Early Miura S Cars
Probably the most significant changes in the Miura were between the P400 and S cars. The S was introduced in 1968. Originally the S was to be an option package over the "standard" P400, however the S quickly replaced the P400 and only a few P400s were made after the introduction of the S. A total of 140 S cars were made from 1968 to 1970, making them the rarest of the three models. The S model may have started with chassis 3537. The Coltrin book identifies the car as the "Introduction of reinforced front chassis."
- The front and rear body clip latches on the P400 worked similar to an average gate latch. A bar attached to the clip was placed in a latch on the frame, which is opened and closed by pulling and pushing control rods. The control rods for the front latches are near each front footwell inside the car. The rods for the rear latches are in the door jambs. On the S, the front latches are replaced by a spring-loaded mechanism that you'll find locking trunks and engine lids on many Italian cars. It is unlatched by a cable pull near the driver's left knee. The rear latches did not change, but the unlatching mechanism was converted to a lever behind the driver's left sholder (in a left-hand drive car). The lever is connected to both latches by a rod that runs across the car between the passenger compartment and the aluminum firewall. The lever is secured closed with a spring-loaded pin. One advantage of the P400 latches (in the door jambs) is that it is impossible to drive off with the rear clip unlatched, since you can't close the doors. More than one S or SV driver has driven away with the rear clip unlatched, only to discover that at about 40 to 50 mph it opens up like a parachute, breaking the support cables, and removing the back inch of the car on the asphault before you come to a stop.
- Wind-up windows were replaced with power windows. The door liners were changed and a switch was added to the center console.
- The headliner was changed from having six toggle switches just behind the rear-view mirror, to a center console that incorporates the switches in a three-by-two arrangement with interior lights and air vents.
- The passenger grab handle went from a low, straight handle to a higher, arched handle.
- The P400 headrests are large and held in place by two screws at the base. The S headrest are much smaller and are held in place by inserting a tab at the base of the headrest into slots welded to the rear bulkhead.
- Side badging (just behind the doors) changed style.
- Air venting after the radiator was changed by adding a deflector to direct some air out into the front wheel wells.
- Leather interiors became optional.
- The trim around the headlights, windscreen, and side windows changed from matt black to chrome.
- The door sill was trimmed with a stainless steel plate with "Bertone" silk-screened on it.
- The center "glove box" bin was given a locking lid, hinged at the rear.
- The ash tray was changed.
- The wooden shift knob was replaced with a leather-covered knob.
- Inlet porting was increased from 28 to 30 mm
- Camshaft timing and/or profile was changed (not sure exactly - there are many rumors about this)
