVJ is located in Europe and the asking price is Eur.12,500,000.
It is a truly unique example of what effectively is Lamborghini’s 250 GTO!
Kind regards
Emanuele
Kidston SA