In 1971, Lamborghini perfected the Miura with the release of the ‘SV’ model, short for spinto veloce. While the body saw minimal changes—aside from slightly flared wheel arches to accommodate wider tires and the removal of the ‘eyelash’ headlight trims—there were significant upgrades under the hood and to the build quality.
The SV featured a more powerful engine to counteract the increased weight and resistance, along with enhanced suspension for better handling. A new split sump lubrication system was introduced, allowing separate reservoirs for engine and transmission oil, improving the lifespan of components. This was particularly necessary for the ZF limited-slip differential.
When the Miura SV was released, it was the fastest production car in the world. Equipped with a powerful 385 hp V12 engine, it could accelerate from 0–60 mph in 5.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 mph. Despite its remarkable performance, demand for the Miura began to decline, and by the end of production in 1972, only 150 SV units had been built.
Photo Source: RM Sotheby’s