To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' London
event, 24 October 2019.
Estimate:
£800,000 - £1,000,000
- Offered from single-family ownership since 1974
- Supremely original throughout, including paintwork and
interior
- Retains its original engine
- Accompanied by numerous period documents
Arguably the most significant sports car of its era, the Miura
catapulted Lamborghini into the same league as Ferrari and Porsche.
It also made its designer, Bertone's Marcello Gandini, a household
name in the automotive industry. Heralded by many as the birth of
the supercar, the Miura looked like nothing else on the road, and
its performance was equally impressive. The Miura quickly won the
hearts and minds of all who laid eyes upon its exotic shape. With
its otherworldly looks and extraordinary performance, the Miura
became the car of rock stars, playboys, and wealthy eccentrics
alike.
The result of continuous improvement over the production run of the
P400, the P400 S was first made available in 1968. With its engine
now producing 370 bhp care of higher-lift camshafts with revised
timings and the fitment of four Weber 40IDL-3L carburettors, the
Miura S also boasted updated brakes to compensate for the
additional performance, as well as a handful of other additional
changes. Cosmetically, the P400 S gained higher-quality interior
trim and a revised instrument layout with power windows.
Despite being completed by Lamborghini in September 1969, chassis
number 4245 wasn't acquired by its first owner, Walter Becker of
N�rnberg, Germany, until 1971. Sporting Giallo Flay paintwork over
a Skay Bleu interior, this Miura was designed for an eccentric
personality, which Becker certainly was. The owner of an
advertising agency, Becker had a reputation for being a playboy. He
owned the Lamborghini until 1974, when it was purchased by its
second owner, from whose family it is being offered today.
Hans Peter Weber of Freiburg was no stranger to fast cars. He
previously owned a couple of Porsche 911s and often took them
racing with his brother, Karl Gerhard Weber, in the late 1960s and
early 1970s. Purchasing the Miura directly from Mr Becker, Karl
remembers collecting the car from Becker, who was wearing a silk
bathrobe, and that Becker had quite a sizable collection of
cars.
As one would expect with such a spectacular car, the Miura was Hans
Weber's pride and joy and used only on special occasion. When asked
about the car and his uncle, Hans Weber's great-nephew recalled
that 'Whenever my uncle Hans-Peter arrived with his Miura, we could
hear him minutes before, as the sound of the engine was traveling
fast...I remember my uncle's female co-drivers. They always had to
wear a bright yellow top and blue jeans to match the colors of the
car!' Another vivid memory was of one occasion where the Miura went
to visit Karl Weber's wife's family in Cremona, Italy. The family
was thrilled with the car, and Karl commented that 'We took the car
for a jaunt with literally every member of the family, including my
eighty-year-old grandfather.'
The Miura S would go on to be Hans Weber's most cherished
possession for just over four decades, until his passing in 2015.
Driven and enjoyed up until his death, the car was picked up by his
brother Karl and put into his barn, where it was placed in storage.
The Miura has remained in storage and would require further
servicing should its next owner seek to enjoy it on the open
road.
Having been regularly maintained during Hans Weber's ownership yet
never fully restored, chassis 4245 remains in spectacular condition
throughout. The car retains its original engine and still sports
its original Giallo Flay paintwork. The original Skay Bleu interior
presents beautifully, showing the attractive patina of 40 years of
careful use. The only two deviations from original are the addition
of front indicators and Schroth four-point seat belts. Importantly,
a number of original documents accompany the car, such as the
original 1971 German registration (Pappdeckelbrief), the original
license plates from Mr Becker and Mr Weber's ownerships, the
original service book, as well as documents from Hans Peter Weber's
ownership, including correspondence with the Lamborghini
factory.
Ownership of a Lamborghini Miura is a dream that few enthusiasts
realize. With many examples driven hard by their fortunate owners
when new, finding one in unrestored and highly original condition
is exceedingly difficult. Finding such an example that has been
preserved in exceptional original condition by just two careful
owners from new is next to impossible. Undoubtedly one of the most
remarkable examples offered in recent memory, this stunning Miura S
would be a prized addition to any significant collection
worldwide.To view this car and others currently consigned to this
auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/lf19.