Ravishing, rare RHD Lamborghini Miura could hit £2.4m

Miura magic

The Lamborghini Miura must be one of the world’s most instantly recognised and sought-after classic cars.

Ultra-desirable from the moment it broken cover in 1966, it’s still capturing hearts today – and we bet this 1972 Miura SV does exactly that when it stars in Silverstone Auctions’ online sale, to be held between 31 July and 2 August.

It’s predicted to sell for a whopping £1.8-2.4m when it does, sadly putting it way out of our reach. But that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a closer look!

Number hunting

Well, we did say, ‘a closer look’… As you can see, this car is chassis 5036 which, together with chassis 5002, was converted from left- to right-hand drive by the factory when new.

This was because the Australian importer was keen for a pair of RHD SVs but wanted to avoid delays, so Lamborghini picked these two, switched them and then shipped them Down Under.

All right

Only nine RHD Miura SVs were ordered new, this Aussie-bound duo taking that figure up to 11.

But then just 762 Miuras were built full stop, of which 147 were the late SV spec that this car is – plus, this example is one of the 94 supplied with the vaunted split-sump engine.

Euro spec

According to the car’s paperwork, this example, production number 717, wearing Bertone body number 817 was finished in Rosso Corsa and Nero, and to European spec.

A few options boxes were ticked, too: it has a limited-slip differential, air-con and a radio pack with aerial.

Fast work

It was late 1972 or early ’73 by the time this SV made it to Australia and its first keeper was noted enthusiast Dennis O’Neal of Sydney.

But he sold it almost right away to Peter Opie, who by 1975 had also sold it, this time to a chap called Gerry Kent in 1975.

Until death do us part

Mr Kent, however, had no intention of getting rid. In fact he owned this Lamborghini from 1975 until he passed away in 2004 – and we don’t blame him.

Then, his wife sold the car to Lamborghini Australia with 48,708km on the clock.

Back to basics

By this point the Miura had been well used, so the official importer commissioned a specialist to bring the car back to best.

The SV’s V12 was checked over, the cylinder heads were overhauled and the camshafts reground, the fuel tank and fuel lines were replaced, and the fuel tank was refurbished.

Bills, bills, bills

And that’s not all. The suspension was restored, the chassis was cleaned and recoated, the air-con was overhauled and regassed, and the car received new brake lines, pads and discs.

It was quite an undertaking, starting on 26 April 2004 and completed on 26 January 2005, at a cost of AUD 80,424. 

Time to let your hair down?

Ready for another owner, this time it was another Sydneysider, Rory Johnson.

Now showing around 49,000km, he got to enjoy his Lamborghini for around four years, but he was clearly keeping a close eye on all the dials because, you’ve guessed it, come May 2010 it was time for more work.

Engine out

Another AUD 77,543 was spent as a specialist in Melbourne rebuilt the Miura SV’s V12.

With the piston in great condition, just new rings were fitted, plus the cylinder heads were overhauled, the crankshaft was machined and reground, the engine bay was detailed and the cooling system refurbished.

But that’s not all…

And, once again, the air-con was refreshed, new tyres were fitted and the ignition system was refurbished.

All of which means that since this work was completed, this Miura has covered fewer than 400 miles.

Blighty bound

The next stop for this Miura was the UK, when it was imported in 2010, after which it joined what Silverstone Auctions describes as ‘one of the world's most significant collections’.

Which would account for the low mileage covered in more recent years.

Bertone beauty

Today its perfectly styled, Rosso Corsa-hued body is as beguiling as it was when it first arrived in Australia more than four decades ago.

And this colour, the shade it has worn its whole life, sits so fantastically with its gold wheels.

Ready for a refresh

But what we see here now is thanks to more work that has been lavished on this classic.

With the paint showing its age, all exterior paint was stripped off and the Miura refinished in its original colour.

Last, but not least…

And then, last year, this classic supercar’s current owner took the Miura SV to respected specialist Bob Houghton for a comprehensive going-over and service.

Phew!

What’s next?

All of which means, it sounds rather like all this Miura needs is someone who wants to enjoy it, like Mr Kent did for so many years.

If only we had the money!

Travel light!

There’s not much room for luggage, but who cares?

With those gorgeous SV-spec Campagnolo wheels and the howling V12, you’ll never be short of potential passengers.

An added bonus?

This car might have briefly been left-hand drive, but the factory’s careful swap means you’d not know it from inside.

Indeed, it is said that for taller drivers, the RHD set-up provides additional space and comfort.

Gateway to heaven

Just fire up the transversely mounted V12, guide the gearlever through its open gate and into first and you’re off!

It’s hard to believe that this car, which rolled off the production line in 1972, can hit close to 180mph.

The impossible dream?

Indeed it is hard full stop for us in 2020 to imagine what impact the Miura had when Lamborghini pulled off the covers at 1966’s Geneva show.

One of Bertone’s best shapes? Quite possibly.

In another life?

Interestingly, factory records show that this Miura SV, chassis 5036, was destined for regular Lamborghini client Antonio Spada of Brescia, prior to its right-hand-drive switch and trip Down Under.

Initially speaking

And the ‘SV’ name given to these later, more developed versions?

It stands for Spinto Veloce, which translates as ‘pushed fast’ – and you definitely would be in this at full chat!

A new chapter

So now this classic supercar is ready for its next adventure.

It is sure to attract lots of attention at Silverstone Auctions’ online sale in a few weeks.

You’re booked!

If you’re interested, the online sale is being held between 31 July and 2 August – and there’s more…

You might have seen our review of Kidston SA's lavish, long-awaited Miura book in the August 2020 issue of Classic & Sports Car. It is a remarkable book and, like the car, is limited to 762 copies.

Read all about it

Because this Miura is production number 717, the copy of this landmark new book, edition number 717, has been reserved and will be sold with this car.

Now that’s a neat touch.

Going, going…

This special Lamborghini Miura’s eye-watering £1.8-2.4m pre-sale guide price keeps it out the reach of mere mortals like us, but let’s hope the lucky winning bidder gets the chance to enjoy it.

Check out the full lot list for Silverstone Auctions’ forthcoming sale here.