FAB WHEELS DIGEST (F.W.D.): 1968 Lamborghini Miura Roadster

The Lamborghini Miura is a sports car that was produced by Italian automaker Lamborghini between 1966 and 1973. Powered by a 3929cc V12, DOHC engine, the car is widely considered to have instigated the trend of high performance, two-seater, mid-engined sports cars. At launch, it was the fastest production road car available.

Here is the only factory built Miura Roadster (actually more of a targa-model, but without any removable roof). The car never had any form of top or side windows. It was created in 1968 by Marcello Gandini and Bertone for the Geneva Show that year. The factory had little money to pursue the development of this car and so it never went into production. The original paint applied to the original Miura Roadster was light blue metallic. The rocker panel and air scope were painted white. This car, chassis #3948, was more than just a chop job, it was dramatically different from production Miuras. It featured larger air intakes and a lower roll-over hoop which distinguished it from any other Miura. Other modifications included different taillights and a larger spoiler. As needed, the box section structure of the chassis was strengthened up to cope with additional loads usually absorbed by the roof.

After having been exhibited at several auto salons, the car was sold to the International Lead Zinc Research Organization (ILZRO) who turned it into a display-vehicle showcasing the possibilities of using zinc alloys in cars. The car was named the ZN 75 (see photos below). It was finished in chrome with a metallic green paint scheme over a black metallic base. The result was a dark green appearance. The interior was finished in brown suede upholstery. The new name of the vehicle, 'Zn-75', signified the periodic table of metals used during the reconstruction.

A few other Miuras have had their tops removed, but this Bertone Miura Roadster was the only factory open-top Miura. In 2006 the ZN 75 was purchased by New York City real estate developer Adam Gordon. Gordon had Bobilff Motorcars in San Diego, California return the car to its original Bertone Roadster form. The restored car was first shown in August 2008 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. (wikipedia, conceptcarz.com, ultimatecarpage.com & coachbuild.com)

Bertone Lamborghini Miura Spyder Original Form

(Photos from supercars.net & autowp.ru)

ILZRO Bertone Lamborghini Miura Spyder ZN 75

Extensive modifications cost ILZRO $200,000 USD in the 1968, an equivalent of $1,000,000 in 2003. Much of the changes involved replacing many of the detail components with chrome-plated zinc counterparts. Such parts including the wheels, steering wheel, side trim, wheel trim all showcase ILZRO s capabilities. Even more remarkable is the use of zinc in the mechanics. The exhaust system, valve covers, water pump housing, radiator, oil pump housing, transmission covers carburetors and velocity stacks were executed in zinc to very high standards. After replacing as many components as possible with zinc counterparts, ILZRO then had Bertone create a new grill, chrome body trim and side sills for the car. Before being attached, the body was then finished in a metallic golden-green. (supercars.net)