Lamborghini Miura at 60: The Original Supercar's Enduring Legacy

The Lamborghini Miura, launched in 1966, is celebrated as the first true supercar, marking its 60th anniversary this year. Designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone in just months, the mid-engine, rear-wheel drive car stood 43 inches high and reached 170 mph, making it the fastest production car of its time. Fewer than 800 units were built between 1966 and 1973, with an initial UK price of £8,500—more than double the average house cost. Only about 400 survive, and the auction record stands at £3.85 million. Founder Ferruccio Lamborghini opposed the mid-engine layout, but young engineers secretly developed the P400 concept after hours. The Miura debuted at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, with the first UK delivery 18 months later. Chassis #3198, shown at the 1967 Earl's Court Motor Show, was bought by travel magnate Thomas Cook, who had it resprayed orangey-red with a silver lower section. Celebrity owners included Frank Sinatra, Rod Stewart, and Elton John. The car featured in the opening sequence of the original The Italian Job. Early models had iconic 'eyelash' headlight surrounds, later dropped. The 1972 SV variant, driven in Italy for the anniversary, lacks power steering and air conditioning, with a heavy clutch and limited seat adjustment. Its steel chassis had strategic holes for lightness, but rear-biased weight makes handling challenging. Compared to the modern hybrid Revuelto, the Miura is dated but remains the benchmark for desirability.