The credit for the design of the iconic Miura goes to Marcello Gandini at Carrozzeria Bertone, who was only 27 at the time, but in reality it was the brainchild of seven young engineers that were working after hours at Lamborghini on a radical new sports car. The mid-mounted engine, fitted transversely, allowed for a more compact overall design, which was an engineering solution inspired by the Austin Mini. The first generation of Miuras were named P400s to reflect the four-litre engine was posterior mounted.
The Miura was inspired by bullfighting legends, and in this case, it shared its name with the renowned Spanish ranch that bred exceptional bulls known for their ferocity. In keeping with this theme, the doors were designed to resemble bullhorns when fully opened. Whilst the Miura's low-slung design was very aggressive, the headlight surrounds were intended to resemble the eyelashes of a woman, and along with the car's gracious curves, they provided for a very voluptuous and sexy impression. It was this juxtaposition of brute aggression and feminine beauty that gave the Miura its unmatched presence.
The Miura's specifications are still impressive to this day, and they include a lightweight frame covered in aluminium body panels, four-wheel independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and a four-litre, V-12 engine. The Miura's powerplant breathed through six Weber carburettors and produced an impressive 350 horsepower. The car was a pure-bred sports car, and whilst it was ill-suited for daily driving, the throaty exhaust note and blistering acceleration provided unapologetic, visceral driving thrills.
