1972 Lamborghini Miura SV #5038

EX-1972 BARCELONA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW MIURA SV
Chassis #5038
Engine #30719 (stamps: block 09-10-71, front cylinder head 21-10-71, rear cylinder head 29-10-71)
Prod. #714 (814 on ID plate and throughout body as customary)
14 April 1972
Color - "Nero" (black, originally supplied in "Verde Miura")
Interior - "Pelle Nero" (black)

The full history of Miura SV 5038 could not have been compiled over the past year without the help of the following:
Werner "Ben" Heiderich ('Orulla') the original Spanish Lamborghini concessionaire, Antonio Palacin, Barcelona's automotive press photo archives, Barcelona's transportation ministry records, Dick Merritt at the USA Department of Transportation, Angus Lansing, Eddie Weschler, Wayne Obry, Bob Bennett, Rick Bunkfeldt & the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

April 14th 1972 - 5038 completed at Sant Agata as a factory-prepared Motor Show Car for the 1972 Barcelona International Motor Show. Our period factory source states that 5038 was also intended for Don Eduardo Miura Fernandez as directed by Ferruccio Lamborghini.

Production number 714, supplied to Spanish dealer and ex-Porsche* works racing team driver Werner "Ben" Heiderich, DBA Lamborghini Espanola s.a, General Mola 276, Madrid 16, AKA "Orulla".

The aforementioned factory source also states that Ferruccio Lamborghini received 2 SVs as part of his early 1972 share buyout, production nos 714 & 715. He kept 715 (5028) for himself and allocated 714 (5038) to his freind Don Edoardo Miura by way of Orulla for the Barcelona Motor Show - exactly as had been done with Don Edoardo Miura's first P400 (0961) 5 years earlier.

* Heiderich's relationship with Ferry Porsche not only allowed him a seat as a works Porsche endurance race driver (908s/917s/934s etc) circa 1967-1976, but also secured him the Porsche/VW distributorship for all of Spain. Heiderich enjoyed a similar close freindship with one Ferruccio Lamborghini and this granted him the Spanish Lamborghini distributorship from 1969 on.

Split sump engine 30719 (stamps: block 09-10-71, front head 21-10-71, rear head 29-10-71), air-conditioning option, 5038 is the only 1972 Miura SV finished in stunning "Verde Miura" (2.465.070, PPG paint code) and the last Miura of any kind completed in this classic Miura livery by the 'works'. Black leather interior (8500, Bertone upholstery code), steering-column ingnition key/lock, radio antenna (Becker Mexico radio-cassette specified on dealer invoice but not installed with no speaker holes cut). Prepared at Sant Agata for the Barcelona International Motor Show with the tradional yellow painted-on "Pirelli" script on the tires as per all works period Motor Show cars. Completed within the last batch of 50 SVs thus 5038 features minor revisions to chassis and body as supplied by Bertone's Grugliasco coachworks. 1 of 2 1972 SVs supplied to Spain and 1 of just 14 cars with the most sought after split-sump and A/C specification.

5038 is the final works-prepared Motor Show Miura under Ferruccio's factory tenure, featuring the SV in its final & ultimate split-sump with A/C specification, thus marking the end of an era. April 22nd to May 2nd 1972 - 8 days old, 5038 is featured at the Barcelona International Motor Show as prepared & shipped by the factory. The stunning car is photographed by the adoring Spanish press (see exclusive black & white images) and seen at the Plaza Espana by thousands of motoring enthusiasts gathering in Barcelona for the Formula One World Championship race* scheduled at the same site that weekend. 5038 is later featured in the official '1972 Salon Internacional del Automovil Barcelona' commemorative program.

* Montjuich street circuit in Barcelona was the site of some all-time great F1 victories: Nuvolari in the Alfa in '36, Stewart in the Tyrell in '71, Fittipaldi in the Lotus in '73. The circuit was closed after the'75 race during which 5 spectators were killed.

May 2nd 1972 - Sold to J.Desmond Titterington* (not Don Eduardo Miura as intended), a prosperous Irish flax & yarn merchant living in Lloret de Mar, Barcelona. 5038 was returned by the concessionaire immediately after the show to Sant Agata for fettling and post-production fitting of a number of accesories as specified - Carello Le Mans driving lamps, Britax 3-point shoulder harnesses etc. - appropriate equipment for an ex-racing driver!

*In the 1950s, Titterington was a talented member of the renowned 'Ecurie Ecosse' racing team racing Jaguar D -Types etc. The highlights of his racing career were and a fourth place in the 1955 Targa Florio in the famous Mercedes 300 SLR, on the same team as Fangio, Moss, etc (turning down an offer from Enzo Ferrari to drive a works-backed car in the process!), and a Formula One drive for Connaught in 1956. Titterington abbreviated his racing career to concentrate on the family business soon thereafter.

June 14th 1972 - 5038's original 1972 "Certificato di Origine" states "La Automobili Ferruccio Lamborghini S.p.A, dichiara: che la sottodesscritta autovettura e nuova di fabbrica, ed e stata construita nel proprio stabilimento di S.Agata Bolognes (Bologna)". The Certificato unfortunately provides little useful information other than to note the car's chassis number (5038) and year of construction (1972).

Factory memo to importer* detailing the work completed is titled: "Miura tipo SV no.5038 (Salone di Spagna) Modifiche per Lamborghini Espanola/ ORULLA". The document is dated "S. Agata Bo, 14/6/1972".

Excerpts from the memo note:
- "due fari tipo Carello supplemantari" (2 Carello driving lamps)
- "sicurezza a 3 punti Britax" (Britax 3 point shoulder harnesses)
- "trombette carburatori tipo competizione" (competition type carburetor trumpets - dual application with standard twin airboxes also supplied)
- 3 other minor modifications are noted completed as requested and a Sebring rear-view mirror is added to the driver's door.

The Carello Le Mans driving lamps were a period sporting feature, a must for touring, and were works-fitted for 5038 by modifying the front grille and mounting the lamps off the bonnett's actual framework. The lamps remain fully adjustable for height & direction.

The velocity trumpets were supplied with dome-shaped mesh screens already in place, are of the short-stack variety, and are specifically designed to fit neatly underneath the standard airboxes.

* In April 2005, importer Ben Heiderich could not recall being contacted by Edoardo Miura to take delivery of 5038 or why it was sold to ex-racer Titterington instead. However, Heiderich does recall that he was so enamoured with the lime green Motor Show Car as supplied to him by the factory, that it inspired him to keep for himself another Spanish-supplied SV (4958), which he still has as of 2005, 34 years later!

July 7th 1972 - 5038 first registered on Barcelona resident plates "B-0267-I" per records from the Barcelona 'Ministerio del Interior/Jefatura Provincial de Trafico' verified July 2004.

Maintained 1972 onwards at Orulla's service garage Luis y Carlos Kotnik (Luna 33-35, Sabadell) in Barcelona, and occaisionally at the works in Sant Agata. Titterington used 5038 extensively, travelling with it throughout Europe, the Cote D'Azur and often using it to attend European F1 Grand Prix races. Titterington's Ecurie Ecosse team badge was painted on the driver's door.

November 11th 1975 - Ownership changed to another Barcelona resident, Carmelo Blanco Jimenez on behalf of Titterington (who still owns the car) - same Barcelona registration number "B-0267-I" maintained, and Jimenez is noted as an employee. 5038 repainted in standard "Rosso Miura" by the Sant Agata works during repairs after Titterington accidentally flipped the rear hood open whilst driving by forgetting to engage the safety latch. Interior remains original black leather.

May 1983 - 5038 is featured in a major 7-page color article in the Spanish magazine AUTOMOVIL, entitled "Bajo El Signo De Toro" (Under The Sign Of The Bull) by Mario Chavalera. Titterington's ownership is mentioned in the article. 5038 is extensively photographed showing its Barcelona registration B-0267-I and its distinctive Carello Le Mans driving lamps. In 2005, Chavalera recounted that the car was handed over for the article by Titterington himself after the journalist visited him at home in Lloret deMar, Barcelona, where Titterington owned two restaurants.

August 18th 1983 - 5038 sold to USA oil-futures millionaire Angus Lansing, to join a 275 GTB Competizione in his Connecticut-based Ferrari/Porsche collection. Barcelona registration terminated effective that date. USA DOT & EPA releases obtained late 1983 as confirmed by Dick Merritt in 2004.

1986 - Sent to Ferrari restorer Wayne Obry's Motion Products for a total last-nut-and-bolt 3-year restoration. Coachwork & chassis by Wayne Obry & Bob Bennett (Bennett Coachworks, Milwaukee, Wisconsin), interior by John Kies, engine by Bob Wallace (Bob Wallace Cars Inc, Phoenix, Arizona), engine reinstallation/tuning by Rick Bunkfeldt (Vintage Motors). Restoration completed in early 1990.

The Jota-specification upgrades to engine 30719 (deep sump with baffles, transfer gear oiler lines, electronic ignition etc) as performed by Bob Wallace are 'par for the course' if a Miura SV engine is expected to be able to run at high rpm with a good degree of reliability over an increased mileage. As a matter-of-fact, if SV production had continued, these upgrades (which became factory-reccomended for cars returning to the works for engine maintenance in the mid-'70s on) would surely have been implemented as standard specification as the next logical stage of engine development. However, in spite of the internal & ancilliary upgrades to engine 30719, its basic split-sump configuration remains the same as installed in 5038 in 1972, and its current configuration as upgraded by Wallace will be kept in the instance of any future overhaul. It was decided that the preferred new paint color* would remain within the production SV paint color range as used by the coachbuilder Bertone in the period. Accordingly, black (nero) was chosen, the owner's logic being that not only did this satisfy any requirements should the car become eligible for an award at a prestigious concours such as Pebble Beach, but the universally accepted handsome black livery would not detract from the car's value in any way, in fact, in this case enhancing it somewhat. Whilst the original lime green is considered by most to be a stunning period color for a Miura, it is not to most's taste, and owners of a lime green sportscar will tell you that there are many days when they wished that the car was a more subtle shade! Most of all, Lansing recalled the black Miura bulls he had personally seen on his visit to Spain, majestic in all their muscular glory. "As black as the Miura bulls that the car was named after" became the definate and most appropriate choice.

*5038's non-metallic "Nero" color can be described as truly being jet-black and according to Bob Bennett, it was arrived at by using an ink-blue base and tinting it untill it was virtually indiscernible from black. In the bright California sunlight however, the paintwork gives off a distinct bluish tinge. Urethane enamel was the paint type used. As chosen by the car's previous owner, the sinister black-with-black current livery of the car makes it one of the most handsome Miura SVs extant.

1990 - Sold by Lansing to Ed "Fast Eddie" Weschler of Nashotah, Wisconsin to join an impressive Ferrari collection (250 TDF, 250 California Spyder etc). A racer of historic classic and competition cars, Weschler had owned a previous Miura SV and regarded 5038 as his ultimate Miura experience in terms of performance.

1993 - Shown by Weschler at the Chicago Historic Races at Elkhart Lake.

August 22nd 1993 - Shown by Weschler at the 43rd annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Class award winner with special commemorative plaque* as prize (installed on interior glovebox lid). The Pebble Beach plaque is a genuine item especially awarded by the Concours D'Elegance to 5038, commemorating its 1993 showing. A hand-made pewter item by designer Nicola Wood, it adorns the glovebox cover, and is marked with a serial number "37 of 350". The face of the plaque is inscribed with "43rd annual PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE, August 22nd 1993". A proud reminder of a high-point in the car's life. 5038 is the first-ever Miura to be invited to be shown at the world-renowned Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance and is thus also the first Pebble Beach award-winning Miura of any kind. A classic photograph exists of 5038 driving across the hallowed Pebble Beach awards ramp, a once-in-a-lifetime acheivement for an exclusive group of cars.

1999 - Sold to Florida-based Doug Schoch, who kept it stored at Bennett Coachworks in Milwaukee. Just 1,500 miles on the Wallace-built engine. Other than a 10-mile Interstate blast (during which Schoch says he acheived 150mph with ease), the car remained unused. Upon the reccomendation of a California based Miura enthusiast and fellow SV owner, Schoch consigned the car to the 2000 Brooks (now Bonhams) Quail Lodge auction.

August 2000 - 5038 is shown at the first-ever Miura Reunion, one of 27 Miuras and 8 SVs in attendance (both unquestionably world record attendance numbers for these rare classics).

The Brooks catalog stated: "Arguably the best in the world...built to the order of Spanish aristocrat Don Eduardo Miura*...a truly outstanding SV". Sold to Robert Jackson Pond of Palm Springs to join Pond's incredible collection of classic sportscars (125) and vintage warbirds (35).

July 2004 - Sold to a Southern California premier Miura enthusiast, via classic car specialists Morris & Welford. 1,800 miles since Obry/Wallace rebuild. Beautifully mellowed restoration and in excellent condition from paint to tires. The fastest Miura the new owner has driven, this includes 4 previously owned SVs. Carefull inspection of 5038 reveals body stamping number "814" that corresponds with the car's original production/body number in the following places: doors, underside of all 6 engine bay slats, topside lips of front and rear hoods, underside of front bumper, drainage lip below front passenger side windscreen, and on the riveted-on chassis ID plate. The original running-in (In Roddaggio) sticker remains affixed to the top passenger side of the windscreen. Removal of 5038's twin airboxes revealed the 12 original factory-fitted mesh-covered trumpets, still atop the carburators as specially installed by the works in May 1972. Today 5038 is run sans the all-too-restrictive 'boxes, which remain stored together with their mounting trays, in case of longer journeys on unfamiliar roads.

Long since removed, misplaced or stolen, the original works-fitted Britax 3-point harnesses were sought by the new owner. Fortunately, the owner's contacts yeided a pair of period 3-point Britax "Competition Harness Club Sport 1080" genuine items in 'like new' condition, finished in black webbing, exactly as fitted by the works in 1972! Britax belts were state-of-the-art competition harnesses in 1972 and it is really neat to see the original items back in place. The three anchorage points still remain in the car's floorpan and re-installation was a relatively easy task. The owner's "fitting and wearing instructions" manual complete with diagrams as produced by Britax [Wingard] Ltd, Byfleet, Surrey England, is an interesting period item and is with the car's original literature: owner's manual, warranty book, dealer network listing, SV sales brochure etc. Original Sebring mirror refitted in place of post-production unit acquired somewhere along the car's life, and a full set of original specification Pirelli CN12 tires refitted as when new. The CN12s in question have just 2000 miles on them and have a celebrated history* all their own. In spite of their age, they remain supple, crack-free, and just perfect for anything but irresponsible speeds. Classico vintage racing tubes have been installed as a safety precaution.

September 29th 2004 - Certificato d'Origine issued by Automobili Lamborghini SpA. Signed by Giorgio Gamberini. The factory* certificate states that Miura SV 5038 was built with engine number 30719 and finished in "Verde Miura" paint with a "pelle Nera" interior. Confirmation of some of what is already known, although nothing new is learned by the issuance of the rather simple & somewhat vague certificate which only indicates the car was built in "1972". By itself, the Certificato as issued by the current works has minimal historical value, without the addition of other corroborative documentation from the period.

*In keeping with a current practice as widely reported by owners of 1960s & 70s Lamborghinis, the factory declined to provide any further information on 5038 (although this was specifically & repeatedly requested), such as the build sheets, the work order, sales invoice etc, even though all such items belong with the car to which they apply (and the car's current custodian). It is fortunate indeed that the original importer of 5038 was located in order to complete the car's full & accurate history. The current factory's lack of "full disclosure" when it comes to the records of the cars it built only serves to prove the point that its records are incomplete and/or compromised, as has been seen time & again. Why else would the complete file not be immediately copied to the car's current owner upon request & proof of ownership?

December 2004 - Winter tuning & full service by Miura maven and Weber specialist Jeff Stephan. Engine leakdown test showed an average 207.5 ft lbs on each of the 12 cylinders! Odometer shows a genuine 40,981 miles (65,950 km). Post-service test confirms expectations: it flies!

Registered in California as Historical Vehicle "879 N".

March 2005 - Immortalised on the cover of the April 2005 issue of OCTANE magazine and in a major 10-page article on the SV, a collector's piece for Miura-lovers. The article states: "The car is simply breathtaking and is the ultimate representation of the Miura swan song". The driving test reports: "Foot down and this Miura literally explodes down the road, like a well-tuned racecar of the period".

The OCTANE article is one for the ages and comes as a fitting reward for the car's owner who has worked continuously in the promotion of these seminal supercars over the last 5 years.

April 14th 2005 - On the car's 33rd birthday, the owner turns down an unsolicited written offer for $450,000 generated as a result of the OCTANE article (limit of liability accordingly adjusted!).

Kept topped with 112-octane race fuel, the Ex-Barcelona Motor Show Miura SV is generally used for a weekend blast with a family member, along the inspiring Pacific Coast Highway route on particularly crisp California mornings... Four Triple-choke Weber carburetors could not be happier than being on full song at sea-level.

Summer 2005 - Car believed to have been sold by premier Miura enthusiast to Tom Stegman, Cincinati, Ohio based Ferrari collector for $450,000.

September 2005 - Miura SV 5038 shown by Tom Stegman at Ohio Concours D'Elegance. Winner of the "Award of Excellence" ahead of Ferraris, Maseratis, etc. New owner is delighted with the car stating that it is one of the fastest older cars he driven amongst his extensive collection. Former owner Joe Sackey sold the car directly to Tom Stegman and confirms the record sales price of $450k.

	*Miura P400 SV*		Last updated June 1, 2005
			EX-1972 BARCELONA INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW MIURA SV Chassis #5038 Engine #30719 (stamps: block 09-10-71, front cylinder head 21-10-71, rear cylinder head 29-10-71) Prod. #714 (814 on ID plate and throughout body as customary) 14 April 1972 Color - "Nero" (black, originally supplied in "Verde Miura") Interior - "Pelle Nero" (black) The full history of Miura SV 5038 could not have been compiled over the past year without the help of the following: Werner "Ben" Heiderich ('Orulla') the original Spanish Lamborghini concessionaire, Antonio Palacin, Barcelona's automotive press photo archives, Barcelona's transportation ministry records, Dick Merritt at the USA Department of Transportation, Angus Lansing, Eddie Weschler, Wayne Obry, Bob Bennett, Rick Bunkfeldt & the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. April 14th 1972 - 5038 completed at Sant Agata as a factory-prepared Motor Show Car for the 1972 Barcelona International Motor Show. Our period factory source states that 5038 was also intended for Don Eduardo Miura Fernandez as directed by Ferruccio Lamborghini. Production number 714, supplied to Spanish dealer and ex-Porsche* works racing team driver Werner "Ben" Heiderich, DBA Lamborghini Espanola s.a, General Mola 276, Madrid 16, AKA "Orulla". The aforementioned factory source also states that Ferruccio Lamborghini received 2 SVs as part of his early 1972 share buyout, production nos 714 & 715. He kept 715 (5028) for himself and allocated 714 (5038) to his freind Don Edoardo Miura by way of Orulla for the Barcelona Motor Show - exactly as had been done with Don Edoardo Miura's first P400 (0961) 5 years earlier. * Heiderich's relationship with Ferry Porsche not only allowed him a seat as a works Porsche endurance race driver (908s/917s/934s etc) circa 1967-1976, but also secured him the Porsche/VW distributorship for all of Spain. Heiderich enjoyed a similar close freindship with one Ferruccio Lamborghini and this granted him the Spanish Lamborghini distributorship from 1969 on. Split sump engine 30719 (stamps: block 09-10-71, front head 21-10-71, rear head 29-10-71), air-conditioning option, 5038 is the only 1972 Miura SV finished in stunning "Verde Miura" (2.465.070, PPG paint code) and the last Miura of any kind completed in this classic Miura livery by the 'works'. Black leather interior (8500, Bertone upholstery code), steering-column ingnition key/lock, radio antenna (Becker Mexico radio-cassette specified on dealer invoice but not installed with no speaker holes cut). Prepared at Sant Agata for the Barcelona International Motor Show with the tradional yellow painted-on "Pirelli" script on the tires as per all works period Motor Show cars. Completed within the last batch of 50 SVs thus 5038 features minor revisions to chassis and body as supplied by Bertone's Grugliasco coachworks. 1 of 2 1972 SVs supplied to Spain and 1 of just 14 cars with the most sought after split-sump and A/C specification. 5038 is the final works-prepared Motor Show Miura under Ferruccio's factory tenure, featuring the SV in its final & ultimate split-sump with A/C specification, thus marking the end of an era. April 22nd to May 2nd 1972 - 8 days old, 5038 is featured at the Barcelona International Motor Show as prepared & shipped by the factory. The stunning car is photographed by the adoring Spanish press (see exclusive black & white images) and seen at the Plaza Espana by thousands of motoring enthusiasts gathering in Barcelona for the Formula One World Championship race* scheduled at the same site that weekend. 5038 is later featured in the official '1972 Salon Internacional del Automovil Barcelona' commemorative program. * Montjuich street circuit in Barcelona was the site of some all-time great F1 victories: Nuvolari in the Alfa in '36, Stewart in the Tyrell in '71, Fittipaldi in the Lotus in '73. The circuit was closed after the'75 race during which 5 spectators were killed. May 2nd 1972 - Sold to J.Desmond Titterington* (not Don Eduardo Miura as intended), a prosperous Irish flax & yarn merchant living in Lloret de Mar, Barcelona. 5038 was returned by the concessionaire immediately after the show to Sant Agata for fettling and post-production fitting of a number of accesories as specified - Carello Le Mans driving lamps, Britax 3-point shoulder harnesses etc. - appropriate equipment for an ex-racing driver! In the 1950s, Titterington was a talented member of the renowned 'Ecurie Ecosse' racing team racing Jaguar D -Types etc. The highlights of his racing career were and a fourth place in the 1955 Targa Florio in the famous Mercedes 300 SLR, on the same team as Fangio, Moss, etc (turning down an offer from Enzo Ferrari to drive a works-backed car in the process!), and a Formula One drive for Connaught in 1956. Titterington abbreviated his racing career to concentrate on the family business soon thereafter. June 14th 1972 - 5038's original 1972 "Certificato di Origine" states "La Automobili Ferruccio Lamborghini S.p.A, dichiara: che la sottodesscritta autovettura e nuova di fabbrica, ed e stata construita nel proprio stabilimento di S.Agata Bolognes (Bologna)". The Certificato unfortunately provides little useful information other than to note the car's chassis number (5038) and year of construction (1972). Factory memo to importer detailing the work completed is titled: "Miura tipo SV no.5038 (Salone di Spagna) Modifiche per Lamborghini Espanola/ ORULLA". The document is dated "S. Agata Bo, 14/6/1972". Excerpts from the memo note: - "due fari tipo Carello supplemantari" (2 Carello driving lamps) - "sicurezza a 3 punti Britax" (Britax 3 point shoulder harnesses) - "trombette carburatori tipo competizione" (competition type carburetor trumpets - dual application with standard twin airboxes also supplied) - 3 other minor modifications are noted completed as requested and a Sebring rear-view mirror is added to the driver's door. The Carello Le Mans driving lamps were a period sporting feature, a must for touring, and were works-fitted for 5038 by modifying the front grille and mounting the lamps off the bonnett's actual framework. The lamps remain fully adjustable for height & direction. The velocity trumpets were supplied with dome-shaped mesh screens already in place, are of the short-stack variety, and are specifically designed to fit neatly underneath the standard airboxes. * In April 2005, importer Ben Heiderich could not recall being contacted by Edoardo Miura to take delivery of 5038 or why it was sold to ex-racer Titterington instead. However, Heiderich does recall that he was so enamoured with the lime green Motor Show Car as supplied to him by the factory, that it inspired him to keep for himself another Spanish-supplied SV (4958), which he still has as of 2005, 34 years later! July 7th 1972 - 5038 first registered on Barcelona resident plates "B-0267-I" per records from the Barcelona 'Ministerio del Interior/Jefatura Provincial de Trafico' verified July 2004. Maintained 1972 onwards at Orulla's service garage Luis y Carlos Kotnik (Luna 33-35, Sabadell) in Barcelona, and occaisionally at the works in Sant Agata. Titterington used 5038 extensively, travelling with it throughout Europe, the Cote D'Azur and often using it to attend European F1 Grand Prix races. Titterington's Ecurie Ecosse team badge was painted on the driver's door. November 11th 1975 - Ownership changed to another Barcelona resident, Carmelo Blanco Jimenez on behalf of Titterington (who still owns the car) - same Barcelona registration number "B-0267-I" maintained, and Jimenez is noted as an employee. 5038 repainted in standard "Rosso Miura" by the Sant Agata works during repairs after Titterington accidentally flipped the rear hood open whilst driving by forgetting to engage the safety latch. Interior remains original black leather. May 1983 - 5038 is featured in a major 7-page color article in the Spanish magazine AUTOMOVIL, entitled "Bajo El Signo De Toro" (Under The Sign Of The Bull) by Mario Chavalera. Titterington's ownership is mentioned in the article. 5038 is extensively photographed showing its Barcelona registration B-0267-I and its distinctive Carello Le Mans driving lamps. In 2005, Chavalera recounted that the car was handed over for the article by Titterington himself after the journalist visited him at home in Lloret deMar, Barcelona, where Titterington owned two restaurants. August 18th 1983 - 5038 sold to USA oil-futures millionaire Angus Lansing, to join a 275 GTB Competizione in his Connecticut-based Ferrari/Porsche collection. Barcelona registration terminated effective that date. USA DOT & EPA releases obtained late 1983 as confirmed by Dick Merritt in 2004. 1986 - Sent to Ferrari restorer Wayne Obry's Motion Products for a total last-nut-and-bolt 3-year restoration. Coachwork & chassis by Wayne Obry & Bob Bennett (Bennett Coachworks, Milwaukee, Wisconsin), interior by John Kies, engine by Bob Wallace (Bob Wallace Cars Inc, Phoenix, Arizona), engine reinstallation/tuning by Rick Bunkfeldt (Vintage Motors). Restoration completed in early 1990. The Jota-specification upgrades to engine 30719 (deep sump with baffles, transfer gear oiler lines, electronic ignition etc) as performed by Bob Wallace are 'par for the course' if a Miura SV engine is expected to be able to run at high rpm with a good degree of reliability over an increased mileage. As a matter-of-fact, if SV production had continued, these upgrades (which became factory-reccomended for cars returning to the works for engine maintenance in the mid-'70s on) would surely have been implemented as standard specification as the next logical stage of engine development. However, in spite of the internal & ancilliary upgrades to engine 30719, its basic split-sump configuration remains the same as installed in 5038 in 1972, and its current configuration as upgraded by Wallace will be kept in the instance of any future overhaul. It was decided that the preferred new paint color* would remain within the production SV paint color range as used by the coachbuilder Bertone in the period. Accordingly, black (nero) was chosen, the owner's logic being that not only did this satisfy any requirements should the car become eligible for an award at a prestigious concours such as Pebble Beach, but the universally accepted handsome black livery would not detract from the car's value in any way, in fact, in this case enhancing it somewhat. Whilst the original lime green is considered by most to be a stunning period color for a Miura, it is not to most's taste, and owners of a lime green sportscar will tell you that there are many days when they wished that the car was a more subtle shade! Most of all, Lansing recalled the black Miura bulls he had personally seen on his visit to Spain, majestic in all their muscular glory. "As black as the Miura bulls that the car was named after" became the definate and most appropriate choice. 5038's non-metallic "Nero" color can be described as truly being jet-black and according to Bob Bennett, it was arrived at by using an ink-blue base and tinting it untill it was virtually indiscernible from black. In the bright California sunlight however, the paintwork gives off a distinct bluish tinge. Urethane enamel was the paint type used. As chosen by the car's previous owner, the sinister black-with-black current livery of the car makes it one of the most handsome Miura SVs extant. 1990 - Sold by Lansing to Ed "Fast Eddie" Weschler of Nashotah, Wisconsin to join an impressive Ferrari collection (250 TDF, 250 California Spyder etc). A racer of historic classic and competition cars, Weschler had owned a previous Miura SV and regarded 5038 as his ultimate Miura experience in terms of performance. 1993 - Shown by Weschler at the Chicago Historic Races at Elkhart Lake. August 22nd 1993 - Shown by Weschler at the 43rd annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Class award winner with special commemorative plaque as prize (installed on interior glovebox lid). The Pebble Beach plaque is a genuine item especially awarded by the Concours D'Elegance to 5038, commemorating its 1993 showing. A hand-made pewter item by designer Nicola Wood, it adorns the glovebox cover, and is marked with a serial number "37 of 350". The face of the plaque is inscribed with "43rd annual PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE, August 22nd 1993". A proud reminder of a high-point in the car's life. 5038 is the first-ever Miura to be invited to be shown at the world-renowned Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance and is thus also the first Pebble Beach award-winning Miura of any kind. A classic photograph exists of 5038 driving across the hallowed Pebble Beach awards ramp, a once-in-a-lifetime acheivement for an exclusive group of cars. 1999 - Sold to Florida-based Doug Schoch, who kept it stored at Bennett Coachworks in Milwaukee. Just 1,500 miles on the Wallace-built engine. Other than a 10-mile Interstate blast (during which Schoch says he acheived 150mph with ease), the car remained unused. Upon the reccomendation of a California based Miura enthusiast and fellow SV owner, Schoch consigned the car to the 2000 Brooks (now Bonhams) Quail Lodge auction. August 2000 - 5038 is shown at the first-ever Miura Reunion, one of 27 Miuras and 8 SVs in attendance (both unquestionably world record attendance numbers for these rare classics). The Brooks catalog stated: "Arguably the best in the world...built to the order of Spanish aristocrat Don Eduardo Miura...a truly outstanding SV". Sold to Robert Jackson Pond of Palm Springs to join Pond's incredible collection of classic sportscars (125) and vintage warbirds (35). July 2004 - Sold to a Southern California premier Miura enthusiast, via classic car specialists Morris & Welford. 1,800 miles since Obry/Wallace rebuild. Beautifully mellowed restoration and in excellent condition from paint to tires. The fastest Miura the new owner has driven, this includes 4 previously owned SVs. Carefull inspection of 5038 reveals body stamping number "814" that corresponds with the car's original production/body number in the following places: doors, underside of all 6 engine bay slats, topside lips of front and rear hoods, underside of front bumper, drainage lip below front passenger side windscreen, and on the riveted-on chassis ID plate. The original running-in (In Roddaggio) sticker remains affixed to the top passenger side of the windscreen. Removal of 5038's twin airboxes revealed the 12 original factory-fitted mesh-covered trumpets, still atop the carburators as specially installed by the works in May 1972. Today 5038 is run sans the all-too-restrictive 'boxes, which remain stored together with their mounting trays, in case of longer journeys on unfamiliar roads. Long since removed, misplaced or stolen, the original works-fitted Britax 3-point harnesses were sought by the new owner. Fortunately, the owner's contacts yeided a pair of period 3-point Britax "Competition Harness Club Sport 1080" genuine items in 'like new' condition, finished in black webbing, exactly as fitted by the works in 1972! Britax belts were state-of-the-art competition harnesses in 1972 and it is really neat to see the original items back in place. The three anchorage points still remain in the car's floorpan and re-installation was a relatively easy task. The owner's "fitting and wearing instructions" manual complete with diagrams as produced by Britax [Wingard] Ltd, Byfleet, Surrey England, is an interesting period item and is with the car's original literature: owner's manual, warranty book, dealer network listing, SV sales brochure etc. Original Sebring mirror refitted in place of post-production unit acquired somewhere along the car's life, and a full set of original specification Pirelli CN12 tires refitted as when new. The CN12s in question have just 2000 miles on them and have a celebrated history all their own. In spite of their age, they remain supple, crack-free, and just perfect for anything but irresponsible speeds. Classico vintage racing tubes have been installed as a safety precaution. September 29th 2004 - Certificato d'Origine issued by Automobili Lamborghini SpA. Signed by Giorgio Gamberini. The factory* certificate states that Miura SV 5038 was built with engine number 30719 and finished in "Verde Miura" paint with a "pelle Nera" interior. Confirmation of some of what is already known, although nothing new is learned by the issuance of the rather simple & somewhat vague certificate which only indicates the car was built in "1972". By itself, the Certificato as issued by the current works has minimal historical value, without the addition of other corroborative documentation from the period. *In keeping with a current practice as widely reported by owners of 1960s & 70s Lamborghinis, the factory declined to provide any further information on 5038 (although this was specifically & repeatedly requested), such as the build sheets, the work order, sales invoice etc, even though all such items belong with the car to which they apply (and the car's current custodian). It is fortunate indeed that the original importer of 5038 was located in order to complete the car's full & accurate history. The current factory's lack of "full disclosure" when it comes to the records of the cars it built only serves to prove the point that its records are incomplete and/or compromised, as has been seen time & again. Why else would the complete file not be immediately copied to the car's current owner upon request & proof of ownership? December 2004 - Winter tuning & full service by Miura maven and Weber specialist Jeff Stephan. Engine leakdown test showed an average 207.5 ft lbs on each of the 12 cylinders! Odometer shows a genuine 40,981 miles (65,950 km). Post-service test confirms expectations: it flies! Registered in California as Historical Vehicle "879 N". March 2005 - Immortalised on the cover of the April 2005 issue of OCTANE magazine and in a major 10-page article on the SV, a collector's piece for Miura-lovers. The article states: "The car is simply breathtaking and is the ultimate representation of the Miura swan song". The driving test reports: "Foot down and this Miura literally explodes down the road, like a well-tuned racecar of the period". The OCTANE article is one for the ages and comes as a fitting reward for the car's owner who has worked continuously in the promotion of these seminal supercars over the last 5 years. April 14th 2005 - On the car's 33rd birthday, the owner turns down an unsolicited written offer for $450,000 generated as a result of the OCTANE article (limit of liability accordingly adjusted!). Kept topped with 112-octane race fuel, the Ex-Barcelona Motor Show Miura SV is generally used for a weekend blast with a family member, along the inspiring Pacific Coast Highway route on particularly crisp California mornings... Four Triple-choke Weber carburetors could not be happier than being on full song at sea-level. Summer 2005 - Car believed to have been sold by premier Miura enthusiast to Tom Stegman, Cincinati, Ohio based Ferrari collector for $450,000. September 2005 - Miura SV 5038 shown by Tom Stegman at Ohio Concours D'Elegance. Winner of the "Award of Excellence" ahead of Ferraris, Maseratis, etc. New owner is delighted with the car stating that it is one of the fastest older cars he driven amongst his extensive collection. Former owner Joe Sackey sold the car directly to Tom Stegman and confirms the record sales price of $450k.