Half a Century Since the Debut of the Miura SV, the Final Evolution of the Lamborghini Miura. Tracing Its Legend | Lamborghini
Lamborghini Miura SV
Half a Century Since the Debut of the Miura SV, the Final Evolution of the Lamborghini Miura. Tracing Its Legend
Fifty years have passed since the Lamborghini Miura SV was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1971. We trace the footsteps of the birth of the "supercar," one of Lamborghini's most popular productions.
The One and Only Miura SV with "Eyelashes"
The Miura SV was born as the final evolution of the highly successful P400 (Miura) project. The Miura SV, bearing the V for "Veloce" (ultra-high speed), was initially conceived as a model accompanying the S series. However, due to the overwhelming response to the SV, it ultimately became the successor to the S series.
The 4-liter V12 engine of the Miura SV was enhanced to a maximum output of 385 hp (390 ps), and its torque characteristics (40.7 kgm/5,750 rpm) were improved, leading to better driving performance. The settings for the triple-barrel Weber carburetors were also changed. Although introduced after the start of SV production, the adoption of independent lubrication systems for the engine and gearbox was a significant improvement. It could accelerate from a standing start to 1 km in under 24 seconds and reach a top speed of 290 km/h, achieving record-breaking performance for its time.
Like other Miuras, the layout with the engine mounted transversely in the rear mid-section remained unchanged. However, the Miura SV adopted a more rigid chassis and an improved rear suspension with modified anchor points and arms. The tire sizes were also changed, with the rear increasing from 7 inches to 9 inches.
The technical changes necessitated exterior modifications as well. Marcello Gandini, who was responsible for the original Miura project, also designed the Miura SV. The enlarged rear fenders and the new air intakes for the radiator on the front hood gave it an even sportier appearance than the original.
The most significant change, however, was the elimination of the distinctive "eyelashes" around the headlights. Because assembling and perfectly finishing the eyelashes was extremely complex and time-consuming, founder Ferruccio Lamborghini decided to discontinue them. However, he kept the eyelashes on his own Miura SV, making it the only Miura SV with this specification.
A total of 150 Miura SVs were produced, with production ending in early 1973. The final unit was specially built in 1975 for Walter Wolf, a Canadian oil magnate and F1 participant.
With the end of Miura SV production, the era of the supple-lined supercar that had taken the world by storm came to a close. Yet, half a century after its birth, the enduring presence of the Miura SV continues to captivate us.
