Latest news with #Murciélago
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Lamborghini Miura: The Supercar That Started It All
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector The Lamborghini Miura, widely regarded as the world's first true supercar, changed the trajectory of high-performance automotive design when it debuted in 1966. With only 764 units built between 1966 and 1973, the Miura was a groundbreaking machine that combined bold engineering, head-turning design and raw power. The car redefined the modern performance vehicle and set the stage for future Lamborghini models such as the Murciélago and Aventador. But the Miura was more than a beautiful, fast car. Its development story — and the legacy it launched — helped shape Lamborghini's identity. Here are five lesser-known facts about the iconic Miura. Mid-engine origins The Miura was Lamborghini's first mid-engine road car, a configuration now standard for most supercars. Ferruccio Lamborghini initially opposed the idea, considering it impractical for street use. But a team of engineers, working after hours without his approval, secretly developed the prototype known as the P400. They fit a transversely mounted 3.9-liter V-12 engine into the chassis — an unprecedented move in road cars at the time. When the prototype was rushed to the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, a minor problem surfaced: the engine cover wouldn't stay shut. The solution? Weights were added to keep it closed for the reveal. A chassis captures attention Before its full debut, Lamborghini showcased the Miura's bare chassis at the 1965 Turin Auto Show. The public mistook it for a race car, which generated buzz and cemented its performance image before the bodywork was even unveiled. While Giorgetto Giugiaro contributed to the concept's early design, it was Marcello Gandini of Bertone who styled the final Miura — a masterpiece of flowing curves, hidden headlights and low-slung proportions that made the car appear fast even when parked. A cultural icon Though not Lamborghini's first car — that honor belongs to the 350 GT — the Miura was the first to gain worldwide acclaim. By the early 1970s, it had become a pop culture symbol. Jazz legend Miles Davis and rocker Rod Stewart were known owners. Guitarist Eddie Van Halen reportedly used a recording of his Miura's engine as the intro to the song 'Panama.' And in the 1969 film The Italian Job, the Miura's appearance in the opening scene helped solidify its place in cinema and automotive history. A name with muscle The Miura name is derived from one of Spain's most aggressive breeds of fighting bulls — a fitting title for a car that defined strength, speed and defiance. The name also influenced Lamborghini's now-famous raging bull logo and its naming tradition. From the Diablo to the Aventador, many Lamborghini models have drawn names from the world of bullfighting, a practice that began with the Miura. A legacy still charging Before the Miura, Lamborghini model names were numeric and technical. Afterward, the brand embraced symbolism, passion and power. The Miura sparked this transformation and set the tone for the company's bold identity. More than half a century after its debut, the Miura remains one of the most admired sports cars ever made. Its influence continues to resonate — in design studios, on racetracks and among collectors around the world. The Miura wasn't just a car. It was a revolution. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Meet the Lamborghini Espada, One of Italy's Most Influential—and Controversial—Grand Tourers
Our alphabetical excursion through the world of collector cars in this column has revealed some true gems from the latter half of the 20th century. Some are as reliable as Old Faithful; others pose challenges for owners not wholly committed to their care and feeding. Anyone with an eye for beauty and an appreciation for V-12 engines, though, has been seduced by two Italian marques ending in 'i,' and it's no secret that Lamborghini's V-12 engine is an engineering masterpiece and a brilliant runner. That original 1963 power-plant design grew from 3.5 liters to over 6.5 liters in the Murciélago, powering everything from now-multimillion-dollar Miuras to a couple of far more accessible models. Both of the latter are classic front-engined GTs that were styled by Marcello Gandini, author of the fabulous Miura. And both also have bodies built at Bertone. Lamborghini's Espada and Jarama are twins under the skin, sharing identical drivetrains and unibody platforms, the Jarama with a wheelbase shorter by 10 inches and featuring two cramped rear seats. The Espada, by contrast, was the first true two-door, four-seat 'supercar.' More from Robb Report This 1965 Ford GT Prototype Roadster Raced at Le Mans. Now It Could Fetch $10 Million at Auction. How the Jaguar XK120 Put the Marque on the World Stage These 6 Barely Driven Porsche 911s Are Hitting the Auction Block Powered by Lamborghini's 325 hp, 3.9-liter V-12, the Espada has a top speed of 155 mph—highly impressive when introduced—and is as happy loafing along in high gear at 1,500 rpm as it is snorting off from a standstill at a respectable clip. But while there' s no arguing the merits of the mechanical underpinnings, the Espada's looks—like the gustatory attributes of oysters or escargot—are an acquired taste. Those enamored of the flat-as-a-cockroach styling love it, while others are not so taken. A total of 1,217 examples—spanning three series—were produced over a 10-year period, from 1968 through 1978, making the Espada the longest-running and highest-production Lamborghini model up until the Countach. From a distance, all Espadas appear nearly identical, though the rare Series I, with 186 made through 1970, is for purists who want thin bumpers, a hexagonal-inspired dash, and other 'teething' eccentricities of the earliest cars. The Series II (575 made through 1972) and the Series III had more powerful 350 hp engines, and feature small improvements. Cars made from 1975 and brought stateside have unsightly impact bumpers (which some subsequent owners remove or replace). A three-speed automatic Chrysler Torqueflite transmission was available from 1974, with 55 examples so equipped. Slower off the line than Lamborghini's five-speed manual version, the three-speed Espada presents a performance difference that is far less meaningful today. The Espada is a complicated car, and any aspiring owner not versed in wrenching or fettling is advised to stalk less challenging game. A 50-year-old automobile with six Weber carburetors and an Italian electrical system demands attention. As with many collectibles, Espada values have softened a bit, and it's possible to acquire one for well under six figures. For decades, these were 'poor-man's Lamborghinis,' suffering deferred maintenance and any number of indignities caused by man or nature, including rust. If so afflicted, one recalls the cartoon vulture saying to the thirsty prospector in the desert about to drink from a poison lake, 'You'll be sorry.' Espada aspirants are advised to buy the best example affordable, as body panels and trim pieces can be as rare as unicorns, and a full restoration is a fool's errand, unless one is skilled and wants a multiyear garage project. Finding a complete, well-running car in good condition is the only way to fly, and that should be handily accomplished for under $150,000. Patience will be rewarded, and Europe is a happy hunting ground, as most examples never left the Continent. The sight of an Espada on the highway going full steam is as inspiring as it is rare. More inspiring still is to be tucked low in the wraparound-leather cockpit and savoring the sounds, smells, and sensations of driving a Lamborghini of Robb Report The 2024 Chevy C8 Corvette: Everything We Know About the Powerful Mid-Engine Beast The World's Best Superyacht Shipyards The ABCs of Chartering a Yacht Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Is This Lamborghini Murciélago With Over 300,000 Miles The Highest Mileage Supercar Ever?
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector Supercars are typically reserved for short, spirited drives, accumulating miles at a fraction of the rate of everyday vehicles. However, one Lamborghini Murciélago has shattered expectations, racking up over 300,000 miles—making it the highest-mileage supercar in the world. Owned by Simon George, this remarkable 2004 Murciélago has spent two decades on the road and track, enduring everything from high-speed road trips to daily commutes and countless laps at racetracks. George, who had long dreamed of owning a Lamborghini, purchased the car brand new from a dealership in Manchester, England, with just 58 miles on the odometer. But instead of storing it as a collector's piece, he put it to work immediately. George launched 6th Gear Experience, a business offering track day experiences with high-performance cars. His Murciélago became a key part of the fleet, allowing paying customers to take it for high-speed laps. To ensure safety, George even installed a passenger-side brake pedal, though it was rarely needed. Beyond track days, the car served as his daily driver, frequently enduring four-hour motorway commutes across England. It also became a road-trip machine, taking George across Europe, Scandinavia, and the Scottish Highlands. Meanwhile, his ownership experiences—ranging from thrilling drives to inevitable maintenance challenges—were documented in a monthly diary for Evo magazine, adding to the car's growing legacy. With regular maintenance and part replacements, the Murciélago remains in running condition, defying expectations of supercar longevity. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Why Lamborghini Steers Clear of Continuation Cars
Read the full story on Modern Car Collector While automakers like Bentley and Aston Martin capitalize on their heritage by producing continuation cars, Lamborghini has firmly stated it won't follow suit. Despite the nostalgic delight sparked by its 2021 modernized Countach, the Italian marque remains committed to preserving the authenticity of its past without recreating its classic models like the Miura, Diablo, or Murciélago. 'We are not interested,' said Giuliano Cassataro, head of Lamborghini's Polo Storico, in an interview with The Drive. For Lamborghini, their classics are untouchable relics. 'For us, there is only one Countach,' Cassataro explained. 'It was born in that year, with this color, in this configuration, and with this interior, and it must be like it was. We don't want to modify the past.' This approach contrasts sharply with the growing trend of continuation cars, which faithfully reproduce iconic models for wealthy collectors. Automakers like Bentley and Aston Martin have embraced this practice, drawing on history as a significant asset. Lamborghini, however, is adamant about honoring its legacy without rewriting it. The modern Countach, unveiled in 2021 to celebrate the car's 50th anniversary, exemplifies Lamborghini's philosophy. Though inspired by the original, it wasn't a continuation car. Instead, it was a thoroughly modern machine, sharing little more than a name and design cues with its predecessor. It was built as a one-off for a special customer, using the chassis number of a Countach crashed in 1974. Exceptions like this might occur for Lamborghini's most devoted customers, but the automaker isn't likely to mass-produce replicas of its classics. Cassataro notes that while vintage Lamborghinis are stunning to behold, their outdated technology diminishes the driving experience compared to modern supercars. By steering clear of continuation cars, Lamborghini reinforces its commitment to innovation while cherishing its heritage. Each new model is a bridge to the future rather than a recreation of the past, ensuring that the Raging Bull remains an icon of cutting-edge design and performance. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter
