THE MIURA P400 S

To many, the introduction of the Lamborghini Miura heralded the birth of the modern “supercar.” Prior to its launch in 1966, there were, of course, many cars that provided incredible levels of performance and exclusivity to the privileged few. However, none were quite like the Miura, which offered a thrilling combination of not only performance and tremendous outright speed, but also design and technical innovation to shock and awe the public.

The car’s stunning Bertone-crafted design was penned by Marcello Gandini, and the development team included two brilliant engineers at the beginning of their careers, Gian Paolo Dallara and Paolo Stanzini. In addition, the Miura’s chassis was carefully tuned to provide excellent handling and control the Miura’s horsepower, which came at the hands of Bob Wallace, whose name would become inextricably linked with Lamborghini. Its mid-engined layout revolutionized the industry, and would lead other manufacturers, most notably Ferrari, to rapidly adapt the layout to remain competitive against this talented upstart.

In 1968 the Miura was updated to the P400 S, which retained the Gandini styling but featured chrome-plated exterior trim, as well as the addition of an S badge to the rear. Within it benefitted from higher-quality interior trim and a revised instrument layout, as well as power windows and, in later models, air conditioning as an available option. Subtle changes were also in store for the drivetrain, which resulted in 20 more horsepower being coaxed from the 4.0-liter V-12, for a total output of 370 brake horsepower—possible thanks to the installation of higher-lift camshafts with revised timing, as well as four Weber 40IDL-3L carburetors. In addition, the Miura’s splined driveshaft system was replaced with constant velocity joints, and Armstrong shocks were replaced by Koni shock absorbers.

Like its predecessor, the P400 S’s performance was utterly outstanding. Road & Track tested a new Miura for their April 1970 issue and noted a 5.5-second 0-60 mph time and top speed of 168 mph, while a later test by Autocar cited a top speed of 172 mph. A few miles per hour here and there were of no consequence—the P400 S was, in its time, one of the fastest roadgoing automobiles in the world, period, and faster than many other sports cars to be built in years to come. It was a world-beater.

CHASSIS NUMBER 3874: THE ENTHUSIAST’S MIURA

The P400 S offered here was originally built on 22 January 1969 and delivered by Auto Elite of Bologna, finished in Silver with Mustard leather interior, and equipped with engine number 2706. Its ownership history is believed to be known back to the mid-1970s, when it was acquired by George Cocalas of Long Beach, Caifornia. It next passed in 1978 to Joseph Koenig, also of Long Beach, and then the following year to the noted exotic car enthusiast Oliver Kuttner. In 1988 the Miura was purchased by Randy Simon, who exhibited it at the New York Auto Show in 1991.

In 1995 the Miura was acquired by Steve Colletti of Whittier, California, who immediately began what would be a four-year restoration, incorporating into the car many of the improvements made to the Miura over the duration of the model’s production run.

A summary of the work, included in the history file, records the in-depth process, including stripping the bodywork and chassis to their bare metal, properly and carefully repairing any flaws, and installing desirable late-production SV engineering features, such as front chassis stiffeners, a solid front shock tower brace, and frame rail modifications to deflect more air to the radiator and front brake rotors. All suspension components were crack-checked for safety and either cadmium-plated or powder-coated, while the shocks were rebuilt by Koni. The brakes were upgraded to SV specifications, with improved cross-drilled rotors, carbon/Kevlar brake pads, and flexible braided stainless-steel brake lines.

The engine was rebuilt by none other than Bob Wallace himself, using custom JAE pistons and rings and a .5-mm overbore, as well as the superior split-sump lubrication system, and exhaling through ANSA sport exhaust; Mr. Wallace also installed a limited-slip differential and updated the bearings, bushings, and transmission synchros.

Crowning the restoration was finish in classic Giallo Fly, with silver sills and wheels; the interior was restored with very attractive dark gray upholstery, and complementary carpets, headliner, and steering wheel covering.

In sum, the restoration was done not just to produce a truly beautiful automobile—which it did—but also to produce a swift, durable road car that could be enjoyed as the factory intended. This it also did; Mr. Coletti spent eight years driving his P400 S, including several trips from his Southern California home up to Monterey for Car Week. Still in excellent condition even after these road miles, it was then acquired for the noted Elkhart Collection of performance cars in Indiana, and in that ownership continued to be well-maintained as one of the owner’s favorite automobiles and occasionally exhibited at Midwestern concours.

In 2020, when the Elkhart Collection was dispersed, Angus Mitchell acquired the Miura, joyously celebrating his 50th birthday in appropriate style. It instantly became not just one of the centerpieces of his collection, but a tremendous favorite for its style and power on the road. Such was its charm on its owner that it influenced the design of other cars in his stable, most notably contributing the design of its wheels to Mr. Mitchell’s LM002, also offered today. In recent months Gran Touring Classics of Long Beach, California cleaned and tuned up the carburetors. The original fuel tank was restored and reinstalled at this time, replacing the aging custom fuel cell fitted during its restoration, and a fire suppression system fitted. Please note that included with the sale of the car is a bottle of iconic Paul Mitchell shampoo.

A car that was restored, kept, maintained, and enjoyed by true enthusiasts, not least among them Angus Mitchell, this is a true driver’s Miura, and awaits its next caretaker’s adventurous spirit to climb behind the wheel.