On December 16th, Bonhams will run its Bond Street Sale in London, featuring two very low-mileage Lamborghinis, a Miura and a Countach. In ownership since 1995, and with only 14,500 miles on the clock, here is the 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400S with an estimate of £900,000 to £1,200,000. A couple of things to know about Ferruccio Lamborghini: first, he was an industrial designer, starting his career building tractors, air conditioners, and heaters. Second, he eschewed the whole race thing that entranced Enzo Ferrari, choosing instead to create tractable high-performance road cars. His first car was the 350 GT; his second distinctive effort was the Miura, designed by Gandini from Bertone and introduced at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. Sometimes named the most beautiful car in the world, just 764 Miuras were built until production ended in 1973. Of course, Araknid78 – master of finding exotics – is due thanks for the tip.
A 3.9-liter V12 motor provides 365 bhp – higher by 20 bhp versus the first Miuras, thanks to a couple of improvements over the years of production. Unfortunately, the P400 S is slightly heavier than the original P400, largely absorbing the power increase. Four three-barrel downdraft Weber carburetors help make the music in here. The engine is mounted transversely in the center of the car, driving the rear wheels through a transaxle. A five-speed manual transmission accompanies all this horsepower, allowing a sprint from zero to sixty in about 6.3 seconds. Top speed is around 180 mph. This car’s low mileage might prompt some service needs; the auction information amounts to just an announcement at this point, with no indication of recent service.
The dark red and black interior coupled with the tomato-red and gold exterior is quintessentially Italian. Only twenty-four right-hand drive P400 S cars were made. In keeping with the exterior and the engine bay, this interior is just about flawless. The gated shift, the passenger grab handle, and power windows are notable features.
The beautiful headlights tilt up out of the body, and weirdly, were said to have also been used on the earliest Fiat 850 Spyders. The front hood opens to reveal the radiator, fans, and battery, but if you’re thinking “luggage” forget it. Still, what a thrill to pilot this car for an afternoon, luggage or not. A lucky new owner will have that chance, though of course every mile driven has the potential to damage value. Once it’s racked up 50,000 miles, it’s just a used car, right? Seriously, these should sell in the $1.5 million vicinity. Any guesses as to the final result here?
Beautiful car! For those wanting to extend the drool factor look into watching Harry’s Garage and Terrell’s Classic workshop on YouTube. Perfect shows to binge watch on a cold winter day.
Don’t need to watch a video, alphasud. I’ve driven one. On a track, no less.
Ever since, there has been a video playing in my head, featuring what has to be one of the most beautiful car designs ever, with that V12’s unearthly howl for a soundtrack.
This is one car where I can apply absolutely no common sense or restraint. If I had $1.5 million, I would be penniless the day after the auction.
P.S. As a car, it is brilliant. Everything works exactly as you’d want.
I am envious!
Just my opinion, but I feel it’s the most beautiful sports car ever made.
That’s an incredibly difficult claim to refute!
All I can say is: the Miura will do until the REAL “most beautiful sports car ever made” comes along!
Imagine stepping on the gas ⛽️, winding out those gears.
One of the most beautiful cars ever designed. I drooled over the photos in Road&Track as a youngster marveling at the astronomical price of $19,500 like, who could ever afford a car like that?
I stick to my White 1986 Ford Escort 4sp hatchback, no radio.
Thank you.
The real shame is that so few of today’s cars are good looking let alone as beautiful as the Muria.
I
My favorite car of all time!
I’m pretty much on the other side of the issue here. First I just can’t imagine paying $100,000 for a car, much less $1 Million.
I would much rather have a serviceable car and a nice house on a few acres than be car poor. I thought my 1965 Impala SS was quite a car, for only $3950. But then, I’ve always been known for walking a different trail (must be the Native American blood).
These look great!! Leno has two, but i heard they are a hand full to drive. I have seen some go for close to 2 mill. Mecum in Vegas today.
Yellow one Leno got for free because the engine oil pan cracked and killed the engine and tranny.
I hope he made it up to his friend who gave it to him as it’s a million dollar car now lol
Sold for 2.7 M. US$ not 1.5M. things are evolving rapidly….. I guess !….
Like many things, supply and demand.
Only the SV- which are insanely priced – have the separate oil and transmission fluid
The early versions such as these shared oil for both components. Fun times changing your oil every 1200 miles. Such a cool car
Driving position also sucks. You need short legs, small feet and orangutan arms to reach the steering wheel and dash buttons
This or a 300SL Gullwing is the epitome of COOL
Forget new cars that have no character or style
Eyelashes on the headlights and styling that defies what a Supercar should look like!
No top speed runs unless you want scary light steering as the nose pulls up from bad aerodynamics LOL
Nice little buzbox! Most beautiful? Nah!
In my opinion, the most beutiful well-designed car body … forget that the first ones had a single engine-transaxle cast, the body is just great … for me, a real tough choice between this and a 250 California … just I can’t afford either – but I can pretend in my 350Z Touring Roadster …
For a customer/friend, I traveled to see one much like this, road-tested it (nervously getting to 135 mph on rural roads) and purchased it. The car eventually required major service due to overheating the engine. I had it inside my shop for 23 years with the engne/trans-axle assembly removed and completely disassembled. I had a new crankshaft built, machined in the US because another could not be located. New forged pistons were easier, but a damaged cylinder head (front) was not available. Years went by looking for and waiting. I was able to rebuild the trans/axle assembly, found some clever and unique designs and components. Surprised all of the parts were available, though sometimes used, I was delighted. Through this car, I met Jay Leno as he had one much like this one and wished to see the internal components.
A true classic. But here again way overpriced also when we keep
in mind that the steering wheel sits on the wrong side. Makes
them less valuable then lhd cars.
Are the driven KM since new or since the 1st 2nd 3rd or whatever
restoration?
Sorry, 1’000’000$ that is nonsense.
Sold for £1,067,800 inc. premium