Soon after its reveal to the world, Ferruccio Lamborghini instantly saw the sales potential of the car and entrusted Marcello Gandini of Bertone to hastily build a prototype to be shown at the Geneva Salon the following year. Confirming Ferruccio’s instincts, the Miura was an immediate success and orders started to flow in following its more formal reveal to the world in 1966.
After a host of production issues for early cars, most Miura P400s were actually completed in 1968, before the updated Miura S was shown in November 1968 once again at the Turin Motor Show. The ‘S’ would rectify the key shortcomings of the original Miura, most notably the handling characteristics, build quality and cockpit comfort. Cars received improved Pirelli tyres, later cars boasted ventilated brakes and the engine was modified to produce an additional 20 bhp. Further improvements included electric windows, improved interior materials, switchgear redesigns and chrome window surrounds. The Miura S was produced from November 1968 to early 1971, with a total of 338 being made.
Lamborghini Miura P400 S chassis 3949 is 1 of just 24 RHD examples and was delivered new on 30 May 1969 via the company’s British agents in Alie St, East London, to Peter Hunter Associates of London. The car is still complete with its original pro-forma invoice from Automobili Ferruccio Lamborghini SpA to Lamborghini Concessionaires, Alie St, London E1 for 6,943,000 lire. The car was finished in the classic combination of Arancio over Nero in Pelle; the leather interior being a rare and expensive option for Miuras of the time.
#3949 would remain in long-term UK ownership throughout its life, with extensive documentation and correspondence to support this low ownership and low mileage. It would spend a large period of its life in the striking shade of Giallo Fly and was a regular attendee to notable British motoring events in the 80s and 90s. Following a period of long-term storage, but still under the same ownership, the Miura would be sent to noted restorer Aubrey Finburgh in 2011.
It was decided that a complete restoration was to be carried out, however certain features were to be retained in acknowledgment of the low-mileage for this two-owner vehicle, including the original leather interior. The engine and gearbox were sent to Colin Clarke, who during the rebuild would ‘split’ the sump; an upgrade that was carried out on the very last Miura SVs. Finburgh would then carry out the extensive body restoration to the very highest of standards and returned the vehicle to its original shade of Arancio.
Following the completion of the restoration #3949 would faultlessly partake in the Lamborghini factory’s Miura 50th Anniversary Tour and was shown at several notable events in the UK and Europe. At this point, the car was supplied by Furlonger to its current UK custodian, who entrusted us to fully prepare the vehicle at the time of purchase. The decision was taken at this point for the original interior to be removed (and retained) and replaced with correct Nero Pella trim. Further works required at the time were limited to extensive detailing and suspension servicing and we have serviced the vehicle once more before offering it for sale at Salon Prive 2022. This is quite possibly the finest RHD Miura available today; one that presents in the very best condition and is complete with extensive provenance to supports its low ownership and mileage.
The information in this sheet was produced solely by Simon Furlonger Specialist Sports Cars Limited. and is distributed on an “as is” basis, without warranty. All information within this sheet is for reference only. Simon Furlonger Specialist Sports Cars Limited. are not associated with or sponsored by Ferrari SpA in Modena and Maranello or any of its subsidiaries (such as Ferrari North America) in any manner, except for a mutual appreciation and love of the cars. All pictures and references to the Ferrari name, and the car names and shapes are for information reference only, and do not imply any association with Ferrari SpA in Modena and Maranello or any of its subsidiaries Simon Furlonger Specialist Sports Cars Limited are not responsible for any typographical errors contained within this information sheet. Simon Furlonger Specialist Sports Cars Limited make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy or completeness of the contents of this information - specifically in regard to the implied valuation and authenticity - beyond the descriptions contained in the paragraphs of this information. By reading and consulting this information sheet, you agree to hold Simon Furlonger Specialist Sports Cars Limited. free from any liability arising out of the use of any information contained therein. The authors shall have no liability to any person or entity with respect to any liability, loss or damage caused - or alleged to be caused - directly or indirectly, by the contents of this information. Simon Furlonger Specialist Sports Cars Limited shall not be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential or other damages.
