Lamborghini Miura P400 (1968)

The credit for the design of the iconic Miura goes to Marcello Gandini at Carrozzeria Bertone, who was only 27 at the time, but in reality it was the brainchild of seven young engineers that were working after hours at Lamborghini on a radical new sports car. The mid-mounted engine, fitted transversely, allowed for a more compact overall design, which was an engineering solution inspired by the Austin Mini. The first generation of Miuras were named P400s to reflect the four-litre engine was posterior mounted.

The Miura was inspired by bullfighting 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.

The Miura's specifications are still impressive to this day, and they include a lightweight frame covered in aluminium body panels, four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and a four-litre, V-12 engine. The Miura's powerplant breathed through six Weber carburettors and produced an impressive 350 horsepower. 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.

This example was completed at Sant’Agata Bolognese and delivered to Lamborghini’s Italian agent SEA S.r.L on 5th September 1968 finished in the striking shade of Bleu Miura over a Skay Senape interior. An exceptionally rare specification, the factory records confirm that just 37 Miura P400s were produced in this hue.

The Miura was sold later that month to its first owner, Gian Giacomo Paladino of Rome, before passing shortly thereafter to Sig. Lamberto Genesi. In November 1969, the car returned to SEA and was subsequently sold to Sig. Vanoli of Como. Another change of ownership followed in May 1970, when the car was registered to Maria Monastero, who would retain it for more than a decade until May 1982.

Over the years, chassis 3645 underwent a number of changes, including a repaint in Rosso Miura. By 2009, it was offered at auction and finished in Blu Sera. Exported to the Middle East soon after, the car was acquired by the current consigning owner in 2018, who resolved to return the Miura to its original factory specification.

To that end, the car was entrusted to the respected Italian restoration specialist Scartapatti in 2018 for a full bare-metal, concours-level restoration. A comprehensive photographic record documents the entire process, from initial disassembly and stripping to bare metal, through the careful application of fresh Bleu Miura paint, a complete overhaul of the engine and running gear, installation of a new interior, and final assembly. The meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout, extending even to period-correct touches such as the proper Fiam decals on the airbox. Completed in 2021, the Miura now presents superbly in its original Bleu Miura and Skay Senape colour combination.

One of only 37 Miura P400s finished in Bleu Miura, this examples stands as an outstanding example of Lamborghini’s most celebrated model. Retaining its matching-numbers engine and benefitting from an exceptional concours restoration, it is now ready to begin its next chapter with a new custodian.

• An Italian supplied Miura P400
• Factory-correct colour specification of Bleu Miura over Skay Senape
• 1 of just 37 Miura P400 examples finished in Bleu Miura
• Retains matching-numbers engine
• Subject to a bare-metal restoration in 2018 by Italian workshop Scartapatti
• 1,150 km since restoration