One to Buy: 33,000 mile 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400
After the small team of engineers that had secretly been working on a mid-engined design that would incorporate Lamborghini’s much-admired V12 engine finally showed it to the company founder and got the green light for completion, Automobili Lamborghini’s trajectory began an indelible shift from manufacturer of gentleman’s Grand Tourers to builder of arguably the world’s most outrageous supercars.
When what came to be known as the Miura finally broke cover in fully clothed trim at the Geneva Motor how in March 1966, Lamborghini re-wrote the rulebook in terms of what could be expected from a high end super sports car; although Ford were already offering the GT40 in street trim, there had never been anything that offered the Miura’s combination of true road car amenities in such an exciting package.
Production subsequently began in March 1967 and Lamborghini went on to build 275 examples of the first generation P400 by the time the Miura S took over in late 1969.
Set to go under the hammer at Bonhams’ Scottsdale auction in Arizona on January 25th is the 37th of those 275 first series Miuras: chassis 3057.
Signed off on July 8th 1967, chassis 3057 was completed in Rosso Miura with Nero upholstery and purchased new by Ben Johnson, an American who drove his new machine on a European tour before having the car shipped back to the United States. Unfortunately, Mr Johnson died soon after his return to the US. Chassis 3057 was subsequently stored until 1978, at which point it was purchased showing just 2464 miles by Dean Aberman who retained it for the next 25 years.
Whilst in the care of the third and current owner, chassis 3057 has been the subject of a meticulous award-winning restoration. It is currently showing just 33,000 miles from new and demonstrably ranks among the very best Miuras to exist.
Reprinted below is Bonhams’ description:
Chassis no. 3057
Engine no. 1190
An intensely desirable, meticulously restored Miura
Three-owner car; single ownership from 1978-2015
The 37th of 275 Miura P400 models built
Restored and rebuilt by noted marque specialists
Approximately 33,000 miles from new
Original Rosso Miura over black and brown interior
Multiple award-winner at Concorso Italiano and Quail Lodge
Recipient of the Automobili Lamborghini Bull Award, 2016
Rebuilt drivetrain with updated internals
THE LAMBORGHINI MIURA
In 1964 Ferruccio Lamborghini began challenging Ferrari with the highly capable and well-built 350GT, but it was the arrival of the Miura – arguably the progenitor of the modern supercar – that elevated Lamborghini from a minor nuisance to Maranello into a major threat.
Prior to the Miura's official debut at the 1966 Geneva Salon, Lamborghini cars were respected for their impressive mechanical specifications, but they possessed a somewhat understated character. All this changed with the arrival of the Miura, named after Don Eduardo Miura, a famous breeder of fighting bulls.
Hints of its brilliance first surfaced at the 1965 Turin Motor Show with the display of a bare rolling chassis, but few if any onlookers expected such an exotic machine to become a production reality. Nevertheless, in time for the Geneva Salon the following year, the first completed car was ready for unveiling to an awe-struck press and public.
The technical specification was breathtaking in its sophistication and complexity, and were it not for the exuberance of youth, the Miura may never have been. Working together as an after-hours project, engineers Gianpaolo Dallara (29 years old), Paolo Stanzani (also 29), and Bob Wallace (27) envisioned the project, with Dallara leading the design of a box-section platform chassis with a transverse, mid-mounted V12 engine.
After the chassis design was complete, the stunning coupé coachwork came via the pen of Bertone's young maestro, Marcello Gandini – just 27 at the time.
Like the contemporary 400GT, the Miura used the 4.0-liter version of Lamborghini's Giotto Bizzarrini-designed four-cam V12, but with an integrated gearbox, inspired by Alec Issigonis' Austin Mini. With 350bhp available, the Miura was capable of shattering performance, at its debut the Miura was the fastest production car in the world; with a top speed 174 mph and a 0 – 60 time in the mid sixes.
Very few cars managed to change the course of automotive history the way the Miura did. With its transverse mid-mounted V12 and mesmerizing coachwork, the Miura set the automobile down a new course of style and performance, showing the world what it took to be a "supercar."
THE CAR OFFERED
This stunning early Miura P400 is chassis 3057, produced in the summer of 1967, and is notable as being just the 37th production car completed.
It's first owner, Ben Johnson, was an American traveling in Italy, taking delivery of his prized new Miura directly from the factory. He reportedly drove it on a European tour (could there be anything better?) before bringing the car back home to the US.
Sadly, Mr. Johnson passed away shortly after returning home, and the car was relegated to rest in storage during much of the 1970s.
In 1978, Dr. Dean Aberman rescued no. 3057 with just 2,464 miles on the odometer and took over the care and enjoyment of the car, using it regularly for the next 25 years and entrusting its care to the renowned Jeff Stephan.
Dr. Aberman used the car regularly on the road, but also showed it with tremendous pride. His adventures were well known in West Coast circles, having regularly taken the Miura on weekend blasts to Mexico.
It received a first in class award at the 1992 Santa Barbara Concours, participated in several Italian Stampedes, and even graced the cover of the July 2000 issue of Thoroughbred & Classic Cars. It was fastidiously maintained mechanically, with the only modification coming via the fitment of an SV-specification dry-sump system.
At the Quail Auction in August 2015, Bonhams|Cars offered this Miura for the first time since 1978.
On that day, the soon-to-be new owner – and current consignor – reports he was accompanied by the great Valentino Balboni, the legendary factory test driver and engineer. Valentino suggested that the P400 was the driver's choice, reportedly telling the buyer that the early car was lighter, and nearly as powerful as the SV, and the pick if he wanted to go fast.
It also said that Mr. Balboni noted 3057's exceptional originality, with original alloy bodywork, glass, mechanical components, and only minor imperfections consistent with the use it saw during Dr. Aberman's tenure, reportedly giving his blessing on the car's condition.
Deciding to return the Miura to its original splendor, the new owner assembled a team of the most renowned Miura specialists in the country, for a no-expense-spared restoration.
The dream team included 'Mr. Miura' Jeff Stephan alongside Debbie Sidera of Debbie Motors (who trained under Gary Bobileff) to oversee the project and handle the 'nuts and bolts,' Andy Palmer of Palmer Coachworks, Hot Rods and Hobbies, BB Stile, and Ed Pink Racing Engines.
While the alloy coachwork was found to be exceptionally straight with original Bertone stampings, devoid of corrosion and free of any filler whatsoever, Andy Palmer added discreet structural improvements to the chassis and body to improve panel fit and achieve 'laser-straight' lines.
The chassis' componentry was rebuilt by Jeff Stephan, including the original numbered Armstrong shock absorbers and 5-speed transaxle, using parts sourced directly from Lamborghini Polo Storico. BB Stile of Italy restored the interior to its original specifications, with its black seats and door cards, brown console and dash, and carpet sourced from the original Italian suppliers – just as it left the factory. No detail was overlooked, down to the period correct Pirellis, reproduced specifically for the Miura's 50th anniversary.
The original engine (number 1190) was fully rebuilt as well, with updated internals including precise blueprinted and balanced rotating assembly. Forged, short-skirt graphite-coated pistons replace the bulky cast originals, and the seller reports the engine is remarkably responsive and free-revving – akin to a Porsche Carrera GT! The SV dry-sump setup was removed and oiling returned to original P400 specifications.
Jeff Stephan also rebuilt the carburetors to exacting factory standards, and the engine was dyno tested and dialed-in by Ed Pink Racing. With its internal updates, the engine is said to make considerably more than its original 350bhp, and the owner utilized his extensive racing experience to dial-in the chassis for superb handling, taking full advantage of the improvements made during the restoration – said to be structurally enhanced well beyond SV standards.
Immediately following the restoration in 2016, the owner hit the show circuit, just in time for the Miura's 50th anniversary at the Quail: A Motorsports Gathering. Against the largest field of Miuras assembled to date, 3057 was awarded Best Restored Miura.
At Concorso Italiano that same year, it took Best Miura, Best Lamborghini, and the coveted Best in Show. Based on those results, Automobili Lamborghini America awarded 3057 the Bull Award, arguably the highest honor for any classic Lamborghini.
In August 2023, 3057 returned to the Monterey Peninsula and Concorso Italiano, again taking home Best Miura and Best in Show! Incidentally, this was 'Mr. Miura' Jeff Stephan's last full restoration project, and he reportedly proclaimed it to be his very best work.
Accompanying the sale are extensive restoration records spanning two binders, several concours trophies, driver's manuals, a factory tool kit, and the Italian license plate that the first owner used on 3057's maiden journey across Europe. Additionally, there are several magazine editions showcasing the car and its multitude of awards and accomplishments.
Exceptional in detail, authenticity, and quality, Miura 3057 is surely one of the finest early Miuras extant, with myriad awards to its credit. It would undoubtedly be a welcome entry at prestigious events like Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance or Concorso d'Eleganza Villa D'Este, where it has yet to be shown.
