Lamborghini Miura P400: The Beauty

The Miura P400 is the purest form of the design. Released in 1966, it was the first production road car to feature a mid-mounted V12 engine (inspired by the Ford GT40 race car).

The Name

Ferruccio named it Miura after the famous Spanish ranch that bred fighting bulls. It started the tradition of naming Lamborghinis after bulls.

Design Details

The original P400 is distinguishable from the later S and SV models.

• Eyelashes: The headlights have black “eyelashes” (vents) around them. These were removed on the SV.
• Tires: It sits on skinny 205-section tires.
• Handling: The chassis flexes. The tires are narrow. The front lifts at speed. It is terrifying to drive fast, but absolutely beautiful to look at.

The Engine

The V12 is mounted transversely (sideways) to keep the car short. The gearbox and differential are integrated into the engine block (sharing oil).

• Power: 350 hp.
• Sound: Because the carbs are right behind your head, the induction noise is legendary.

The Miura P400 changed the world. It made Ferrari look old-fashioned overnight.