1971 Lamborghini Miura S

Ah, the 1971 Lamborghini Miura S in orange—that’s not just a car, that’s the poster child of automotive lust. The Miura is widely credited as the world’s first true supercar, and by 1971, the “S” version had refined the formula just enough to make it even more desirable—without losing an ounce of its raw, untamed charm.

Photos by Chris Jones

The 1971 Lamborghini Miura S, especially in blazing Arancio Miura (that unmistakable shade of orange), is pure supercar royalty. Designed by the then-27-year-old Marcello Gandini at Bertone, the Miura turned the car world upside down with its mid-engine layout, jaw-dropping silhouette, and radical proportions. It wasn’t just fast—it was art, and in this color, it practically glows with rebellious energy. Think Monaco hairpin, shirt unbuttoned, and V12 thunder echoing off the cliffs.

By the time the “S” version arrived, Lamborghini had smoothed out some of the early Miura’s rough edges. The engine—still a howling 4.0-liter V12 tucked transversely behind the seats—got more power, better carbs, and revised cams, pushing it to around 370 horsepower. Inside, the S brought modest luxuries like electric windows and optional A/C (theoretically), but the car never lost its raw, visceral edge. Every drive was part ballet, part bar fight—and that was the charm.

Today, a 1971 Miura S in Arancio Miura isn’t just rare—it’s legendary. It marks the sweet spot between the purity of the original P400 and the beefed-up SV, offering classic lines and modern-enough reliability in one drop-dead-gorgeous package. More than 50 years on, it still steals hearts, dominates concours lawns, and serves as a rolling reminder of when Lamborghini redefined what a car could be: fast, fearless, and absolutely unforgettable.