The significance of the Miura

What is the Lamborghini Miura?

The Lamborghini Miura is the stuff of legend. It pointed the way toward the Lamborghini future, and it started a naming trend that continues to this day. If you are unfamiliar with this particular Lamborghini model and find yourself asking: what is the Lamborghini Miura. Then we have your answers.

What is a supercar?

A supercar is typically a mid-engined two-seat performance car, but the better question is, what was the first one? While Ferrari and other performance manufacturers were still obsessed with grand touring cars, Lamborghini was quietly working on something different. It was the first of a new breed, and the first of what would become the supercar.

The Miura was worked on mostly in secret, but when it was finally unveiled at auto shows in 1965 and 1966, the supercar was officially born. It was low, it was small, it was light, had a V12, and was wildly powerful. Only 764 were ever built, and it remains one of the most sought after cars in the world to this day.

Advantages of a V12 engine

Miura specifications

The Miura was produced between 1966 and 1973, and in that time it received many updates and upgrades. At the top of its game, the Miura was good for 380 horsepower, 286 pound-feet of torque, and all at a weight of 2,862 pounds.

The Miura of course used a V12 engine, but unlike other Lamborghini models at the time, this engine was mounted transversally just in front of the rear axle. When the car debuted, it was the fastest production car on the planet.

Miura concept

In 2006, Lamborghini debuted the Miura concept. It was a modern take on a Lamborghini classic designed to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the now iconic supercar. Though many were excited at the prospect of such a car possibly reaching production, that theory was quickly put to bed.

It only makes sense that they wouldn’t make it though. Lamborghini has nostalgia for their brand and their past, but they have always remained a forward-looking company. Take care of the past, but tread new ground to the future.

Aventador tribute special edition

Speaking of nostalgia, in 2016 Lamborghini did used the flagship Aventador to pay homage to the flagship car of 50 years ago. This beautiful Aventador sample made the rounds last year, and many agreed that it was a fine tribute to a fine car.

Other Lamborghini concepts and one offs