The Lamborghini Miura. Just the name evokes images of 1960s Italian glamour, groundbreaking design, and the birth of the modern supercar. For automotive enthusiasts worldwide, the Miura isn’t just a car; it’s a legend, a rolling sculpture that redefined what a sports car could be. Like many, my fascination with this automotive masterpiece began long before I ever thought I might get close to one. It was a chance encounter, facilitated by an unlikely connection, that brought the dream of experiencing the Miura closer to reality.
My initial connection to the automotive world, and eventually to the Miura, came through an indirect link to the celebrity world, oddly enough. It started with an online exchange about a matte-black Rolls Royce owned by Lindsay Lohan on Jalopnik, a website I frequented. This led to a digital handshake with Peter Orosz, another writer, over a shared love for cars and online automotive commentary. When the opportunity arose to collaborate on a feature, Peter’s immediate passion for the Lamborghini Miura resonated deeply. The challenge was set: find a Miura, a rare gem with only a few hundred produced four decades prior, and somehow, experience it firsthand. The quest to get behind the wheel of a Miura began.
My only prior Lamborghini experience was a teenage dream come true, or perhaps a teenage nightmare in disguise. It involved a bright red Countach, borrowed for a prom double date in 1987. This Countach, a beastly machine, felt like a caricature of automotive excess. Its dramatic angles and roaring engine attracted attention like a magnet, but driving it was an intimidating, almost comical experience. It felt untamed, powerful to the point of being unwieldy, a far cry from refined. The thought of a Miura, however, was different. It wasn’t just about raw power; it was about elegance, innovation, and historical significance. The Miura, consistently lauded as the first true supercar and one of the most beautiful cars ever designed, represented a different kind of automotive pinnacle. These vehicles now command prices in the mid-six-figure range, making the prospect of even seeing one, let alone driving it, seem like a distant fantasy.
Fortunately, my network within the classic car community proved invaluable. Mike Prichinello from the Classic Car Club of Manhattan became my key contact. Within minutes of reaching out, Mike provided two potential leads. The first involved his business partner, Phil Kavanagh, and a lime-green Miura nicknamed “Twiggy.” This Miura had a colorful history, once owned by the manager of the iconic 60s model. Phil’s experience, however, offered a dose of reality. “The Miura was beautiful to the eye,” he admitted, “It existed in a perfect world. Until you attempted to drive it. It was like driving a garden wheelbarrow with an oversized steering wheel positioned down by your ankles.” His ownership saga included a fuel fire and a complete rebuild, yet even after restoration, the driving experience remained challenging. Ultimately, he traded it for another Lamborghini, perhaps hoping for a different outcome, only to be further disappointed. Strike one.
The second lead proved more promising: Michael Sender at Champion Motor Sports in Jericho, Long Island. Mike Prichinello had a positive relationship with Mr. Sender, considering him a reliable source for exceptional vehicles. Crucially, Champion Motor Sports had a Lamborghini Miura on display in their showroom, a heritage piece showcasing the brand’s illustrious history. An email was sent proposing a visit to see this legendary car. Michael Sender responded with an agreement to a visit, a welcoming “Sure, that would be fine.” Hope began to build. However, when the question of driving the Miura arose, the initial affability seemed to waver. “Usually we would not take a car like that out for a drive,” Mr. Sender replied. The dream of driving a Lamborghini Miura, while closer, was still hanging in the balance.
