The forgotten Lamborghini Miura Jota

Forgotten ONES - Among the premium quality cars crafted by Automobili-Lamborghini S.p.A, an Italian powerhouse recognized by the iconic raging bull logo, a unique and elusive gem emerges—the Lamborghini P400 Miura Iota, where in Spanish 'I' is pronounced as 'J'. This rare sports car, now existing solely in replicas, carries with it a captivating history that sets it apart from the rest.

1970 Lamborghini P400 Miura Jota built based of Miura's chassis #5084. (Picture from: SupercarNostalgia)

The genesis of this extraordinary vehicle dates back to 1970 when Bob Wallace, a Lamborghini test driver, embarked on a unique project based on the Lamborghini Miura. The Miura, produced between 1966 and 1973, marked Lamborghini's foray into the realm of supercars, featuring a two-seater layout and a rear-center positioned engine, earning its title as the fastest production car of its time.

1970 Lamborghini P400 Miura Jota is is intended to push Lamborghini's technical boundaries to the limit. (Picture from: SupercarNostalgia)

Endowed with the spirit of pushing technical boundaries to the limit, Wallace and his team, under the permission of general manager Paolo Stanzani, set out to craft a mid-engined hot rod. This project, beyond being a technical exploration, held a passionate aspiration to partake in racing events, symbolized by its name 'Jota,' a nod to the FIA’s Appendix J regulations.

1970 Lamborghini P400 Miura Jota has an impressive performance numbers for 0 - 60 mph acceleration in just 4 seconds and can be driven to a top speed of 197 mph. (Picture from: SupercarNostalgia)

The metamorphosis of the standard Miura (chassis #5084) involved extensive modifications. Weight reduction measures saw the integration of Avional lightweight aluminum alloys, plastic side windows, and a front spoiler. Wallace and his team were replaced the headlamps with fixed, and then a front spoiler was added, faired-in units.

Recreation of 1970 Lamborghini Miura Jota owned by Walter Ronchi based of Miura P400S and called Millechiodi. (Picture from: SupercarNostalgia)

They also installed two smaller, sill-mounted fuel tanks to replace the single larger original unit. The suspension was also remade and widened (9" in the front, 12" in the rear), and four lightweight wheels were fitted. The engine included of those revamped to deliver approximately 418–440 bhp (312–328 kW) at 8,800 rpm, with an increased compression ratio, altered cams, electronic ignition, dry-sump lubrication, and a less restrictive exhaust system. 

Recreation of 1970 Lamborghini Miura Jota owned by Piet Pulford. (Picture from: Torque)

Completed in October 1970, the one-off Miura Jota exhibited impressive performance, achieving 0-60 mph in just 4 seconds with a top speed of 197 mph. Despite its sleek design and outstanding capabilities, the car failed to sway Ferruccio Lamborghini, the company's owner, known for his reluctance to indulge in racing events due to perceived financial extravagance.😓

The Jota, a masterpiece by Bob Wallace, never graced the racing circuits and instead became the most renowned creation of Lamborghini's special tuning department. The potential for the Jota to compete in the World Sportscar Championship against rivals like Ferrari 365 GTB/4C, Chevrolet Corvette, and Porsche 911 ST remained unrealized.

Recreation of 1970 Lamborghini Miura Jota owned by Piet Pulford. (Picture from: Torque)

After completing around 20,000 km of test mileage, Jota was then sold through a Brescia-based dealer, InterAuto to Dr. Alfredo Belponer, owner and president of the Scuderia Brescia Corse racing team. However, in April 1971, before reaching the owner's hands, the unfortunate fate befell the car when it crashed and caught on fire on an unopened ring road around the city of Brescia, only its engine could be salvaged with the rest being scrapped.😢

 

Although Lamborghini declined to produce additional Jota examples, the legacy endured through the creation of five Jota-inspired Miura SV/Js and the subsequent unveiling of the unique Miura SV/R.

 

In the aftermath of the Jota's destruction, the original owner, Walter Ronchi, commissioned a tribute car known as Millechiodi, built on a P400S base. Specially modified to mirror the specifications of the original Jota, this car stands as a testament to the indomitable spirit of innovation and passion within the Lamborghini community. Another Jota replica emerged, crafted by Chris Lawrence of Wymondham Engineering for British Lamborghini owner Piet Pulford, featuring chassis #3033.

In the ever-evolving saga of Lamborghini, the Miura Jota remains a poignant chapter, etching its legacy through its brief yet impactful existence and the subsequent tributes it inspired. The roaring spirit of the Jota lives on, an enduring symbol of Lamborghini's pursuit of excellence and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | CLASSICANDSPORTSCAR.COM | SUPERCARNOSTALGIA.COM | TORQUE ]

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