Lamborghini Miura

In 1965, three young Lamborghini engineers, Gian Paolo Dallara, Paolo Stanzani and Bob Wallace, designed a revolutionary chassis in their spare time. Ferruccio Lamborghini approved the project, and the coachbuilder Bertone entrusted its design to a 27-year-old designer, Marcello Gandini.

Unveiled at the 1966 Geneva Motor Show, the Miura astonished the public. Its 3.9-litre V12 was mounted transversely in a mid-rear position, a layout until then reserved for racing cars. Low, barely over a metre tall, it could exceed 270 km/h. Its “eyelash” headlights, taut lines and air vents make it one of the most beautiful cars ever designed.

Its name pays tribute to Eduardo Miura, a famous breeder of fighting bulls. Around 750 were produced until 1973, and it is often regarded as the first “supercar”. In 1969 it opened the film The Italian Job, on a road in the Alps.