55 Years of the Lamborghini Miura SV

As the ultimate evolution of the Miura, it established the "Super Veloce" philosophy, a designation that has become synonymous with Lamborghini's most desired and uncompromising V12 models.

The Miura SV was the last, and most extreme, version of what was already the first "supercar." Automobili Lamborghini had gained extensive experience with the earlier versions, the Miura P400 (1966), and its successor, the Miura S (1968), and the SV built on the strengths of those original models to become a natural extension of the legend.

The Miura was the first to carry a V12 engine that was transversally mounted ahead of the rear axle. Almost immediately, it became an iconic car, one that transformed the sports car world, but then Lamborghini introduced the Miura SV, the final and most exciting version of them all. The Miura SV, which remained in production until 1973, featured upgrades that delivered greater control and everyday practicality.

The Miura, both in its P400 and S versions, was spectacular to drive, yet the exciting and demanding handling left room for optimization in driving stability at high speeds and engine lubrication. Lamborghini responded to feedback from its test drivers and customers by refining the original concept.  

At the heart of the Miura SV remained the transversely-mounted 3.9-liter V12 engine, but it was developed, resulting in an increased output of 385 hp at 7,850 rpm and 388 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. The increased power delivery, combined with numerous chassis and aerodynamic improvements, enhanced both performance and drivability compared to the Miura P400 and Miura S.

The Miura SV accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 5.5 seconds and reached a top speed of more than 290 km/h, making it one of the fastest production cars of its era and the ultimate expression of the Miura lineage. Building on the benchmark established by the original Miura, the SV further cemented Lamborghini's position at the forefront of the super sports car segment.

One of the most significant technical changes to the Miura SV, aside from the increase in power, was a change to the lubrication system: While the engine and transmission in the first versions shared a common oil circuit, Lamborghini separated these in the Miura SV. This measure significantly improved the durability and reliability of the engine and transmission and represented a decisive step forward in development.

At the same time, Lamborghini revamped the chassis. The engineers widened the rear track, adjusted the suspension, and tuned the chassis to be stiffer overall without sacrificing ride comfort. As a result, the Miura SV gained noticeable stability, particularly at high speeds, and handled more controlled and precisely. The introduction of ventilated disc brakes, which were powerful by the standards of the time, ensured more stable deceleration.

Externally, the Miura SV was also clearly distinguishable from its predecessors without diluting the elegant and now iconic silhouette. The characteristic “eyelashes” around the headlights were omitted, giving the front a cleaner appearance. Also striking were the significantly widened rear fenders, which made room for larger tires while simultaneously underscoring the increased performance. These changes were not purely aesthetic but were directly linked to the improved driving dynamics.

Fifty-five years after its debut, the Miura SV remains the foundation of a philosophy that has defined some of Lamborghini's most focused and uncompromising V12 models. More than a name, Super Veloce has become an enduring legacy and one of the defining expressions of Lamborghini's DNA and history.

Lamborghini Miura SV (1971–1973)
Engine: 3.9-liter V12, 385 hp at 7,850 rpm, 388 Nm at 5,500 rpm
Top speed: over 290 kph
0–100 km/h: 5.5 s
Kerb weight: 1,245 kg
Improvements: separate engine and transmission lubrication, wider rear axle for better traction, modified rear suspension, increased power, faster and more controllable, some with limited-slip differential
Special features: final version of the Miura series, no headlight covers, modern appearance, highest power output and road holding in the series
Price: 8,600,000 lire