The Miura was the brainchild of seven young engineers that were working after hours at Lamborghini on a radical new sports car. Credit for the design goes to Marcello Gandini at Carrozzeria Bertone, who was only 22 at the time! The mid-mounted engine was fitted transversely to allow for a more compact overall design—an engineering solution inspired by the Austin Mini. As the four-litre engine was not front-mounted but rather posteriore, the first generation of Miuras were named P400s. This in itself was a break from tradition and a trendsetting decision, as earlier sports cars generally had front-mounted engines.

As with future models, the Miura was inspired by bull fighting legends and, in this case, it shared its name with the renowned Spanish ranch that bred exceptional bulls known for their ferocity. In keeping with this theme, the doors were designed to resemble bullhorns when fully opened. Whilst the Miura’s low-slung design was very aggressive, the headlight surrounds were intended to resemble the eyelashes of a woman and, along with the car’s gracious curves, they provided for a very voluptuous and sexy impression. It was this juxtaposition of brute aggression and feminine beauty that gave the Miura its unmatched presence.

Likewise, the Miura’s specifications are still impressive to this day: a lightweight frame covered in aluminium body panels, four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and a more powerful version of the 400 GT’s four-litre V-12 engine. Breathing through six Weber carburettors, the Miura’s powerplant produces an impressive 350 horsepower. Whilst the new Lamborghini’s design and powerplant were widely praised, its imperfect driving manners were lauded by some and criticised by others. The car was a pure-bred sports car, and whilst it was ill-suited for daily driving, the throaty exhaust note and blistering acceleration provided unapologetic, visceral driving thrills.

The Lamborghini presented here, chassis 3087, is one of only 474 Miura P400s produced between 1966 and 1970. It was delivered new, as a left-hand drive example, to Garage Foitek in Zürich, Switzerland, the dealership of former Swiss race car driver Karl Foitek. By 1976, the car was owned by John A. Andrews, of Reston, Virginia, and it was purchased by Sig. Prevosti in 1989 at Motorcars International in Dallas, Texas. Thereafter, it was exported to Italy, where it remained a part of his collection until 2007.

During that time, the aluminium body was fully restored and finished in its original Rosso Miura colour with silver sills and black bumpers. All four wheels have likewise been restored, finished in silver, and were fitted with new tyres. A period-correct spare wheel is located under the front bonnet.

The red body contrasts well with the interior, which has been upholstered in Senape leather, as it was originally delivered, and it was fully retrimmed to a very high standard. The dashboard and centre console have also been restored and finished in brown and tan leather and includes the original instrumentation. The engine bay is also very clean and nicely detailed. Proper restoration and maintenance are also evident under the front bonnet and on the black-painted chassis. The fit and finish of the body continues to remain in excellent condition.

Since purchasing the car in 2007, the current owner has maintained the Miura to the highest standards. Most recently, the engine and gearbox were fully rebuilt by Peter Rosenmayer in Germany, the work totalling over €100,000. Supporting documentation and receipts are included in the car’s file.

This Miura has been restored to a particularly high standard and has seen very little road use since completion. The P400’s styling and performance are just as impressive today as they were in 1967. Perhaps its most fitting description was printed in Road & Track, whose editors described the Miura as “one of those beautiful experiences every enthusiast owes himself”. This statement certainly still holds true as Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2013.