The Lamborghini Miura. Just the name evokes images of 1960s Italian glamour, groundbreaking design, and the raw power of a supercar that redefined automotive excellence. For enthusiasts, the Miura isn’t just a car; it’s a symbol of an era, a rolling sculpture, and a testament to Lamborghini’s audacious spirit. But what if one of these automotive icons wasn’t just a museum piece or a concours queen, but a cherished family secret, tucked away in a garage for decades? This is the captivating story of William Nielsen’s 1967 Lambo Miura P400, a true barn find with an incredible family history.
The Serendipitous Purchase of a Lambo Miura in the Midwest
In 1970, in the rather unassuming locale of Evanston, Illinois, William Nielsen’s grandmother’s cousin, an electrical engineer with a passion for cars, found himself at a crossroads. Already a dedicated “car guy” since his youth, he was seeking to upgrade his ride. While Ferrari was initially on his radar, his boss’s acquisition of one spurred him to look elsewhere for something unique.
Fate intervened through the Ulrich brothers, local auto shop owners who alerted him to a rare opportunity. A gentleman from Wisconsin was in town, showcasing not one, but two automotive masterpieces: a Lamborghini Miura and a Maserati Ghibli. To add some excitement, a race was arranged between these Italian stallions. As the story goes, the Miura emerged victorious, capturing the attention of the engineer. Intrigued and impressed, he discovered the owner was considering selling. Over the ensuing months, a deal was struck, and the Lamborghini Miura became his. Adding a touch of serendipitous charm, the Ulrich brothers, feeling a touch of conscience about the car’s minor needs, offered their expertise to help maintain and improve his newly acquired Lambo Miura.
Daily Driving a Dream: The Lambo Miura in Suburban Illinois
Imagine the sight in the 1970s: a vibrant Lamborghini Miura gracing the streets of Skokie, Illinois, driven daily to work. This wasn’t a weekend show car; this Lambo Miura was part of everyday life for its owner (excluding winter months, naturally). His engineering background shone through in his personal touches. Being an alarm system expert, he ingeniously installed a custom car alarm, a testament to his proactive nature. Furthermore, he wasn’t afraid to enhance the original design, even fabricating his own carburetor covers, which William Nielsen believes are aesthetically superior to the factory versions. These modifications, subtle yet significant, added to the unique character of this particular Lambo Miura.
Decades in Slumber: The Lambo Miura Barn Find Emerges
Towards the late 1980s, around 1988 or 1989, the Lambo Miura’s daily driver days came to a halt. Intending to address brake and clutch work, the owner parked it in his garage. Life, as it often does, intervened. The passing of his mother and other life events seemingly put the project on hold indefinitely. For young William Nielsen, born in 1984, the Lambo Miura became a mythical creature residing in the garage, a source of childhood fascination. While some family members didn’t quite grasp the allure of this sleeping beauty, William knew there was something special about this Italian icon gathering dust.
A Family Heirloom Reclaimed: The Lambo Miura Awakens
Fast forward to about two years ago, the family began considering the future of the Lambo Miura. As the original owner’s health declined, discussions arose about selling the car. This was William’s moment to step in. Recognizing the car’s profound family significance and inherent value, he advocated for a more thoughtful approach than a quick sale. While aware it was valuable, even William was unaware of the true extent of its worth in the burgeoning classic car market.
Seeking guidance, William contacted his friend Cam, a car enthusiast and mechanic. Through a family connection, the Lambo Miura was entrusted to William and Cam. For William, this wasn’t about a mere transaction; it was about reviving a family legacy. He partnered with Cam, determined to bring the Lambo Miura back to life, not just as a pristine restoration, but as a preserved piece of family history. This marked the beginning of a careful journey of research, planning, and collaborative effort, involving friends with expertise in engine work and mechanics. The decision was made early on: preservation, not full restoration, would be the guiding principle. The patina, the wear, the stories etched into the car’s surfaces – these were integral to its charm and history.
Lambo Miura at Car Week: Embracing Imperfection and History
The revived, yet unrestored, Lambo Miura made its debut at Car Week. For William, a first-time attendee, the experience was remarkable. The reception to their Miura was even more astounding. Amidst a sea of meticulously restored Miuras, including many celebrating the model’s 50th anniversary, William’s barn find Lambo Miura stood out. It consistently drew crowds, captivating onlookers with its originality and the palpable story it embodied. Even Lamborghini executives, some of whom had been with the company since the Miura’s inception in the 1960s, were captivated, appreciating the preserved original details that mirrored their memories. Judges, too, used it as a benchmark for comparison, recognizing the unique authenticity it represented.
The Thrill and Terror of Driving a Legend
Driving the Lambo Miura is described by William as “terrifying.” Still sporting its original tires, every drive is an exercise in cautious respect for its vintage nature. Yet, the driving experience is dominated by the sound. The unique “purr and cadence” of the engine is unforgettable. William recounts the exhilarating moment of first driving it after its long slumber, headlights still non-functional, in a parking lot at night – a testament to the raw, visceral appeal of the Lambo Miura, even in its imperfect state.
Sharing the Lambo Miura Legacy
William is keenly aware of the extraordinary fortune of owning such a car. While some friends react with envy or disbelief, William’s focus is on sharing the Lambo Miura experience. He brought his car-loving 14-year-old cousin to the photoshoot, and extends invitations to anyone interested in seeing or riding in the car. For William, the greatest reward from Car Week was not just the accolades, but the opportunity to share the Lambo Miura with others and witness their appreciation for its unique story and preserved legacy. This Lambo Miura is more than just a car; it’s a rolling piece of family and automotive history, brought back to life to be admired and shared.
