Just two years after being launched, a Roadster version of Ferruccio Lamborghini’s masterpiece, the Miura, appeared at the 1968 Brussels Motor Show. Presented in a bright metallic blue, an absolute first for the time, with white leather seats and interior and a completely visible transversely-mounted V12 mid-engine to show off the underlying mechanics of the cars of Sant’Agata, it was one of the stars of the show and the public clamoured to purchase it but, once again, Ferruccio Lamborghini refused to produce open-top models and this jewel, now jealously guarded by the Swiss collector, Albert Spiess, remains a unique example.
The large rear roll-over bar and the visible engine are the hallmarks of the Miura Roadster. For the rest, the original beauty is further enhanced
The entire basis of the project is the Miura P400, with its box-section platform chassis designed by Giampaolo Dallara and “clothed” by Marcello Gandini for Carrozzeria Bertone. The transformation into a roadster included the installation of a solid roll-over bar behind the seats for increased rigidity and a complete redesign of the rear end of the car.
Even in roadster form the Miura has a harmonious silhouette thanks to the transversely mounted large V12 engine. A fundamental feature of Dallara’s projectThe new design of the rear, the elegance of the side profile and the redesigned grille which conceals, among other things, the exhausts which, on the coupe version are externalThe large bull in the centre of the steering wheel, the H-shift selector (5 gears + reverse), the beautiful contrast between the black of the dashboard and the bright white of the seats and interior make the Roadster an authentic LamborghiniThis image is proof that quality is made of small details: those elements that Gandini baptized “eyelashes” of the headlights, give an air of elegance to the light rotation system. The car also exudes quality from the enchanting bright blue metallic paintV12, 3,929cc, 350hp at 7,000rpm: the light-alloy block engine designed by Giotto Bizzarrini is mounted transversely with gearbox and differential built in the same blockNuccio Bertone personally financed the project with the dream of being able to make the Miura Roadster a small product. Bertone was a genius and discovered the talent of Giugiaro first and then of GandiniWho wouldn’t want to have one? As the saying goes, sometimes, beautiful dreams end at dawn
