Lamborghini Marks Miura SV's 55th Anniversary, Origin of Super Veloce Legacy
The Lamborghini Miura SV, which celebrates its 55th anniversary this year, set the template for the brand's most extreme V12 models when introduced in 1971.
- 55 years
- 385 hp
- Less than 5.5 seconds
- Over 290 km/h
What Happened
Automobili Lamborghini is celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Miura SV, the ultimate evolution of the iconic Miura. First unveiled in 1971, the Miura SV established the 'Super Veloce' philosophy that continues to define Lamborghini's most desired and extreme V12 models today. The SV was the last and most extreme version of what is considered the first supercar, building on the earlier Miura P400 (1966) and Miura S (1968) to become a natural extension of the legend.
Lamborghini introduces the Miura P400, the first supercar with a transversely mounted V12 engine.
Lamborghini launches the Miura S, a refined version of the P400.
Lamborghini unveils the Miura SV, the ultimate evolution with increased power, chassis upgrades, and the Super Veloce designation.
“With the Miura SV, unveiled in 1971, Lamborghini brought the evolution of the Miura to its ultimate expression and introduced a designation that would become an integral part of the brand’s DNA. Super Veloce has always represented the purest interpretation of Lamborghini performance: a combination of increased driving emotion, enhanced dynamic capabilities and a distinctive character.”
At the heart of the Miura SV remained the transversely mounted 3.9-liter V12 engine, but it was developed to produce 385 hp at 7,850 rpm and 388 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. Lamborghini separated the engine and transmission oil circuits to improve reliability, widened the rear track, adjusted the suspension, and introduced ventilated disc brakes. These changes enhanced stability at high speeds and provided more controlled handling.
- The characteristic 'eyelashes' around the headlights were omitted for a cleaner front appearance.
- Rear fenders were significantly widened to accommodate larger tires and emphasize increased performance.
Previously from Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.
Lamborghini will host the largest-ever gathering of Miuras, with over 40 cars, at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August 2026 to celebrate the model's 60th anniversary, coinciding with the Miura SV's 55th anniversary.
Background drawn from MotorClaw's earlier coverage of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.'s official releases.
Why this matters
The Miura SV introduced the Super Veloce philosophy that continues to define Lamborghini's most extreme V12 models, such as the Aventador SV and Revuelto. For beginners, it shows how a 1970s model's engineering innovations—like separated oil lubrication and widened rear track—set the standard for modern supercars. Enthusiasts and potential buyers of SV-badged Lamborghinis will appreciate the lineage.
Terms in This Story
- Super Veloce
- Italian for 'Super Fast'; Lamborghini's designation for the most extreme, high-performance version of a model.
- Transverse engine
- An engine mounted sideways in the car, typically ahead of the rear axle in the Miura, allowing a mid-engine layout.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.