1966 Lamborghini Miura P400 review

Lamborghini Miura P400 review:

P400 Miura (275 Made 1966-69)

The Miura (pronounced "MYUR-ah") made its first public appearance in chassis form at the 1965 Turin show. It attracted much interest with orders and deposits coming in before the body itself was even designed on named for that matter. Its box steel chassis full of holes for lightness housed an engine and transmission placed sideways just ahead of the rear wheels. The V12 engine actually sat on top of the gearbox with the two initially share the same oil.

Nothing like it had been seen before and it captured the imaginations of many. Every coachbuilder in Italy clamored for the opportunity to clothe the spectacular chassis. Bertone was chosen. It was the right choice.

In less than a year the new car was ready just in time for the 1966 Geneva show. That first prototype was finished in an orange-red with black trim and a plexiglass rear windshield over the engine compartment.

The Miura had other surprises in store for showgoers. The unusual method chosen for gaining access to the engine and front mechanicals is something that draws a crowd even today. While the midsection of the car was formed in sheetsteel, the front and rear sections were fabricated in aluminum for lightness and hinged at the front and rear respectively to tilt away front the midsection when opened. There was also a smaller luggage compartment and the extreme rear of the car with its own lid for easier access.

Two months after its debut in Geneva Ferruccio had the car delivered to Monaco for Grand Prix weekend and parked out front of the Hotel de Paris in Casino Square. At the right moment, when a suitable crowd had formed around it, Ferruccio started up the car. This created quite a sensation.

Testing continued on this first car until a second and third were built. The third Miura was built to final production specs though it was Miura #4 that would be the first offered for sale to the public in 1967 when production started.

Miura #125, though still a P400, would be the first to receive a new chassis of heavier gage sheet steel. Thickness was increased from .9mm toan even 1mm thick to reduce chassis flex under hard acceleration and cornering and was a noticable improvement. Development would continue throughout the production run of the car with three major series being produced, the Miura P400, the Miura P400S and the Miura P400SV.

Though only a 2 seater with very limited space, the Miura was a huge success even at its $20,000 US price tag. 475 of this first series P400 were produced.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Lamborghini P 400 Miura

ENGINE
Type 60° V12
Transversely Mounted
Mid-Engined
DOHC per bank
Valves 2 per cylinder
Bore/Stroke 82mm x 62mm
Capacity 3,929cc
Max power 350bhp @ 7,000rpm
Compression 9.5:1
Carburation
- 1966
- 1967

- 1968
4 Webers 40 IDA 30
2 Webers 40 IDA 3C and
2 Webers 40 IDAC
4 Webers 40 IDA 30

TRANSMISSION
Gearbox 5-speed + reverse
All-Syncromesh
Clutch Single dry plate
hydraulically operated

Differential ZF-type limited slip in unit with
engine/transmission


STRUCTURE
Chassis Welded Box Section
Body Aluminum
Builder Bertone
Suspension Independent, coil springs
and telescopic shock absorbers
Axle Ratio 11/45
Brakes Girling discs
Wheels Campagnolo Cast Magnesium
Tires 205-15 HS
Pirelli Cinturato

MEASUREMENTS
Overall Length 4370 mm / 170.4 in

Overall Width 1760 mm / 68.6 in

Overall Height 1050 mm / 47.5 in

Wheelbase 2500 mm / 97.5 in

Front Track 1400 mm / 54.6 in

Rear Track 1400 mm / 54.6 in

Weight 945 kg / 2079 lb

Fuel Tank 80 L / 21 gal


PERFORMANCE
Top speed 280 km/h / 173.6 mph

PRICE $20,000 US End of Lamborghini Miura P400 review.