What’s the Coolest Old Car? Why the Lamborghini Miura Still Wears the Crown

The Lamborghini Miura—especially the late-production P400 SV—is widely regarded as the coolest old car: a mid‑engine, V12 masterpiece that blended radical engineering with poster‑on‑the‑wall beauty and rock‑star mystique. While “cool” is subjective and icons like the Jaguar E‑Type, Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS, and Mercedes 300SL all have strong cases, the Miura’s combination of design shock, innovation, and cultural impact keeps it at the top of the pecking order for many enthusiasts and historians.

Contents

What Makes a Car “Cool” Across Generations
The Case for the Lamborghini Miura
Money, Rarity, and the Market (2024–2025)
Top Rivals That Make a Strong Case
Owning, Maintaining, and Authenticating a Miura
Why Not Choose Another “Coolest”?
Bottom Line
Summary

What Makes a Car “Cool” Across Generations

Before crowning any classic, it helps to define the ingredients that make a car enduringly cool rather than merely fast, rare, or expensive. The following criteria are commonly used by designers, collectors, and historians when they talk about “cool.”

Arresting design: a shape that stops time, looks daring in period, and remains fresh decades later.

Technical audacity: innovations that changed how cars were built or perceived.

Performance with personality: speed and dynamics that feel distinctive, not generic.

Cultural imprint: film, music, and art references that elevate the car into a symbol.

Rarity and narrative: a compelling origin story, limited numbers, or famous owners.

Sound and sensation: an engine note and driving feel that become part of the legend.

Legacy: clear influence on later models and the broader industry.

Judged by these measures, the Miura checks every box—arguably more completely than any of its peers.

The Case for the Lamborghini Miura

Design and Drama

Styled at Bertone by a young Marcello Gandini, the Miura stunned the 1966 Geneva Motor Show with a sliver‑thin silhouette, sweeping clamshell bodywork, and delicate “eyelash” headlamp surrounds on early cars. It looked like nothing else on the road—low, wide, and impossibly glamorous—and it still turns modern traffic into an audience.

Engineering Firsts

The Miura was the car that made the mid‑engined layout fashionable for roadgoing exotics. Its transverse, 3.9‑liter DOHC V12 sat behind the seats, initially sharing lubrication with the gearbox before later cars gained separate systems. The concept was born from bold in‑house engineering (notably Gian Paolo Dallara and Paolo Stanzani) and set the template for the supercars that followed.

Performance and Specs

Outputs varied by version, but the P400 SV (1971–1973) is the definitive evolution, quoted around 380–385 hp with revised carburation and suspension, a wider rear track, and bigger rubber. Period figures and well‑sorted examples suggest a top speed approaching 180 mph, with 0–60 mph in the mid‑5‑second range—still rapid today. The soundtrack from six Weber triple‑choke carburetors feeding a 12‑cylinder symphony remains an event.

Culture and Myth

The Miura became a pop‑culture idol. It opened the 1969 film The Italian Job in unforgettable fashion, graced bedroom posters worldwide, and attracted celebrity owners from rock stars to movie icons. A quote often attributed to Frank Sinatra—“You buy a Ferrari when you want to be somebody; you buy a Lamborghini when you are somebody”—captures the Miura’s swagger as well as anything.

How It Drives Today

At parking speeds, the steering and clutch are weight‑training; at pace, the chassis wakes up with poise and surprising compliance. The cabin can run hot, and the car demands mechanical sympathy—part of its charisma. A good Miura is alive in your hands, trading clinical precision for theater and feel. That, too, is cool.

Money, Rarity, and the Market (2024–2025)

Values are dynamic, but recent auction results and private sales provide a consistent picture of the Miura market. Here’s a broad guide to where major variants tend to trade today, assuming strong provenance and condition.

P400 (1966–1969): commonly seen around $1.5M–$2.2M; exceptional, documented cars can go higher.

P400 S (1969–1971): typically $1.8M–$2.6M, with top, original examples pushing beyond.

P400 SV (1971–1973): often $3.0M–$5.0M depending on specification; best‑of‑the‑best cars can exceed that.

Factory SVJ/Jota‑related cars: exceedingly rare; sales are sparse and often private, with prices that can surpass $6M+ when provenance is unimpeachable.

As always, originality, matching‑numbers driveline, documented history, expert restoration, and desirable colors/specs move the needle. Split‑sump SVs and cars certified by Lamborghini’s Polo Storico often command premiums.

Top Rivals That Make a Strong Case

If your definition of cool skews toward elegance, motorsport pedigree, or everyday usability, several icons might be your personal number one. These rivals remain perennial favorites for good reason.

Jaguar E‑Type Series 1 (1961–1967): Enzo Ferrari reportedly called it “the most beautiful car ever made.” Wonderful proportions, strong club support, and comparatively accessible pricing (many good cars trade roughly $120k–$300k; competition Lightweights are multi‑million‑dollar rarities).

Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS (1973): The distilled 911—light, communicative, and devastatingly effective. The “ducktail” is a design signature; values often sit from roughly $700k to $1.2M+ depending on spec and history.

Ferrari 250 GTO (1962–1964): The ultimate blue‑chip classic. With about three dozen built and period racing glory, it exists on a different plane—headline sales have cleared $50M at auction in recent years.

Mercedes‑Benz 300SL Gullwing (1954–1957): Space‑frame engineering, doors to the sky, and enduring elegance. Strong cars regularly bring $1.2M–$2M+.

Lancia Stratos HF (1973–1978): Wedge‑shaped rally legend with a Ferrari V6 and outrageous stance. Usually trades in the mid‑six figures to under a million depending on provenance.

BMW 507 (1956–1959): German glamour with rarity and celebrity lore. Often in the $2M–$3M realm.

Each of these cars epitomizes a different flavor of cool. Yet the Miura’s unique blend of design shock, engineering daring, and cultural resonance still puts it on a singular pedestal.

Owning, Maintaining, and Authenticating a Miura

For those contemplating stewardship—rather than just admiration—Miuras reward deep preparation. Here are the practical pillars seasoned owners and specialists emphasize.

Documentation: Seek matching‑numbers engine and transaxle, factory build sheets, and comprehensive history. Certification via Lamborghini Polo Storico adds credibility.

Structure and body: Inspect the front and rear clamshells for fit, evidence of past damage or corrosion, and the tub’s integrity. Expert metalwork is essential for correctness.

Mechanical health: Carburetor tuning, cooling efficiency, electrical reliability, and fuel lines are priority items. Some SVs and updated earlier cars feature split‑sump lubrication; many prefer it for longevity. A discreet fire‑suppression system is a wise modern safety upgrade.

Specialists: Engage recognized experts—examples include Lamborghini’s Polo Storico (Italy), Bobileff Motorcar Company (U.S.), Colin Clarke Engineering (U.K.), and established marque brokers/restorers with Miura depth.

Road use: Expect heavy low‑speed controls and heat management needs. Period‑style tires (e.g., Pirelli CN12 reproductions) preserve the original feel; modern compounds improve grip but change character. Good cars like to be exercised, not parked indefinitely.

The right Miura, in the right hands, is demanding but immensely rewarding. Due diligence and the proper team transform ownership from fragile fantasy to sustainable joy.

Why Not Choose Another “Coolest”?

Beauty (E‑Type), driving purity (911 RS), sheer aura (250 GTO), or usability (300SL) might sway your vote. “Cool,” however, isn’t the same as “prettiest,” “quickest,” or “most valuable.” The Miura fuses theater, audacity, and influence in a way few cars can match—still the shape that makes a crowd stop and the layout that defined the supercar era.

Bottom Line

If you have to pick one, the Lamborghini Miura—ideally the P400 SV—remains the coolest old car. It’s the rare classic that is simultaneously groundbreaking, beautiful, and culturally electric, with a presence that hasn’t dimmed in nearly six decades.

Summary

Answer: Lamborghini Miura P400 SV. Why: unmatched blend of design, mid‑engine innovation, performance drama, and cultural clout. Market: roughly $3M–$5M for SVs, with earlier P400/S variants generally lower and special cars higher. Rivals: Jaguar E‑Type, Porsche 911 2.7 RS, Ferrari 250 GTO, Mercedes 300SL, and others—all brilliant, but the Miura’s wow‑factor and legacy keep it at number one for many enthusiasts in 2025.

What’s the coolest car ever made?

There’s no single “coolest car ever,” as coolness is subjective, but consistently cited examples include the Lamborghini Miura for its beauty and sound, the DeLorean DMC-12 for its iconic movie fame, the Jaguar E-Type for timeless design, the Ford GT40 for racing prestige, and the Mercedes Maybach Vision 6 for futuristic concept design. Other contenders span diverse categories, from classic Italian style (Fiat 500) to modern supercars (Bugatti Chiron).

Classic Icons

Lamborghini Miura SV: Opens in new tabOften considered the first supercar, its stunning looks, beautiful sound, and classic elegance are frequently praised.
DeLorean DMC-12: Opens in new tabImmortalized by the Back to the Future films, its stainless steel body and gull-wing doors make it instantly recognizable.
Jaguar E-Type: Opens in new tabA symbol of 1960s style, it’s renowned for its breathtaking proportions and elegant design.
Ford GT40: Opens in new tabThis racing icon dominated the 24 Hours of Le Mans and is a symbol of American automotive power.

Modern Marvels

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+: Opens in new tabKnown for its extreme speed (over 300 mph) and high-end luxury, it represents a pinnacle of internal combustion engine performance.
Mercedes Maybach Vision 6 Cabriolet: Opens in new tabThis concept car blends classic luxury with modern electric power, boasting a unique, yacht-inspired design.

Concept & Niche Cars

Lamborghini Vision GT: A single-seater concept car created for the Gran Turismo video game, its jet-like canopy and aggressive styling are considered incredibly cool.
Mazda 323 GTX: A legendary rally-bred car with all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine, it was an early affordable homologation special for the American market.
1955 Lincoln Futura: A concept car that was fully functional and became the basis for the first Batmobile, adding to its coolness factor.

Why “Cool” is Subjective

Personal Taste: Some prefer the aggressive styling of a Lamborghini, while others are drawn to the sleek elegance of a Jaguar or the nostalgic charm of a Fiat 500.
Function vs. Form: For some, high performance and speed are key, while for others, unique features, styling, or historical significance define a cool car.
Cultural Impact: Cars like the DeLorean or the original Fiat 500 gained coolness through their appearances in films and their influence on culture.

What is the coolest car to buy?

The coolest cars are subjective, but lists from reputable sources include performance icons like the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and Toyota GR Supra, high-tech electrics like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, classic-inspired vehicles such as the Ford Mustang GTD and Volkswagen ID Buzz, and practical-yet-stylish options like the Honda Civic Type R and Acura Integra Type-S. What you consider cool depends on your preferences for design, performance, technology, or even affordability, with many options available in different categories and price points.
Performance & Sporty Cars

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 / C8: A quintessential American sports car, offering high performance and iconic styling.
Toyota GR Supra / GR Corolla: Known for their engaging driving experience and strong performance credentials.
Ford Mustang GTD / Shelby Mustang: American muscle cars that deliver both power and head-turning looks.
Honda Civic Type R / Acura Integra Type-S: High-performance hot hatches and sedans that are fun to drive.
Audi RS3 / M3/M4: Powerful German performance cars that combine luxury with speed.

Electric & Futuristic Cars

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N: A high-performance electric vehicle that brings the thrill of a traditional performance car to the EV segment.
Volkswagen ID Buzz: A modern, electric take on a classic, offering a unique blend of retro design and futuristic technology.
Lucid Air: A stylish and technologically advanced electric luxury sedan.

Unique & Iconic Designs

Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato: Opens in new tabA unique supercar that’s built to go off-road, blending luxury with ruggedness.
Ineos Grenadier: Opens in new tabA utilitarian and rugged 4×4 with a focus on durability and off-road capability, inspired by classic Land Rovers.

Affordable & Practical Cool

Mazda MX-5: A lightweight, affordable, and fun-to-drive roadster that’s a classic choice for driving enthusiasts.
Honda Civic / Acura Integra: Modern compact cars known for their excellent driving manners and impressive overall quality.
Ford Maverick: A compact pickup truck that offers surprising utility and style.