1971 Lamborghini Miura SV Single Owner

Words by Knotty Nawadhinsukh

Lamborghini Miura SV chassis no. 4976 first arrived from Italy in Argento Indianapolis Metallizzato—Silver Metallic, basically

Among the featured cars that will be on sale by Bonhams at their Scottsdale auction, which will take place at the Westin-Kierland Resort & Spa on the 17th of January would have to be this 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV. With the final run of the P400 SV or “Spinto Veloce” version being rare as it is, this particular one, chassis number 4976, could be considered as quite a find.

Desirable split-sump V12 fitted from that of chassis number 4992

Because aside from the fact that it is one of only 21 that originally made it to Stateside (remember this was the Seventies when the Oil Crisis was about to hit, making sales of gas-guzzling super cars quite sluggish), its V12 3.5 Litre engine is that of the split-sump variety—one of only thirteen, in fact. Also when this Miura was ordered it was loaded with options straight from the factory that included at the time, seat belts, hexagon-shaped wheel nuts, radio & tape player and the $500(!) air-conditioner by Borletti.

Pronounced rear-end typifies an SV and differentiates it from the S or the first series P400—or you can just take a look at badge

Discounting the time during which 4976 arrived and remained several months with Modena Racing, the then Lamborghini dealer in the U.S., the car was eventually sold in 1973—and remained with the same owner ever since.

Lower panels and wheels were originally gold metallic

It so happens that the Blue Notte SV became part of this owner’s prized collection which included the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing and the Ferrari 275 GTB/4, amongst others. Hence the frequency in which the car had been driven would have been relatively sparse and it would explain in part as to why only a little over 18,000 miles had been recorded in the last forty-five years.

Very original cockpit revealing 45 years of patina under one owner, odometer showed only 18,200 miles

So what the interested parties who plan to assemble at the auction in Arizona next January should get to see would be a very low-mileage Lambo that still retains pretty much its original condition from how it has been kept. The black leather interior and grey carpeting are still original and so are the options fitted from the factory.

Repainted to Blue Notte done back in 1979

A single owner, low-mileage Miura SV with a split-sump V12? This could be quite a catch to contemplate for the next classic Lamborghini collector.

All Photos Provided By Bonhams/P.Litwinski