Sleeping beauty

RM Sotheby’s, Olympia, London UK 24 October

THERE ARE FEW more satisfying cars to own than a well-restored Miura. With the work undertaken correctly, these spectacular cars can be made to drive considerably better than when they were new. Most have been rebuilt several times, sometimes losing the individual features that make each Miura unique.

Lamborghini Polo Storico’s restorations offer an official seal of approval, but imagine finding a Miura in completely original and unrestored condition, just as it left the factory.

RM Sotheby’s will offer just such a car at its Olympia auction in London on 24 October. Despite a layer of dust and grime, the P400S has been off the road for only four years.

Chassis #4245 was sold to its slightly eccentric first owner, advertising director Walter Becker of Nürnberg, in 1971. Becker then sold the Miura to amateur racer HansPeter Weber in 1974. This was not a car that he intended to abuse on track; it was reserved for special occasions, and remained with Weber right up to his passing in 2015.

Stored in a friend’s barn until recently, the Giallo Fly Miura is in exceptionally original condition. It shows 30,000km on the clock, is thought to have never been repainted, and the navy blue interior is still very fresh.

As far as can be ascertained, the engine has never been rebuilt and there are extensive documents to back up the car’s history. The only two known modifications to the Miura during its life have been a pair of new front indicators and Schroth harnesses for the seats. Everything else, from the bodywork and mechanicals to trim, is wonderfully preserved, according to RM.

A fantastic opportunity for any collector, it also brings with it a dilemma. Should it be restored? And if so, to what extent? If carefully renovated, this could be worthy of a preservation class award at any top event.

RM Sotheby’s has placed an estimate of £800,000-1,000,000 on this unique Miura.

rmsothebys.com