The Lamborghini Miura SV, the final evolution of the successful P400 project, was presented to the public 50 years ago on the Lamborghini stand at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1971. At the same time, the Countach LP 500 made its debut at the Carrozzeria Bertone stand, which was to be a pioneering model for future production. The Miura SV, where "V" stands for "veloce" (fast), was to join the S version. However, in view of its resounding success on the market after only a short time, it replaced it completely.
Most popular in top form
Today, the Miura SV is the most sought-after Lamborghini production classic car on the market and is regarded as the ultimate among all Miura versions produced. No other vehicle embodies the "supercar" concept of its time to such perfection. Even the engineers Giampaolo Dallara and Paolo Stanzani, the technical managers at Lamborghini at the time and fathers of the Miura and Miura S, confirmed that the SV version had benefited from the experience gained in the first five years of production of the Miura.
With 385 hp at 7850 rpm, the SV's engine delivers even more power and, thanks to a higher, differently distributed torque (40.7 kgm at 5750 rpm), even better drivability. Another new feature is the setting of the four triple carburetors from Weber, type 40IDL3C. In the course of production, a separate lubrication system was introduced for the engine and gearbox, a visually barely visible but technically enormously important change.
Stronger, stiffer, wider
The Miura SV differs significantly from its sister models, the Miura P400 and P400 S, both technically and stylistically. Despite its generally identical structure with a transversely mounted, 4-liter, 12-cylinder mid-engine, the SV has a stiffer frame that has been reinforced in some key areas, as well as a revised rear suspension at the anchor points with a new shape of the handlebars and a track width that is almost 130 mm wider. In this version, it has front and rear tires with different dimensions. The 7 to 9-inch rear rims are fitted with 255 mm wide tires and feature a revised, even sportier look. The gold version is the most popular and the majority of the Miura SVs produced are therefore presented with this equipment variant.
Due to the technical modifications, the shapes of the Miura were also revised. Marcello Gandini, who was already responsible for the original Miura, was again responsible for this. The SV stands out visually with wider rear fenders, redesigned rear lights and a front flap with a brand new air intake for the radiator.
Enchanting even without eyelashes
The most important aesthetic change to the Miura SV, namely the missing "eyelashes" around the headlights, which had become famous, can be found on the front lid. There were no technical reasons for this change, but it was specifically requested by Ferruccio Lamborghini. He knew exactly how complex and time-consuming the assembly and perfect finish of the eyelashes were and was determined to reduce the production times of the Miura. However, he did not want to do without the headlight eyelashes on his own Miura SV and so today it is the only one with the flirtatious look.
Compared to its predecessors, the interior of the SV has a new, even more refined look, which is characterized in particular by the more extensive use of leather in the trim and various chrome elements.
The stated top speed of the Miura SV was over 290 km/h, and it took less than 24 seconds to cover one kilometer from a standstill - absolute top values for the time.
After 150 units had been produced, production of the Miura SV was discontinued at the beginning of 1973.
One last example was specifically requested by Walter Wolf in 1975 and is on display at Mudetec today.
The Miura SV clearly marked the end of an era in which speed and flowing lines set the tone. A unique time in which a small group of young men, driven by an innate passion and technically highly competent, were able to realize what for many, then as now, is the most beautiful production car ever produced.
