A very original, unrestored 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S was announced for the RM Sotheby’s London 2019 classic car auction.
RM Sotheby’s announced a ‘time capsule’ 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S at its annual London sale, which will take place on the newly announced date of 24 October 2019 at the Olympia event space in West Kensington. The Lamborghini is a highly original and completely unrestored condition, boasting original paint, trim and all mechanicals. The Miura comes to the London sale with an estimate of £800.000 – £1.000.000 ($1,000,000 – $1,250,000) and is offered without reserve.
1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S
The 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S, chassis no. 4245, estimate of £800.000 – £1.000.000 ($1,000,000 – $1,250,000), offered without reserve, is a rare unrestored example. It was regularly driven in Germany but has been in storage for the last four years since the death of it owner.
This Miura was sold to its first owner, advertising executive Walter Becker of Nürnberg, Germany in 1971. A wealthy socialite, the car remained in his hands until 1974 when it was sold to Hans-Peter Weber, who, along with his brother, were amateur racing drivers who competed regularly in Porsche 911s during the 1960s and 70s. In 1974, the brothers were keen to buy the ultimate supercar of the period and set about finding a Miura. On finding the ‘Giallo Fly’ yellow Miura P400 S in Nürnberg, they immediately purchased the car from the eccentric Becker, who seemingly had a large car collection and who sold them the car whilst wearing his silk bathrobe!
Hans-Peter Weber was delighted with his purchase and always kept the car in pristine condition, used only for special occasions. His nephew recalls: “We lived at the foot of the Schauinsland mountain in a very narrow valley. Whenever my uncle, Hans-Peter, arrived with his Miura, we could hear him minutes before as the sound of the engine was travelling fast.”
Mr. Weber enjoyed the yellow Miura as it was designed to be used, driving enthusiastically with friends, including a memorable trip to Italy. Hans-Peter Weber kept the car until he passed away in 2015, at which time it was in running condition. The odometer shows 29,020 km.
The car, which had been stored for four years in a friend’s barn, still retains its original Giallo Fly yellow paint, Sky Bleu blue interior, and original engine, which does not appear to have ever been rebuilt. It also has the original German title from 1971, its original service book, as well as many period documents, invoices and the original correspondence with the Lamborghini factory. The only changes made to the car during its life were two front indicators and Schroth harness seat belts.
Lamborghini Miura Prices At Auctions
At recent auctions, Lamborghini Miura P400s have generally sold for just over a million dollar with SV models likely to exceed two million dollar. Buyers for the Miura on offer in London may value originality but will have to price in work required. Potential pound weakness at the end of October may also influence the price.
Maarten ten Holder, Executive VP & Head of RM Sotheby’s Europe, comments: “It’s a rare honour to be able to offer a car as significant as a Miura P400 S in this kind of unrestored, original condition. Any Miura S is rare and desirable in its own right, but the car we are selling in London is an opportunity that would be very hard to repeat. I think it’s fair to say that for many collectors an original Miura such as this, is the ultimate prize. With new dates also announced for our 13th London sale, we are delighted to have this car as an early star lot and we are confident it will attract interest from around the globe.”
RM Sotheby’s London 2019 Sale
In 2019, RM Sotheby’s moved its traditional London sale from December to 24 October 2019 at the Olympia event space in West Kensington.