CategoryAutomobiles, Luxury Cars, British Automotive Founded1966 (First Model Launch)FounderFerruccio Lamborghini HeadquartersSant’Agata Bolognese, Italy

Wonders of Engineering

Lamborghini Miura

Overview

History and Development

Types of Cars

Technology & Performance

Ownership and Brand Philosophy

Cultural Impact

References

Overview

The Lamborghini Miura is a legendary sports car produced by Automobili Lamborghini from 1966 to 1973. Revolutionary for its time, it was the first high-performance production car to feature a rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout – a configuration that subsequently became the standard for performance-oriented sports cars. Initially conceived by Lamborghini's engineers in their spare time, against the wishes of founder Ferruccio Lamborghini, the Miura's stunning design and groundbreaking engineering captivated the automotive world upon its debut at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show. Its production spanned several iterations, each with incremental improvements, culminating in the highly sought-after P400SV. The Miura's influence on subsequent supercar design is undeniable, and it remains a highly collectible and iconic vehicle.

History and Development

Founding (1904): Charles Rolls and Henry Royce formed Rolls-Royce Ltd. in Manchester, England.
Silver Ghost (1907): Known as "The Best Car in the World", the Silver Ghost set new benchmarks for luxury and reliability.
Expansion (1920s-1930s): Introduction of the Phantom series and aerospace engineering during WWII.
Post-War Growth (1940s-1970s): The launch of Silver Wraith, Silver Cloud, and Silver Shadow.
Rolls-Royce Plc & BMW Acquisition (1980s-1998): Financial struggles led to the brand’s acquisition by BMW, forming Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd.
Modern Era (2003-Present): Under BMW ownership, Rolls-Royce introduced new ultra-luxury models like the Phantom, Ghost, Cullinan, and Spectre (EV).

Types of Cars

Miura P400 (1966-1969) – The original groundbreaking model with a 3.9L V12 engine.
Miura P400 S (1968-1971) – Featured performance and interior upgrades.
Miura P400 SV (1971-1973) – The ultimate Miura, with more power, wider tires, and a refined chassis.
Miura Jota (1970) – A one-off experimental racing version, which later influenced the SV models.
Miura Roadster (1968) – A convertible prototype, never officially produced.

Technology & Performance

3.9L V12 Engine – Transversely mounted, producing 350-385 hp.
0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds – Impressive acceleration for the era.
Top Speed of 170 mph (274 km/h) – One of the fastest cars of its time.
Mid-Engine Layout – Revolutionized supercar design by improving balance and handling.
Lightweight Tubular Frame – Contributed to its nimble performance.
Independent Suspension – Provided superior road handling and driving dynamics.

Ownership and Brand Philosophy

Slogan: "The First Supercar"
Manufacturer: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
Headquarters: Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy
Production Years: 1966-1973
Legacy: The Miura defined Lamborghini’s DNA, pioneering the concept of the modern-day supercar.

Cultural Impact

A Supercar Icon: The Miura is considered the first true supercar, influencing brands like Ferrari, McLaren, and Bugatti.
Pop Culture & Film: Featured in movies like The Italian Job (1969) and owned by celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Rod Stewart.
Highly Collectible: Today, Miura models sell for millions of dollars, making them some of the most valuable classic cars.
Automotive Influence: Inspired later Lamborghini models like the Diablo, Murciélago, and Aventador.