Fantasy Junction

Description

1968 Lamborghini P400 Miura
s/n 3393 engine no. 1736
Red with Grey Leather Interior

Few cars have stunned like the Miura. Introduced in November of 1965 at the Turin Salon as just a naked chassis, the car created a sensation because of its radical mechanical layout. The sophisticated quad cam V12 was mounted amidships and transversely, creating a compact and balanced platform that went against almost all prior conventions about how to build fast cars. The press was sure Lamborghini was planning a race car, though in reality the car was a hastily conceived exercise to generate publicity. And generate publicity it did. Because of the huge response to the car, Lamborghini decided to build it, though they did not yet have a body. Bertone produced what is surely one of the most beautiful cars ever made and had a prototype ready just four months later, in time to show at Geneva in March of 1966. Orders poured in, and the plan to build perhaps fifty examples was soon scrapped. All told, over seven hundred Miuras would be built, effectively putting Lamborghini on the map, a shocking achievement considering that the firm was just three years old when the Miura was unveiled.

The car was then taken to Monte Carlo for the Monaco GP, drawing crowds five deep, despite the plethora of other exotic cars on hand and the jaded crowd at the casino. Legendary English journalist L.J.K. Setright took the car on a thousand mile tour of Europe for Car magazine, and called it a `supercar`, inventing the term that survives with us today to describe a very special automotive experience. The Miura was not dynamically perfect, but invented an entire genre of car and captured everything that was wonderful about motoring in the swinging sixties. Who really needs bumpers or proper rear visibility?

This particular car is a low mileage example that was completed in March of 1968 and was supplied new to Western Lamborghini distributor Bob Estes, in Southern California. The current owner acquired the car in 1984 from its long term owner, a Lucky`s grocery store executive who lived in Orinda, CA. At that time, the car was finished in lime green with a grey cloth interior. The car was in original condition, and the owner, who owns the highly regarded custom hot rod shop Moal Coachbuilders, drove the car for about five years before repainting and partially reupholstering the car in its current combination. He noted at this time that there was no evidence of any accident damage ever having occurred. Naturally, the work was done in house, which has earned many awards in their custom creations. During this period, the engine was removed and sent to Phil Rielly and Co. where it was looked over, and the cylinder heads rebuilt. No other work was required. They also changed the rear clamshell latch to the later type that does not interfere with the door operation when open. The fuel tank was also replaced with an aluminum one.

The car is currently in superb cosmetic condition. The paint was done to the highest standards and remains stunning, with almost no signs whatsoever of aging or wear. The panels are extremely straight, and the gaps are superb, a particularly difficult feat given the large panels of the Miura. The glass and lamps are excellent as well, including the correct original Carello head and fog lamps. The trim is all present and in excellent condition, including all badges. The car has been fitted with a Jota style front spoiler to reduce the front end lift that can affect Miuras at high speeds. The wheels are in nice shape, and the tires are older Michelin XWX`s.

The interior is original aside from the upholstery on the seats and door panels, and the whole of the interior is excellent. The seats and door panels show very light patina only, and the remaining components are beautifully preserved and in very fine shape, including the dashboard, console, instruments, headliner, visors, and carpets. An Alpine stereo was added, likely some time during the 1980`s. The speedometer still shows the car`s original mileage of 35,177 miles.

The front compartment is clean, correct, and nicely detailed. The suspension components have been refinished, and the springs wear their correct green color. The battery cover is still present, and the spare wears its originally specified and no longer available Pirelli Cinturato.

The engine compartment is similarly nice, being well-detailed and tidy. The correct color finishes remain on the on the air cleaner and valve covers, while the frequently maimed or missing distributor cover is present and in excellent shape. The rear springs are finished in blue, as they should be, and again the suspension components are detailed. The trunk is Spartan but tidy and very clean. A cover and knock-off hammer are present.

The car drives absolutely superbly. In all respects the car feels very sorted. The gearbox is properly adjusted and feels great, and the brakes work very well. The engine makes great power, sounds great, and the carburetors are properly synchronized. The car achieves an extremely rare level of resolution that makes it a true pleasure to drive. The underside is very solid, but unrestored, and speaks with honesty to the car`s history. There is no corrosion of significance, while the suspension components are extremely clean.

This is an outstanding opportunity to acquire an excellent example of this rare and desirable car. It has been subtly updated, which helps to differentiate it from other P400`s, but what really helps this car stand out is the quality of the work performed and its unadulterated feel. What work has been done was done to extraordinary standards, while the remainder of the car, particularly in the interior, is marvelously original and in time-warp condition. Being a long time California car, it is very solid, and that the car drives and performs superbly only adds further to the car`s appeal and will encourage the new owner to actually use and enjoy the car.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608