Lot 262: 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400

It is fair to say that before the Miura, Lamborghini produced some outstanding Grand Touring cars which, despite their superlative mechanical specifications, somehow lacked a definable persona. All of this was to change on the 10th of March 1966, when the Geneva Motor Show opened its doors to the public. Sitting on the Lamborghini stand next to a 400 GT sat the very first Miura, completed only days before. Finished in a striking orange-red hue, the car caused a sensation. Its mid-engined V12 layout was in itself highly innovative, but it was the extraordinarily flamboyant body by Marcello Gandini of Bertone that provided the masterly final touch. With 350bhp on tap, the car was capable of nearly 180mph in the hands of the brave, which was more than a match for any other road-going production car. Output soon built up as it became a favourite among pop stars, racing drivers and other wealthy playboys; after all, the Miura was outrageously different and certainly more sophisticated than its arch rival the Ferrari 275 GTB/4, or even its successor the Daytona. Production for 1967 reached 111 cars, rising to a record 184 in 1968. This was, indeed, the car in which to be seen in the 1960s, the very last word in style, speed and outright sexiness; the sort of car that made children weak at the knees, women swoon and traffic stop in all directions when it passed. Alas, the Miura's heyday was to end with the disappearance of the Swinging Sixties and the ensuing tendency towards greater moderation in people's tastes. Production ceased late in 1972 after a mere 763 cars had been built, and they are today the most highly prized of all Lamborghinis. This superb LP400 example has the added benefit of having been up-rated to the very desirable S specification with greater horse power and enhanced performance. The car is offered in very good condition throughout with a recent engine rebuilt and is finished in its original colour scheme of Miura orange with a black leather interior. An Italian car from new this fine machine - now widely appreciating in popularity and value - was greatly admired on its last public appearance when it was the centrepiece of a feature display at the super exclusive Vernasca Silver Flag Hill Climb in June 2007.Les components mécaniques de cette belle Miura P400 sont été professionnellement restaurées récemment. En couleur orange Miura avec la sellerie en cuir noir et des documents de circulation italiennes.