• The 53rd Lamborghini Miura constructed
• Desirable “thin chassis” example
• Originally finished in Giallo Miura over Bleu Fintapelle trim
• Sold new in Italy via Carpanelli of Rome
• Retained by Rudi Klein since June 1980

The Lamborghini Miura stands as an icon of automotive artistry and engineering. Conceived by a clandestine group of visionary engineers toiling after hours at the firm’s Sant’Agata Bolognese-based factory, the Miura emerged as a revolutionary force in sports car design. Wrapped in coachwork conceived by Marcello Gandini, then a mere 22-year-old prodigy at Carrozzeria Bertone, the Miura’s design was nothing short of spectacular.

Drawing on Lamborghini's penchant for bullfighting themes, the Miura's name pays homage to the legendary Spanish ranch renowned for breeding the fiercest fighting bulls. The car’s doors, sculpted to evoke the image of bullhorns when fully opened, and its sensuous curves, accentuated by headlights reminiscent of feminine eyelashes, create a striking juxtaposition of aggression and elegance. This interplay of raw power and refined beauty bestowed upon the Miura an unparalleled, magnetic presence.

Technologically, the Miura was a marvel of its era, featuring a lightweight aluminum body, four-wheel independent suspension, and four-wheel disc brakes that set new benchmarks in performance and handling. Its most distinctive innovation, however, was its engine layout. Drawing inspiration from the compact design of the Austin Mini, the Miura utilized a transverse mid-mounted V-12 engine—a bold departure from the traditional front-mounted configurations of the time. This groundbreaking approach enabled a more streamlined and agile chassis. The engine itself, a formidable all-aluminum, quad-cam 3.9-liter V-12 fed by six Weber carburetors, delivered a thrilling 350 horsepower.

In Lamborghini's evolution of its production process, the first 120 or so Miura chassis were constructed from thinner 0.9-millimeter steel, in contrast to the 1-millimeter steel used in later models. These early Miuras, known as “thin chassis” examples, are highly prized for their purity of design and lighter construction.

Presented for sale for the first time in over four decades, chassis 3195 is the 53rd Lamborghini Miura built and a prized "thin chassis" model. Per Lamborghini factory records, chassis 3195 left Sant’Agata Bolognese cloaked in the eye-catching livery of Giallo Muira over Bleu Fintapelle trim. Destined for sale via Roberto Carpanelli’s Rome distributorship, little is known about 3195’s life following its initial sale. The car’s history picks up again in May 1979, when it was titled under the care of a gentleman residing in the Baldwin Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. By May 1980, chassis 3195 encountered an unspecified issue, rendering it non-operational. It was subsequently acquired by Porche Foreign Auto Wrecking in June 1980, where it has remained cloistered for the past 44 years.

Awakened from its four-decade slumber, chassis 3195 now offers a rare and exhilarating prospect for the discerning collector. As the car is not accompanied by an engine or gearbox, its next owner will have the opportunity to restore the car to its as-delivered P400 configuration; alternatively, the prospect of fitting a powertrain built to one of the Miura's later, more highly developed specifications is quite tempting. Along the same lines, a return to its factory-specified Giallo over Bleu would make for a wonderful, Swinging Sixties livery, yet the car’s present condition makes it a virtually blank canvas for any range of spectacular color choices.

While certainly necessitating a courageous collector prepared for a comprehensive restoration, chassis 3195 offers a rare and rewarding opportunity to craft a bespoke thin-chassis Miura, allowing one to tailor it to individual tastes…as if ordering it new in 1967.

Please note, although RM Sotheby’s is offering this lot with clear title, The National Motor Vehicle Title Information System retains branded records associated with this four-digit VIN, but RM Sotheby’s is unable to wholly confirm that the four-digit identities referenced are in fact the vehicle’s offered here at the Klein Collection. Interested bidders are requested to speak with a member of the RM Sotheby’s Administrative Department with any questions.

To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/rk24/.