Lamborghini Miura P400 S Right-Hand-drive 1969
General description :
PThe Lamborghini Miura was originally shown to the world as a bare chassis at the 1965 Turin Motor Show following the work of two Italian engineers Giampaolo Dallara and Paolo Stanzani and a development driver from New Zealand called Bob Wallace. The ‘original supercar’ started life as an after-hours project with the dream of creating a mid-engine transversely mounted V12 production car that could be offered alongside the Grand Touring Lamborghini 400 GT.
Soon after its reveal to the world, Ferruccio Lamborghini instantly saw the sales potential of the car and entrusted Marcello Gandini of Bertone to hastily build a prototype to be shown at the Geneva Salon the following year. Confirming Ferruccio’s instincts, the Miura was an immediate success and orders started to flow in following its more formal reveal to the world in 1966.
After a host of production issues for early cars, most Miura P400s were actually completed in 1968, before the updated Miura S was shown in November 1968 once again at the Turin Motor Show. The ‘S’ would rectify the key shortcomings of the original Miura, most notably the handling characteristics, build quality and cockpit comfort. Cars received improved Pirelli tyres, later cars boasted ventilated brakes and the engine was modified to produce an additional 20 bhp. Further improvements included electric windows, improved interior materials, switchgear redesigns and chrome window surrounds. The Miura S was produced from November 1968 to early 1971, with a total of 338 being made.
Lamborghini Miura P400 S chassis 3949 is 1 of just 24 RHD examples and was delivered new on 30 May 1969 via the company’s British agents in Alie St, East London, to Peter Hunter Associates of London. The car is still complete with its original pro-forma invoice from Automobili Ferruccio Lamborghini SpA to Lamborghini Concessionaires, Alie St, London E1 for 6,943,000 lire. The car was finished in the classic combination of Arancio over Nero in Pelle; the leather interior being a rare and expensive option for Miuras of the time.
#3949 would remain in long-term UK ownership throughout its life, with extensive documentation and correspondence to support this low ownership and low mileage. It would spend a large period of its life in the striking shade of Giallo Fly and was a regular attendee to notable British motoring events in the 80s and 90s. Following a period of long-term storage, but still under the same ownership, the Miura would be sent to noted restorer Aubrey Finburgh in 2011.
It was decided that a complete restoration was to be carried out, however certain features were to be retained in acknowledgment of the low-mileage for this two-owner vehicle, including the original leather interior. The engine and gearbox were sent to Colin Clarke, who during the rebuild would ‘split’ the sump; an upgrade that was carried out on the very last Miura SVs. Finburgh would then carry out the extensive body restoration to the very highest of standards and returned the vehicle to its original shade of Arancio.
Following the completion of the restoration #3949 would faultlessly partake in the Lamborghini factory’s Miura 50th Anniversary Tour and was shown at several notable events in the UK and Europe. At this point, the car was supplied by Furlonger to its current UK custodian, who entrusted us to fully prepare the vehicle at the time of purchase. The decision was taken at this point for the original interior to be removed (and retained) and replaced with correct Nero Pella trim. Further works required at the time were limited to extensive detailing and suspension servicing and we have serviced the vehicle once more before offering it for sale at Salon Prive 2022. This is quite possibly the finest RHD Miura available today; one that presents in the very best condition and is complete with extensive provenance to supports its low ownership and mileage.
1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S Right-Hand-drive is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in Ashford Kent by Matthew Honeysett for Not priced.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Lamborghini Model : Miura Model Version : P400 S Right-Hand-drive Engine size : 3.9 Model Year : 1969 Location : Ashford Kent Vehicle Registration : Undefined
Not priced
Other cars listed for sale by this dealer
Lamborghini Countach
Ashford Kent
Lamborghini Diablo
Ashford Kent
Ferrari F40
Ashford Kent
Lamborghini Countach
Ashford Kent
Lamborghini Diablo
Ashford Kent
About Lamborghini
Ah, the fiery tale of Lamborghini, a true icon born from the sparks of frustration with the Prancing Horse! Picture yourself in the early 1960s, a time when the automotive world was dominated by the likes of Ferrari. Now, enter Ferruccio Lamborghini, a successful tractor manufacturer and a man with a passion for powerful machines.Act 1: The Frustration (1963)
Ferruccio, a proud owner of several Ferraris, found himself dissatisfied with the clutch in his 250 GT. Frustrated, he marched into Enzo Ferrari's office to air his grievances. The meeting didn't go as planned, with Enzo dismissing Ferruccio's concerns, suggesting that he stick to building tractors. Well, that was like waving a red flag at a bull.
Act 2: The Birth of Lamborghini (1963)
Fuelled by a mixture of frustration and determination, Ferruccio decided to take matters into his own hands. In 1963, he founded Automobili Lamborghini. His vision? To create grand touring cars that rivaled, or even surpassed, the offerings of Ferrari.
Act 3: The Pioneering Models (1960s-1970s)
And thus, the Lamborghini legend began with the release of the Miura in 1966. Designed by Marcello Gandini, this mid-engined masterpiece was a trailblazer, the world's first true supercar. With a V12 engine mounted behind the driver, the Miura set the standard for performance and style.
Following the Miura's success, Lamborghini introduced the iconic Countach in the early '70s. Marcello Gandini once again worked his magic, giving birth to a wedge-shaped wonder that became a poster child for a generation. The Countach wasn't just a car; it was an automotive revolution.
Act 4: The Design Maestros
Behind the scenes, designers like Marcello Gandini and later Giugiaro played pivotal roles in shaping Lamborghini's distinct aesthetic. Gandini's work on the Miura and Countach cemented Lamborghini's reputation for bold, angular designs that pushed the boundaries of automotive styling.
Act 5: The Legacy and Modern Marvels
As the decades unfolded, Lamborghini continued to innovate and produce iconic models. The Diablo, Murciélago, Aventador, and the more recent Huracán and Urus all carry the Lamborghini DNA – a perfect blend of power, performance, and unmistakable design.
Epilogue: A Fierce Rivalry
The Lamborghini-Ferrari rivalry became legendary, driving both companies to push the limits of automotive engineering. Lamborghini, born out of frustration, emerged not just as a competitor but as a trailblazer, leading the way for mid-engined supercars that continue to captivate enthusiasts worldwide.
So, there you have it, the epic saga of Lamborghini – a story of frustration turned into a symphony of roaring engines, sleek designs, and a legacy that forever changed the landscape of high-performance automobiles.