The Lamborghini Miura continues to endure as one of the most significant sports cars ever made. It is perhaps the one of the more profound examples of how a model can transform a manufacturer’s identity into one that continues to endure for generations; in many ways, the Miura put the world on notice that Lamborghini would be a predominant builder of performance machines that few would dare to contest, even to the present day. This Miura is a beautifully preserved and restored example that was delivered new in Italy and with one owner from 1994 to 2019. Find it here at Broad Arrow Auctions where it goes up for auction on Saturday.
One of the best examples of how compelling the Miura is to modern era collectors is its appearance at the massive Rudi Klein “Junkyard” auction. Three Miuras that had been off the road for decades sold for astonishing prices: $967,500, $1,325,000, and $610,000. The front clip of a heavily damaged P400 sold for $56,000. These prices show you just how desirable the Miura is, and will continue to be for generations to come. While I opine frequently about significant cars that will likely see their star fade over time, the Miura is not in that camp. It is one of the few truly timeless examples.
It has all the hallmarks of a winner, from its achingly beautiful and simultaneously aggressive styling to its legendary appearance in one the most famous car chase films of all time (the original The Italian Job), the Miura checks all the right boxes. As Lamborghinis began to adopt 2+2 seating with generous trunk areas, the Miura held fast to the principles of sports car building with tidy proportions and a tight form factor. The body itself absorbs everything perfectly, with fantastic weight distribution and no part of its shape seemingly wasted for unnecessary stowage of goods that needn’t be transported in a vehicle like this; just one leather overnight bag, thank you very much.
The V12 engine produces an astounding 430 horsepower at a staggering 8,000 RPM, and with road test editors reporting at the time that the mill comes “on the cam” at around 4,500 RPM, what a ride that must be to the top of the tach. The Miura shown here retains its original numbers matching engine and transmission, but it has been restored in phases over the last few years. A fascinating detail buried in the description is that the original engine had been separated from the chassis, and was later reunited with the car in 2019. Following its most recent overhaul in 2022, Polo Storico Lamborghini issued a Certificato di Autenticità validating the car’s authenticity and condition. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Araknid78 for the tip.
If I had a million bucks, it would vanish and I’d have a Miura.
I’ve driven one, and that run put it at the absolute top of my wish list. Speed, handling, looks (inside and out) and sound made for an unforgettable experience.
There are cars capable of generating more impressive numbers today, certainly, but the Miura outshines them all. None, in my opinion, can match this car’s appearance and sensations.
AND it has eyelashes.
Yes my all time favorite sports car. Estimate is $2.2 million to 2.514 million. Someone gave Jay Leno one for free.
We had a family friend that owned several banks in NYC. He rolled into the Lambo dealership in Manhattan in 1972 and bought himself an Espada, and his idiot son a Miura. The son didn’t secure the rear clamshell, and as he was blasting down the Jersey Turnpike the wind caught it and launched it into the shoulder. Dad was not happy to say the least, so he had the car taken directly to the dealer and sold it for less than half of what he paid about a week earlier. If I remember right, back then they were a $25-30K car.
Around 1968 a friend went to work for a guy in Seattle who owned some weight loss clinics offering high hopes and healthy fees. The guy was also a car person and bought a Miura. My friend was his personal mechanic. One day the IRS showed up and seized everything, the Miura and unfortunately my friend’s tools as well. The guy re-appeared 7 years later racing a Formula Ford and with another weight loss scam business.
Let me see what I’ve got in my wallet ……..Darn it !
I’m just a few dollars short . ….😞
Totally agree RayT, just a stunning car. Exotic mechanicals, and shockingly good looking. unfortunately, I’ve never had the opportunity to drive one but it’s been top of my bucket-list of fantasy cars for a long time, even slightly ahead of the Jaguar E-type, another one of my icons of speed, handling and sheer beauty.
Of course, I’ll never own one. These have long since ascended into the stratosphere price-wise and now the toys of multi-millionaire collectors or investors. You can debate if that is good/bad, we live in a free-market economy, so it is what it is. It does mean that cars of this caliber will spend most of their lives stashed away in climate-controlled storage and rarely driven or ever seen? though on the plus side, it does mean that they are always going to be preserved and not left to rot away in the car port of some yahoo who is “going to get around to restoring it one day” and “ain’t selling because he knows what he’s got” – as we often complain about on this site?
Don’t let anyone ever tells you that looks aren’t important, in cars or anything else for that matter. #Lamborghini #hef
My all time favorite. Bought the Matchbox version in around 1970 when I as ten. It still sits on my desk.
So here’s my Miura story: I was a young lieutenant in the army in Germany in 1970. I had just sold my 67 427 Corvette and purchased a new 1970 Corvette through the Army PX. I decided to drive down to the Monte Carlo Grand Prix in May. I had heard about the Lamborghini Miura and that there was one in a Monte Carlo exotic car showroom. It was exciting to see that New World class car, but it was also a treat for all the salesman at that dealership to see my phenomenal 70 Corvette, one of the first to hit Europe.
The best part of my story is that I sold that 70 Vette shortly there after but 10 years ago was able to locate my 67 427 big block which now sits in my garage and is the prize of my car collection.
I can still remember Road & Track’s road test of a Miura in about 1966-67. They were on the freeway and a 911 came up behind them at around 140 mph. The writer said normally they’d just let off the throttle and let them pass. But not this time. He downshifted 2 gears and left the 911 a speck in the mirror. I was at the Monterey Historics about 10 years ago maybe. The Miura was the featured car. I’ve never seen so many in a single day. And every color they made them in. Feruccio’s grandson Tonino was the guest speaker. And he told what really happened with Enzo and how his grandfather came to start producing his cars. You might find is talk online if you do a search
Gandini designed the Miura when he was only 26 years old. It was a great first attempt at the world’s first mid-engine performance car but the Miura only set the stage for what was to come. Some of the greatest births of automotive design were right around the corner with the ethereal Lancia Stratos and the world’s first true supercar, the Lamborghini Countach. Gandini is, without a doubt, the greatest designer of this era as he did what few others could… design AND engineer!
Good write up Jeff. The whole Italian auto industry was overwhelmed by the newly discovered mid-engine design at the time. Even Fiat’s boss Anieli ordered Bertone and Abarth for the best small sports car ever, whatever the cost. Thus the Fiat Bertone (with Abarth engine) X1/9 was produced after extensive testing by the end of the decade. Only Enzo resisted for some time famously saying that “you don’t put the horses after the carriage”. Later he changed his mind and the Dino was produced.
I love my X19, closest I’ll ever get to a Ferrari!
My heart is beating fast just looking at the pictures! I’ve been fortunate enough to have driven some very exclusive and wild R&D cars in my younger days. But not one of these. What a thrill it would be just drive one and to own one would be incredible!
Well, I guess this is what dreams are all about.
I had one looking like this one in my shop in Madison, WI for 23 years, rebuilding the engine and trans assemblies. I met Jay Leno over the car as he had (has) one like it. It was marvelous to see daily. Working on it was rewarding, but finding components were a nightmare.
Hi Chris!
How is my old MGB GT doing?
I hope you are doing well!
Hi Chris!
How is my old MGB GT doing?
I hope you are doing well!
Nice write-up Jeff. And thanks for the acknowledgement.
My second X19! Long live the BABY4ARE!
I bought in Dec 1980 mine. Way ahead of its time, move through rain without roof, no rain inside, discovered negative wheel pressure for radiator if needed, rear defuser no one knew that etc. I still have mine. This beauty (It’s a Bertone it seems from 1983 onwards) misses the front bumber i think, but it can be found.
This is a Bertone Fiat X1/9. They discovered going through rain without a roof and staying dry, wheel negative pressure for cooling the radiator, if needed, rear defuser keeps the car firmly on the road, roof that serves as a spoiler etc. Mine is the 1980-81 model with carb cooler.
Not sold at auction