Differences Between P400, S, and SV

What are the real differences between the three models of Miuras? I have yet to see a definitive description. The July 2000 issue of Thoroughbred & Classic Cars gives a very superficial description, but falls far short of being any kind of reference.

T&CC says there are four models of Miuras. It may be a matter of opinion. True, the factory did make five SVJ cars, modeled cosmetically after Bob Wallace's Jota. I prefer to group those five in with the Jota and the Roadster/ZN-75, and only recognize the P400, S, and SV cars as factory production models.

If you are looking at a detailed technical evolution of the Miura, there are really five versions, each being distinctly different from the other:

It is difficult to draw a line between the early and late versions since there is no one car that is the last "early" version with the next car rolling off the assembly line being the first "late" version. Instead, the changes were applied over a range of serial numbers so there are interim cars with a mix of early and late features. When trying to identify a Miura as being an early or late model, or even a P400, S, or SV, the classification is complicated because many owners (and even the factory) have upgraded cars with newer features. I know of one P400 that was upgraded to an SV by the factory, and at least two SV's with some P400 features (eyelashes and driving lamps). My own P400 is being upgraded to an S so thoroughly that it will be very difficult to tell it's not a factory S. Serial numbers are not definitive, since there are factory S cars with lower serial numbers than mine. Also, be wary of photos in books. Almost every Lamborghini book I have (and I have many) misidentifies one or two photos.

So how do upgrades affect the value of a Miura? With most collector cars the more original, the more valuable. This does not seem to be the case with the Miura. Condition being equal, upgraded cars are more valuable than original cars. This may be because most upgrades were designed by the factory, so applying the same upgrade to a car does not dilute the purity of the marque. Also, the upgrades truly improved the car making it more comfortable and beautiful while improving the handling and reliability. Even non-factory engine upgrades, such as additional transfer gear oil sprayers and sump extensions, add value. A few engineers, including Al Burtoni in California and the legendary Bob Wallace in Arizona, continue to improve Lamborghini engines. I know of only one functional upgrade which is of questionable financial value: Substituting large Brembo/Porsche brakes (see MovIt North America and MovIt's Lamborghini page). Even so, it is rumored that one of the factory Jota replicas was given Porsche brakes by Lamborghini.

In summary, there seem to be no points given for originality and the more improvements on a Miura, the better and more valuable the car. So upgraded P400s are better than stock P400s (and may be better than some S cars). Updated S cars are better than stock S cars. It's hard to get better than an original SV. They remain the most desirable of the Miuras.

To see the detailed changes between models, click on these photos.

Early P400 Late P400 Early S Late S SV Engine Differences Factory Options