1967 Lamborghini Miura

Jan 31

First modern supercar, potent Bizzarrini V12, iconic design by Giorgetto Giugiaro and Marcello Gandini. Is it super?

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The Miura was a staple piece in Lamborghini’s history, a beautiful blend of form and function which gained the company global recognition as one of the frontrunners in supercar production. Today this follows as Lamborghini continues to build some of the most unique and bold designs in the supercar spectrum.

At the 1966 Geneva Auto Show, Lamborghini unveiled the Miura, a sleek mid-engine supercar designed by Bertone. Lamborghini’s symbol is derived from Ferruccio’s Zodiac sign, Taurus, or bull, which led to Lamborghini’s design and engineering inspiration for years to come. The Miura name derives from the Spanish fighting bull from the lineage of the Miura Cattle Ranch in Seville, Spain./ Nearly all Lamborghini’s since use a bull inspired name. When the doors of a Miura are opened, they resemble horns.

The Miura’s aluminum body allowed the car to extremely aerodynamic and lightweight, weighing in at 2,848 lbs. Lamborghini decided to take the 4.0L Bizzarrini V12 from the front engine 400 GT and mount it transversely behind the driver for improved weight distribution. It produced over 350 horsepower and was mated to a 5-speed gearbox that powered the rear wheels. The first concept had a plexiglass screen that covered the engine but was replaced with stylish louvers to keep water out and improve engine heat exhaust. The air intakes on side skirts of the car feed air into the rear brakes, whereas the air intakes behind the windows feed air into the four Weber carburetors. The doors, roof, and A-pillars of the car were made from steel for improved structural rigidity. The wheels were made from magnesium for strength and to reduce weight. The Miura’s headlights were derived from the Fiat 850 and the design featured its distinctive eye lashes, which were removed in later model years.

The Miura’s timeless lines have a way of communicating the presence this car has hiding underneath, a potent V12 that earned the Miura a reputation of the world’s first legitimate supercar.