Lamborghini Miura Restoration

There seems to be a motoring anniversary for most every marque this year, and Lamborghini is no exception! The first model was launched 55 years ago, and there have been many models since. In today's post, we bring you all the details of a recent restoration project, as well as details of a new book ... 

Lamborghini Polo Storico has completed restoration of one of the most famous Miuras ever built: the Miura SVR. On the occasion of its delivery to Japan, the car was exhibited at the Nakayama Circuit.

As is well-documented, only 763 Lamborghini Miuras were produced, between 1966 and 1972, at the company's plant in Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy. The number of Miuras built outside of Sant'Agata, however, is much greater, as numerous car manufacturers have created scale versions of what is one of the most iconic vehicles in automobile history.

Among these was Japan's Kyosho, which produced 1:18 scale models of both the Miura SV and Miura SVR. The Kyosho SVR, in particular, has achieved legendary status among collectors, since it depicts one of the most astonishing Lamborghinis ever built: a race car evolution of the fabled Jota developed by Lamborghini test driver Bob Wallace, which was even featured in the Japanese manga "Circuit Wolf."

After Wallace's Jota was lost in an accident, unrelenting customer demand in the years following led Automobile Lamborghini to build a few Miura SVJ models and – remarkably – a single Miura SVR. The latter was eventually sold in Japan, where it served as the 'model' for both the vehicle used in the comic book and the Kyosho toy version. The car is Miura SVR chassis number #3781, which has been returned to its former splendour by the Polo Storico specialist, and exhibited during an event organised in its honour at Nakayama Circuit in Japan.

This Miura, with engine number 2511 and body number 383, was born as an S version painted in trademark Verde Miura with black interior. It was originally delivered to the Lamborauto dealership in Turin, Italy, on 30 November 1968, following its display at the 50th Turin Motor Show.

After changing hands eight times in Italy, the vehicle was bought in 1974 by German Heinz Straber, who took it back to Sant'Agata in order to have it transformed into an SVR – a job that required 18 months of work. In 1976 the car was sold to Hiromitsu Ito and made its way to Japan, where it caused quite a sensation, not least as the inspiration for the 'Circuit Wolf' comic book series.

The vehicle's legend was further cemented when it was chosen by Kyosho as the base for its renowned scale model, whose lines and colours made this SVR an indelible part of model car lore.

Paolo Gabrielli, Lamborghini Head of After Sales and Director of the Polo Storico, said:

"The full restoration took 19 months and required a different approach to the way we normally work. The original production sheet wasn't of much help, as we relied mostly on the specifications from the 1974 modifications. The challenge for the Polo Storico team was even more daunting as the car arrived in Sant'Agata in pieces, although the parts were all here, and with considerable modifications. The only variations on the original specifications were the addition of 4-point safety belts, more supportive seats and a removable roll bar. These were expressly requested by the customer and are intended to improve safety during the car's racetrack exhibitions."

Later this year, we'll be publishing our new book on the Lamborghini Murciélago. This will be the first book solely on the model, and is a unique dedication to the marque's flagship. With it's V12 Bizzarrini-engine, space frame chassis, and scissor doors, this car is magnificent, and you won't want to miss a chance to get your copy! Sign up to be notified of it's release on our website.