Lamborghini Miura P400
Four years ago, a new client walked through our doors with a challenge. He had purchased a Lamborghini Miura from a dealer, believing it to be a matching-numbers example in ready-to-drive condition. However, the moment he rolled it off the trailer, something felt wrong. Concerned, he sought a second opinion where his fears were confirmed – not only was the engine far from perfect, but it wasn’t the original.
Determined to make things right, he searched for a team with the expertise, craftsmanship, and dedication to restore the Miura to its former glory. That search led him to Thornley Kelham. The car arrived to us in pieces, with a poorly executed front clam repair and a host of other issues that meant there was only one way forward: a complete, uncompromising restoration.
As the restoration got underway, Simon Thornley shared a post about the project online. A few days later, a message appeared in his inbox, asking if the Miura was a specific chassis number. Intrigued, Simon confirmed the details. The response was astonishing: “I know where your engine is.”
It seemed too good to be true. The Miura’s engine is its beating heart, a masterpiece of engineering that combines its 3.9L V12 and transmission into a single aluminium casting. Each unit was uniquely paired to its chassis, making this discovery nothing short of extraordinary.
After a quick call with the owner, there was no debate – we had to buy it. When the original engine finally arrived, it became clear why it had disappeared from the car’s history. Decades of neglect had left it in dire shape, requiring a total rebuild.
We thrive on challenges like these. With meticulous craftsmanship and engineering expertise, we embarked on the painstaking process of restoring this Miura’s heart to its former glory.
Fast forward four years, and every last detail has restored to our signature standards of excellence. The car is a rare gem – one of only seven Miuras originally finished in silver-grey. The owner wanted as much factory-correct detail as possible, right down to the vinyl interior (most people opt for leather, but he was adamant about staying true to the period). There are a few deviations – SV wheels and a different sump – but otherwise, this Miura is as close to original as it gets.
