This $4.9M Lamborghini Just Became the Most Expensive Miura Ever Sold: Here's Why

This past week saw a frenzy in the world of Lamborghini collectors. While a pristine 2003 Murciélago fetched a jaw-dropping $508,500 at auction, the real star was a 1972 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV that tipped the scales at an astonishing $4.9 million during RM Sotheby's 'Dare To Dream' auction. This staggering figure surpasses its previous record by 34 percent and sets a new benchmark for the Miura model, whose last top sale was recorded at $4.26 million in 2020.

The Miura Magic: From Humble Beginnings to the Supercar Pinnacle

Lamborghini and supercars go together like peanut butter and jelly, but few know that it all started in 1965 with the Miura. Back then, Lamborghini was a small player focused on high-quality touring cars rather than the flamboyant performance machines we see today. Their goal was simple yet ambitious: create a car that could give Ferrari sleepless nights. Enter the Miura—a mid-engine marvel that not only changed Lamborghini's trajectory but also gave birth to the idea of the 'supercar.'

Designed by a group of young, spirited engineers, all in their mid-20s, the Miura presented a radical departure from Lamborghini's earlier GT models. Initially showcased as a rolling chassis at the 1965 Turin Auto Show, the car created quite a buzz despite lacking a proper body or even a name. It wasn’t until Bertone's young star designer, Marcello Gandini, got involved that the Miura found its iconic shape. The final product was unveiled at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, named after a famed breed of Spanish fighting bulls—a theme that has persisted in Lamborghini's naming conventions ever since.

The Engineering of an Icon

The Miura's chassis was innovative with its monocoque design, which gave the car incredible rigidity while keeping the weight down. Lamborghini's engineers also had to figure out how to house their 4-liter V-12 engine in a mid-engine configuration without compromising on length and handling. They opted to mount the engine transversely, akin to an oversized Austin Mini but with much more power and flair. It was a game-changing decision that allowed the Miura to offer both speed and agility, qualities that were further emphasized with the introduction of different models and upgrades.

The Miura P400 S rolled out in 1969 with vented brakes, better rear suspension, air conditioning, and a power hike to 370 hp. Two years later came the ultimate version: the Miura SV. This model featured enhanced rear suspension, a recalibrated nose to reduce front-end lift, and wider 15-inch wheels under flared fenders. Engine output soared to 385 hp. More significantly, the later SVs had a split sump, allowing for separate oil supplies for the engine and gearbox—finally making a limited-slip differential feasible.

The King of the Bulls: Chassis 4972

The Miura SV in question, Chassis 4972, isn’t just another pretty face. Originally finished in Rosso Corsa with gold rocker panels, it has traveled a fascinating journey—from Italy to Germany to Hong Kong, with stops in possession of notable owners like Jamiroquai’s Jay Kay. After multiple restorations, this specific Miura made its way back to its original left-hand drive but now sports a blue leather interior. Yet, it retains its original engine, chassis, and body, marking it as a gem in the classic car world.

At the 'Dare To Dream' auction, this 1972 Miura SV rocketed past its estimated value of $2.75M to $3.5M, finally selling for a record-breaking $4.9M. It outshined notable Ferraris and other high-value classics, making headlines and turning heads. Condition is everything in the classic car market, and this Miura’s impeccable restoration, along with its thorough documentation and certification from Lamborghini’s PoloStorico, undoubtedly contributed to its monumental sale price.

According to Dave Kinney, publisher of the Hagerty Price Guide, “It is absolutely one of the most beautiful pieces of automotive design, ever.” This recent sale underscores the appreciating value of the Miura, with Kinney affirming that the market is only now catching up to the car’s true worth. With impeccable provenance, stunning aesthetics, and a rich history, this red-and-gold beauty is the new king of the bulls, setting a high bar for any future contenders.