Cars
Broken Dreams: Lamborghini Miura P400 Roadster and Ferruccio’s Refusal
The 1968 Lamborghini Miura Roadster, a unique open-top version of the iconic Miura P400, dazzled at the Brussels Motor Show but never entered production due to Ferruccio Lamborghini’s refusal. Restored, it remains a legendary automotive masterpiece.
Just two years after being launched, a Roadster version of Ferruccio Lamborghini’s masterpiece, the Miura, appeared at the 1968 Brussels Motor Show. Presented in a bright metallic blue, an absolute first for the time, with white leather seats and interior and a completely visible transversely-mounted V12 mid-engine to show off the underlying mechanics of the cars of Sant’Agata, it was one of the stars of the show and the public clamored to purchase it, but, once again, Ferruccio Lamborghini refused to produce open-top models and this jewel remains a unique example.
The entire basis of the project is the Miura P400, with its box-section platform chassis designed by Giampaolo Dallara and “clothed” by Marcello Gandini for Carrozzeria Bertone. The transformation into a roadster included the installation of a solid roll-over bar behind the seats for increased rigidity and a complete redesign of the rear end of the car.
