FYI: An iconic Lamborghini Miura, stored in a living room for decades, is hitting the auction block with an estimated value of $2 million to $2.5 million.
Can a Car Be Considered Art? The Lamborghini Miura Makes the Case
One of the perennial debates in automotive circles is whether a car can truly be considered a piece of art. While opinions may vary, the existence of the Lamborghini Miura often settles the argument. Widely celebrated as one of the most beautiful cars ever created, one can certainly appreciate the regard in which this iconic vehicle is held.
A Living Room Stunner
Perhaps nothing encapsulates the notion of automobiles as art more perfectly than the story of a Lamborghini Miura P400 S, chassis number 4614. This stunning vehicle was kept as a living room centerpiece by its owner, Paul D. Nadel, for an astounding 40 years. Now, this "lost Miura" is preparing to make waves as it’s set to be auctioned by Gooding & Company.
The Miura P400 S: A Rarity in Brown
The Miura, with chassis number 4614, is an exceptional P400 S model that was first introduced in 1968. Featuring numerous cosmetic and mechanical upgrades, only 338 of these P400 S Miuras were ever produced. Completed in July 1970, this particular car boasts a Luci del Bosco (Forest Light) Brown paint job, complemented by bronze wheels and side skirts, and Gobi (beige) vinyl upholstery with cloth trim. This color combination is a rarity among Miuras, making it even more unique.
A Storied Ownership Timeline
The Miura first made its way into the hands of Marina Pedrazzi via the Turin-based dealer LamboAuto. It subsequently passed through the hands of two other Turin-based owners in the early 1970s before finally finding its way to the United States in the 1980s. Purchased by sports car enthusiast Paul D. Nadel, the Miura was taken off the road in the mid-1980s. It remained a static exhibit in his Rockaway, New York home, only being rediscovered earlier this year.
The Discovery and Auction
Due to its long period of hidden existence, the car has never been showcased, exhibited, or sold to the public before now. Gooding & Company has dubbed it the "lost Miura," highlighting its near-mythical status among enthusiasts. Extracting the vehicle from Nadel’s home required the demolition of several interior walls, though no photographs are available documenting this dramatic process.
Remarkable Condition for Its Age
Considering it served as a decorative piece for decades, the Miura is in surprisingly good condition. The odometer reads just over 42,000 kilometers, and its engine and Bertone body remain original. While the front and rear clamshells show signs of repainting and minor dents, the doors and roof sport their original paint. The glass, lights, and other trims are untouched, adding to its authenticity. The brown-and-beige interior is also remarkably well-preserved, with only slight wear on the passenger-seat bolster.
Gooding & Company advises that substantial mechanical care will be required before the car is road-worthy again. Nevertheless, the auction house estimates its value between $2 million and $2.5 million. Given its unique history and the allure of its "lost car" status, it remains to be seen just how much this automotive masterpiece will fetch at the upcoming Pebble Beach Auction.
A Piece of Automotive Art
The historic chassis 4614 comes complete with its original Italian license plates, Automobile Club of Italy records, and the original parts book. It also includes reproductions of the owner’s and service manuals. Whether it remains a living room centerpiece or returns to the open road, this Lamborghini Miura undeniably affirms that a car can indeed be considered a work of art.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
