Iconic Lambo once dubbed ‘fastest car EVER’ with roaring V12 engine & just 30k miles hits auction for eye-watering price
AN ICONIC Lamborghini that was branded the “fastest car ever” has hit auction for an eye-watering price.
Sporting a V12 engine and just 33,000 miles on the cock, the famous motor debuted as the fastest production car in the world in 1967.
The Lamborghini Miura P400 Coupe is estimated to achieve a whopping £2.2million at Bonhams Cars’ annual Scottsdale Auction.
It’s considered a highlight of motoring history and has an engine that generates 350bhp.
With a top speed of 177 and acceleration that reaches from 0 to 60mph in just over six seconds, it’s revered as one of the top models ever created.
The motor on sale is one of only 140 ‘S’ models built and was converted from left-to-right-hand drive early in its life.
It was described as the “potentially most rewarding restoration project.”
The Bonham’s listing reads: “Returned to its original glory in 2016 by a team of renowned specialists, this stunning early Miura, chassis 3057, boasts a fully rebuilt original engine with updated internals, and has received multiple awards at prestigious Concours events.”
It explains how the speed machine was named after Don Eduardo Miura, a notorious fighting bull breeder, as the sleek doors appear like bullhorns when the car doors are fully opened.
“Originally the after-hours project of a group of young engineers, the Miura with its transverse, mid-mounted V12 engine and mesmerising coachwork redefined what a Lamborghini could be and paved the way for the modern supercar.”
Giampaolo Dallara, Paolo Stanzani and Bob Wallace worked on the two-door coupe in their own time and eventually put together a prototype known as the P400.
The Miura signalled a new direction for Lamborghini as previous models were known for their understated design.
It has had three owners since it was produced and has done very few miles considering the speed it can drive.
The report adds: “Following its extensive restoration, the Chassis 3057 hit the show circuit in 2017 just in time for Miura’s 50th anniversary and, against the largest field of Miuras assembled to date, was awarded Best Restored Miura at The Quail.
“That same year, it also took Best Miura, Best Lamborghini, and the coveted Best in Show at Concorso Italiano and was awarded the Automobili Lamborghini America’s Bull Award, arguably the highest honour for any classic Lamborghini.”
The staggering £2.2million sale will include extensive restoration records and also several Concours trophies.
Whoever bids the highest will also receive the car’s original Italian licence plate.
Bonhams is a privately owned international auction house that was founded in London.
The company recently sold a Venetian latticinio goblet for more than five times its estimate, reaching a price of £100,730.
It also auctioned off a ceramic model of a cat which achieved £89,300.
The Lamborghini Miura P400 Coupe is set to go on auction on January 24, 2025, and bidders are eager to see how much petrolheads will splash out.
Car Auctions: How To Nab A Bargain
Car auctions are a way to sell vehicles based on a bidding system with the highest offer securing the deal.
Auctions aren’t restricted to the rich and famous as thousands of cars are sold at motor auctions in the UK each week.
Here’s what you need to know before attending an auction:
- Be prepared: Do your research on the car you would like to purchase beforehand.
- Check the car: Cars will usually be lined up before the start, so make sure to arrive early to inspect the desired car thoroughly.
- Have a back-up: Be ready for disappointment as your desired motor may be sold to someone else and select a few back-ups.
- Be realistic: Realise that there won’t be a “perfect” car at an auction and adjust expectations accordingly.
- Set a budget: It is easy to overspend in the heat of the moment during bidding. Ensure you have set a budget and do not go over it.
Key phrases to look out for:
- ‘No major mechanical faults’ – suggests that there shouldn’t be any issues with the car’s drivetrain, gearbox, suspension, or engine.
- ‘Specified faults’ – the auctioneer will read out specific faults.
- ‘Sold as seen’ – the vehicle is sold with any problems it may have. The auction company will rarely entertain complaints regarding the mechanical or cosmetic condition of these vehicles after sale.
- ‘Sold with a warranted mileage’ – The car is being offered based on the report, which confirms the mileage through an independent check.