Published in Monterey Car Week (Lamborghini Miura)
Editor’s Note: This fine as wine 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV Specification V12 mid-engine supercar was first owned by rock ‘n’ roll star Rod Stewart, aka “Rod the Mod.” Thank you RM Auctions for permitting Monterey Car Week to publish these exquisite photos and the succinct article on this epic automobile.
Lamborghini Miura
Sold for €520.800
- Chassis no. 4863
- Engine no. 30614
Photo Credit: FLUID IMAGES
370 bhp, 3,929 cc DOHC V-12 engine, five-speed manual transmission, front and rear independent suspension with upper and lower A-arms, coil springs, and anti-roll bars, and four-wheel Girling disc brakes. Wheelbase: 2,500 mm
- An original UK-delivery, right-hand drive example
- Delivered new to rock legend Rod Stewart
- Restored by Colin Clarke in the most desirable SV specification
Even greatness can be improved upon. In 1968, Lamborghini introduced its updated Miura P400S, which featured a V-12 with revised camshafts that was good for a power output of over 370 horsepower and was mounted on a stiffened chassis. This model was, in turn, followed by the epically exciting, ultimate production Miura, the P400SV, which was first shown at Geneva in 1971. The SV offered even greater performance and improved handling, and it boasted 385 horsepower, with separate lubrication for the engine and gearbox, a limited-slip differential, completely revised suspension, and a leather interior. The rear track was widened five inches, to accommodate wider wheels, which necessitated the Dino-like “flaring” of the rear body panels. Most menacingly of all were the distinctive laid-back headlamps, which lost their “eyelashes” in favour of the masculine plain black surrounds.
With a top speed of 180 mph, it is no wonder that numerous owners of earlier Miuras elected to have their automobiles upgraded to this ultimate specification.
The P400S offered here is an original United Kingdom-delivery example that was supplied to its first owner, rock legend Rod Stewart, by Lamborghini Concessionaires Ltd. of Alie Street, London. A copy of its original records, which were kept by Derek Hopkins of said dealership, is included in the file. Also included in the file is a copy of the original delivery sheet, which notes the car as having right-hand drive, factory air conditioning, and seatbelts. The file also has a copy of a photo of Stewart’s then girlfriend, model Dee Harrington, with two Miuras, one of which is an S with this car’s original British registration, JLL 831K.
The car passed from Rod Stewart through to owners in Wiltshire, Kent, and Cambridge. In 1976, the Lamborghini Miura was acquired by Clive Hugo Nagel, and then it passed to Michael Baker, of Horley, in April 1983. The car was then acquired by the present British caretaker, who has retained ownership of it for the past two decades. As such, this Miura has known ownership history since new.
The current owner selected to transform this car into the SV specification, with the necessary front and rear clam modifications, suspension upgrades, and rear lights. Importantly, the car’s bulkhead, engine, and chassis all bear correct numbers for the original S, and they are original to the car.
More recently, the Miura has been restored in its SV configuration by noted marque specialist Colin Clarke Engineering. Suspension, steering, brakes, and hubs were all rebuilt to concours condition, and all components have been properly and correctly finished. An exhaustive overhauling of the wiring, dashboard instruments, supply lines, and tyres was undertaken, and the steering and suspension have all been laser-aligned. The body was beautifully refinished in the factory colour of Blu Notte, and it has black leather upholstery of the correct pattern and correct carpets. The Miura also has its original front windscreen and side glass, which remain in excellent condition. The SV conversion and recent restoration work undertaken has cost approximately £100,000.
This Lamborghini Miura is beautifully presented and ready for show. It is a rare configuration that has the highest possible performance and the most beautiful colors. It is as exciting today as it must have been for its original owner, “Rod the Mod”, back in 1971.
