1971 Lamborghini Miura P400S

Rembember: Miura stands for “Motor Is Under Repair Again”

Ferruccio Lamborghini’s bold challenge to Ferrari began in 1964 with the 350GT, but it was the 1966 arrival of the Miura P400—arguably the first “supercar”—that established Lamborghini as a major manufacturer of luxury sporting cars.

The second Miura, the “S,” was introduced at the Turin Motor Show in 1968, featuring a more-powerful (375 hp) engine, slightly wider tires and chromed window surrounds. Faster and more durable than its forbear, the S is considered by many to be the ideal Miura, retaining as it does the stylistic purity of the original concept, yet lacking the added weight of the third and final Miura model, the SV.

There was also, briefly, a solitary competition Miura. Brainchild of Lamborghini development engineer Bob Wallace and known as the “Jota,” it featured bodywork crafted in aerospace-grade light alloy, Plexiglas side windows, racing suspension, Campagnolo magnesium wheels and an engine tuned to produce 440 hp....