Auto Body Technician Masterclass: How Lamborghini Restored the First-Ever Miura SV

Have you ever wanted to restore a truly unique, one-of-a-kind car? This past year, a handful of highly skilled technicians at Lamborghini’s new heritage division Polo Storico were tasked with painstakingly restoring the original pre-production version of the legendary Miura SV—which was first shown to the world at the 1971 Geneva Auto Show.

The car was built using a combination of parts from the earlier Miura S and future components of the production SV, making it truly unlike any other Miura ever made. It’s the first restoration Polo Storico has completed, and was undertaken to mark the 50th anniversary of the Miura model line, which debuted in 1966 with the P400.

For aspiring auto body technicians, the restoration provides a revealing look into how professionals in the top of their field go about restoring an extremely rare vintage model. Read on to find out more.

The 1971 Miura SV: Background for Auto Body Technician Students

The Miura SV—which was also referred to as P400SV—was produced from 1971 to 1973, and was the final model to carry the Miura name. The redesigned rear bodywork boasted wider fenders and longer wishbones than the Miura S, which allowed the automakers to use wider rear tires. The wheels were also restyled with magnesium rims.

Students enrolled in auto body repair courses might also note that the SV ditched the distinctive “eyelashes” that appeared around the headlights of earlier Miuras, giving the car a far more refined look, while real leather seats replaced the vinyl upholstery in the Miura S. To this day, it remains probably the most famous and well-loved Miura, with fully restored models selling for over $2 million.

How Lamborghini Auto Body Technicians Completed the Restoration

All in all, the full restoration of the Miura SV took approximately one year to complete. Polo Storico took apart the original Chassis #4846 from Geneva and completely rebuilt it, restoring some components and replacing others. The company used only original parts, fabricating anything not available in its warehouse from the original blueprints.

The tan leather interior was completely reupholstered too, and the car was repainted in its original Verde Metallizata metallic green coat. Throughout the process, old photos were used to ensure every detail of the project was correct. The finished car was unveiled at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance earlier this month.

What Can Students in Auto Body Repair Courses Expect Next from Polo Storico?

The project marks the first full restoration completed by Polo Storico, which was launched last year to handle all of the brand’s heritage endeavors. Going forward, its auto body technician team plans to offer direct restoration services to classic Lamborghini owners, and will also begin stockpiling vintage parts to preserve them. The division is also now responsible for maintaining the company’s extensive historical archive, which details many of the materials and techniques used to create its classic models.

Interested in classic car restoration?

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