Skip advert
Advertisement

Lamborghini Miura - world's coolest cars

The first supercar, Lamborghini’s Muria is drop-dead gorgeous and beast on the road. A cool car that set the Lambo template

Years: 1966-73Number built: 764

By laying claim to the title of being the first mid-engined supercar, the Lamborghini Miura is instantly cool. That curvy, low-slung body was the work of Marcello Gandini of Bertone (like the Lancia Stratos in this list), and it's wrapped around a monstrous V12 that set the template for all future Lamborghinis.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Miura wasn't Lamborghini's first car, that title is claimed by the front-engined, rear-drive 350GT, but it made more waves than the 350GT when it was announced. The first anybody knew about it was when Lambo revealed its P400 chassis at the 1965 Turin motor show, which showed the car's compact dimensions and new transverse mid-engine layout. That was enough for some buyers to put down a deposit there and then, before the bodywork had even been designed, but they certainly wouldn't have been disappointed with Gandini's design when it was finally revealed.

• Best supercars on sale

That V12 initially packed 345bhp, while later SV models had 380bhp. Combined with the Miura's modest size, that gave it sub-seven second 0-60mph times, and a top speed in excess of 170mph was easily achievable. Surprisingly, the Miura shares something in common with another car in our list, because it and the Mini both had integrated engine and gearbox assemblies. That meant the engine and gearbox used the same oil, which might have been a great cost-saving exercise in the Mini, but it was a concept abandoned by Lambo by the time the more powerful Miura SV arrived.

Cool cars: the top 10 coolest cars - Lamborghini Miura rear

Like with other cars in this list, a dose of celebrity endorsement helped raise the Miura's cool factor. Frank Sinatra owned one, while jazz musician Miles Davis also drove one, until he crashed it, breaking both ankles in the process. Perhaps the most famous Miura is the one featured at the start of the movie The Italian Job. The film starts with a Miura being driven through the Italian Alps before being unceremoniously destroyed by the Mafia with a bulldozer. However, not all is as it seems with this clip, because while a Miura was pushed off a cliff, it was one that had already been crashed - the first car remained intact and was sold on after filming.

Cool cars: the top 10 coolest cars - Lamborghini Miura interior

Another first for the Miura was the addition of Lamborghini's bull badge. The Miura name comes from a Spanish bull breeder, and company boss Ferrucio Lamborghini felt the bull was a good fit for his company, especially as his star sign was Taurus.

The Miura is a genuine supercar classic. Its V12 powerplant laid the foundations for the Countach, Diablo and Murcielago, while the stir its design caused taught the firm that a sensational look would always win buyers over. 

Top 10 coolest cars in the world

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Ultra-exclusive Lamborghini Fenomeno officially teased for the first time
Lamborghini Fenomeno teaser - front static

Ultra-exclusive Lamborghini Fenomeno officially teased for the first time

The Fenomeno might be one of the brand’s more restrained ‘few-offs’
News
30 Jun 2025
First electric Lamborghini won’t hold back! 2,000bhp, 4x4, ‘ultra-GT’ due in 2028
Lamborghini Lanzador concept Monterey Car Week

First electric Lamborghini won’t hold back! 2,000bhp, 4x4, ‘ultra-GT’ due in 2028

Lamborghini has revealed more details on its first electric car and it looks like being as bold as we’d hoped.
News
12 Mar 2025
Monterey Car Week 2024: full show round-up and all the exclusive, luxury and performance cars
Pebble Beach Tour d'Elegance

Monterey Car Week 2024: full show round-up and all the exclusive, luxury and performance cars

Some of the most iconic car brands lined up to unveil new metal in Monterey
News
20 Aug 2024
Lamborghini Temerario set for Pebble Beach reveal on 16 August
Lamborghini Temerario - front

Lamborghini Temerario set for Pebble Beach reveal on 16 August

The Lamborghini Huracan’s successor will adopt a twin-turbocharged V8 and plug-in hybrid technology
News
12 Jul 2024

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal
BMW M5 Touring - front action

Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal

The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It’s our Deal of the Day for 29 June
News
29 Jun 2025
Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019
Opinion - Kia EV9 GT

Electric car appeal is at its lowest since 2019

From poor electric car sales to crashes in F1, Mike Rutherford thinks its been a crazy few weeks in the automotive world
Opinion
29 Jun 2025
Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025