In a remarkable find, a 1968 Lamborghini Miura P400, chassis number 3417, recently emerged from over 46 years of storage to sell for $1.3 million at RM Sotheby’s Rudi Klein Junkyard Collection auction. Known as the 159th of just 275 examples, this Miura stands out for its current aqua green finish, a departure from its original Giallo Miura yellow over a Bleu leatherette interior. First dispatched to the Italian dealer Lamborghini car in March 1968, the car retains its matching-numbers V-12 engine and original Bertone coachwork, offering the next owner an exciting restoration opportunity to bring this iconic model back to its authentic state.
The Miura was a groundbreaking model developed by an all-star team, including Lamborghini’s chief engineer Gian Paolo Dallara, chassis designer Paolo Stanzani, and test driver Bob Wallace. Presented initially as a rolling chassis at the 1965 Turin Motor Show, it quickly gained attention, with a fully completed prototype unveiled at the 1966 Geneva Salon. Styled by a young Marcello Gandini of Bertone, the Miura’s sleek, curvaceous lines captivated audiences, defining a design language that would inspire the look and feel of supercars for decades. Named after Spanish fighting bulls, the Miura P400 boasted 350 horsepower and could reach speeds up to 170 mph, cementing its place in automotive history.
Adding an air of intrigue to this example, the Miura’s original ownership may link it to the legendary Lamborghini engineer Claudio Zampolli, though records are inconclusive. It eventually came into the possession of Rudi Klein in the late 1970s, where it remained untouched and stored until now. For Lamborghini enthusiasts, the emergence of this well-preserved, matching-numbers Miura P400 is a golden opportunity to restore one of the rarest and most iconic models, allowing it to take its rightful place in high-end motoring events and Italian concours once again.
