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A Closer Look31 January 2023 by Encycaropedia 498 Viewed

1970 Lamborghini Miura P-400 Jota, If Lambo Was a Race Car

The origin

Lamborghini was never intended to appear in a race because Ferruccio Lamborghini wanted to focus on being supreme on road, not track. Bob Wallace, on the other hand, believed that Lamborghini cars are potentially competitive racers. The chief test-driver of Lamborghini could persuade Ferruccio to let him modify 3 models and build a race version of each to see what a race Lambo would be like. The 1st one was a Miura, based on a P-400 and modified to comply with the “J” series of the FIA races. So it was named after the pronunciation of J in the Spanish alphabet, Jota.

The engine was well boosted by utilizing a dry-sump lubrication, different camshafts and also increasing the compression ratio, along with many other changes in different parts, enabled to rev up to 8800 rpm and unleash up to 440 bhp. The gearbox and exhaust system were also replaced with the race versions and the suspension was widened. In order to reduce weight, the steel chassis floor and most of the bodywork were remade of Avional, a high strength and light aluminum alloy. New Campagnolo wider yet lighter magnesium wheels were installed, the side windows and the headlights were replaced with fixed plastic ones, the interior was stripped off, the dashboard was replaced with a just-essentials one. All extra instruments were also eliminated reducing the overall weight to around 900 kg. The car also received aerodynamic modifications, with the front spoiler for example, attached to retaliate the uplift Miura’s nose faced at high speeds. To have a perfect weight distribution, the single fuel tank was replaced with two 60-liter ones fitted into side sills. Besides, some vents were cut wherever needed on the bodywork for better ventilation.

Almost everything was purposefully modified and all the above mentioned were just a few general ones. The raging bull was now ready to charge. It was test driven by Bob on Pirelli test tracks for around 20/000 km, but not being intended to race and because of some financial problems of the company, the one and only Jota was sold to Inter-Auto in Brescia, Italy.

Not long after, the car crashed on a bridge during a test drive, one of the side tanks was busted and the car was burned to the ground beyond repair. There was no Jota anymore but with the new Miura SV model available, several customers wanted their cars to be upgraded to Jota edition, including the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. These examples are known as SVJ and not identical to the original Lamborghini Miura Jota, because they were road cars after all.

Piet Pulford, an English Lamborghini enthusiast, decided to reincarnate the legendary Lamborghini Miura Jota as a replica, getting help from Bob Wallace himself, living in Arizona at the time. A wrecked Miura chassis No. 3033 was purchased, delivered to Wymondham Engineering in Norfolk and the masterpiece started being developed by the hands of many engineers and mechanics, including Chris Lawrence and Roger Constable who played a great role, under Bob’s tele-supervision. After a nearly 15-year effort, Jota was reborn in 2003, “and even better than the original”, Wallace believed.

Technical specifications

The Lamborghini Miura Jota was/is a mid-engine race-car powered by a boosted P400 engine, a natural aspirated V12 @ 60° with an alloy block mounted transversely and transformed to a dry-sump, featuring 2 valves/cyl layout and using 2 overhead camshafts driven by chain. The engine was fed by 4 Weber 3-choke 46 IDL carburetors and the ignition system was replaced with an all-different electronic one using 2 coils and Marelli distributors. It had the same bore/stroke ratio of 82/62 mm, but with increased compression ratio of 11.5/1. With a total displacement of 3929cc, the mighty engine could produce up to 440 bhp @ 8500 rpm of power and 403 Nm @ 6500 rpm of torque, well enough to propel the 900 kg car to the speed of 100 km/h in around 3.6 s and a top speed of 320 km/h through a 5-speed gearbox but with closer ratios and a ZF differential. Jota used a wider, all independent suspension system which was parallelogram arms with coil springs and adjustable Koni telescopic shock absorbers in both front and rear. It also featured ventilated disc brakes on all 4 wheels.

the author

Encycaropedia

Blogger and car enthusiast. You can follow him on instagram under the name "Car Encyclopedia".

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Carlos Herrera
Carlos Herrera
3 years ago

Is the “Millechiodi” also a “Jota” ?

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Carlo Pinin
Carlo Pinin
3 years ago

Non male con i fanali alternativi

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Mark84
Mark84
3 years ago

how much are those worth now?

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Prince Skyline Sport Allemano

The end of World War II left Japan in a difficult position, having to transition its industries from military production to civilian use. This challenge was particularly tough since Japan, like Germany and Italy, was a defeated nation. However, Japan’s ability to adapt would set the stage for one of the most exciting collaborations in automotive history.

Among the companies responsible for this transformation were Tachikawa and Nakajima, two of Japan’s leading aviation companies. Tasked with shifting to civilian production, Tachikawa (later known as Tokyo Electric Cars) began building electric cars in 1947. Their first model, the Tama, was followed by a slightly larger Junior, and eventually, the Senior.

In the early 1950s, Japan’s evolving automotive landscape saw a shift from electric-powered cars to gasoline engines. By the end of 1951, the Tama Senior was fitted with a 1.5-liter petrol engine, a shift that led to the creation of the Prince Sedan in 1952. This was the beginning of Prince Motor Company, which was named in honor of the official investiture of Crown Prince Akihito.

In 1954, Fuji Precision Machinery (formerly Nakajima) acquired Prince Motor Company and embarked on producing automobiles under the Prince brand. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Japan’s automotive history.

The Birth of the Skyline and the Search for European Inspiration

By the late 1950s, Prince Motor Company had gained recognition in Japan for its innovative vehicles, such as the Prince Sedan and the Skyline (introduced in 1957). However, the company sought to take their vehicles to a new level—focusing on luxury, performance, and innovation. To do so, they looked westward, to Europe, for inspiration.

Europe was home to some of the most prestigious automotive brands, and Fuji Precision Machinery executives wanted a vehicle that could rival the best of Europe. This aspiration led them to Italy, where they arranged a pivotal meeting at the Salone dell’Automobile (Turin Motor Show) with Carrozzeria Allemano, a respected coachbuilder with ties to Italian designer Giovanni Michelotti.

The collaboration between Japan and Italy led to the creation of the Prince Skyline Sport, a car that would redefine the trajectory of Japan’s automotive design. This groundbreaking partnership merged Japanese engineering with Italian artistry, setting a new standard for style and innovation. The success of this collaboration inspired other Japanese manufacturers to partner with Italy’s legendary design houses, creating some of the most iconic vehicles of the 1960s.

Mazda, for example, worked with Bertone, enlisting the renowned Giorgetto Giugiaro to design the Familia, a compact car that skillfully blended European elegance with Japanese practicality. In 1963, Daihatsu teamed up with Vignale to produce the Compagno, along with its sporty variants: the Sport Spider and Coupé; which reflected a uniquely Italian flair. The following year, Pininfarina collaborated with Datsun to craft a sleek new look for the Bluebird, a move that helped the car gain global recognition. By 1965, Isuzu joined forces with Ghia to design the Bellett II, a concept car that showcased bold and forward-thinking design elements.

These partnerships went beyond aesthetics; they helped establish a global identity for Japanese automakers. By working with Italy’s most respected design houses, Japanese manufacturers gained fresh perspectives on styling while enhancing their reputation for innovation and quality. These collaborations not only transformed the appearance of Japanese cars but also elevated their appeal to international markets, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.

A Handcrafted Masterpiece

Under the direction of Giovanni Michelotti, one of Italy’s most respected automotive designers, the Skyline Sport would be an example of high-end craftsmanship. Initially, the first series of prototypes were built by Carrozzeria Allemano, known for its hand-built bodies. Later, a second series of production would be completed by Carrozzeria Michelotti, adding the final touch to this luxury vehicle.

The Skyline Sport was designed as a two-door coupe with sleek, flowing lines and a sporty yet elegant appearance. Michelotti’s design incorporated canted headlights, angled downward at the inside corners—a feature seen in other high-end vehicles like the Lincoln Continental and Buick during the late 1950s and early 1960s.

At the heart of the Skyline Sport was a 1.9-liter GB-4 engine that generated 94 horsepower, giving it a top speed of 150 km/h. Despite weighing in at 1,350 kg, the car’s handling was remarkably smooth, thanks to a double-wishbone front suspension and a De Dion rear axle, technologies that were innovative for its time.

The Prince Skyline Sport: A Bold Statement

The Skyline Sport debuted at the 1960 Turin Motor Show, where it garnered international attention for its bold design and luxury features. Available in both a coupe and a convertible version, it was a striking example of Italian design combined with Japanese engineering. Its clean lines, striking front grille, and eye-catching details made it a standout at the show.

But its beauty was more than skin deep. The Skyline Sport was a car that delivered in terms of both aesthetics and performance. With its meticulously crafted body, luxurious interior, and advanced suspension, the car offered an exceptional driving experience that rivaled the finest European vehicles of the era.

The Prince Skyline Sport made its official appearance in Japan at the 1962 Tokyo Motor Show, where it was met with great enthusiasm due to its elegant lines and striking design. With its sleek coupe and convertible versions, the car showcased a perfect blend of Italian craftsmanship and Japanese engineering, captivating the crowd with its sophisticated aesthetic. However, the Skyline Sport came with a hefty price tag of 1.85 million yen, more than twice the cost of a standard sedan. This steep price limited its appeal in Japan’s domestic market, making it a rare and exclusive collector’s item. Despite its high price, the car gained significant exposure through its prominent feature in Toho films, strategically marketed to heighten its status as a luxury icon.

A Historic Collaboration and Legacy

The Prince Skyline Sport is historically significant as the first collaboration between an Italian designer and a Japanese automaker, setting a precedent for future cross-cultural partnerships in the automotive world. It was a testament to the universal appeal of Italian design and the skill of Michelotti and Carrozzeria Allemano. The Skyline Sport bridged cultural and geographical boundaries, bringing together the best of both worlds to create a truly exceptional car.

Though the Skyline Sport never achieved high sales numbers, with only 60 to 200 units produced, its impact on the automotive industry cannot be overstated. It paved the way for later models like the Skyline GT-R and helped establish the Prince Laurel, another model that would become iconic in Japan.

The Skyline Sport also marked the beginning of Prince Motor Company’s shift toward luxury vehicles. This emphasis on quality and refinement would continue after Nissan’s acquisition of Prince Motors in 1966, with the Skyline Sport serving as a precursor to future generations of luxury cars from Japan.

The Prince Skyline Sport was more than just a car—it was a statement of innovation, craftsmanship, and the power of international collaboration. The partnership between Giovanni Michelotti, Carrozzeria Allemano, and Prince Motor Company created a vehicle that showcased the best of both Italian design and Japanese engineering.

Though limited in production and availability, the Skyline Sport remains an important part of automotive history. It stands as a symbol of the potential for global partnerships to create groundbreaking designs, and its legacy continues to inspire the automotive world today.

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