As if feeling that the Miura wasn't good enough, Lamborghini had test rider Bob Wallace make a better test version. As a quasi-racing car, it makes no compromises when it comes to comfort. This project was called "Miura Privata" within Lamborghini and later named Jota. Unfortunately, the original Jota was destroyed in an accident, and later Lamborghini modified Jota for several road cars, which became known as SVJs.
Wallace described his test car as a "test bed" to "see what can be done to improve engine lubrication, stabilize handling, and provide overall better build quality." Although Jota models meet the Appendix J racing standards, Ferruccio is strictly forbidden to participate in motorsport events.
Only one original Miura Jota was built, and this car was Wallace's personal test car, which had chassis number 5084. Wallace used the car to test ideas with the aim of making the Miura more track-friendly and improving overall performance. With plenty of time to test and adjust, Jota gradually became more aggressive, and its performance far exceeded that of the standard Miura.
Wallace's modifications were mainly focused on reducing and balancing weight. This means that the interior of the car is completely simplified, in addition to the use of single window wipers, Plexiglas windows and fixed headlights. Most of the weight savings came from the use of a lightweight aluminum alloy called Avional, which is used in the new bodywork, floors and front spoiler.
To achieve a proper weight balance, the fuel tank was repositioned to the sill plate and the spare tire was placed behind the engine. Jota has achieved a "near-perfect" weight balance between the front and the rear. This brought its handling to the level of other racing cars of the same period.
From the outside, the new Jota's Plexiglas headlights and front splitter for reducing lift at the front are instantly recognisable. Some new air holes have been designed on the sides, and the piping is riveted for optimal brake cooling.
The V12 engine has undergone a complete racing makeover, with new camshafts, an increased compression ratio of 11.5, a filterless Weber carburetor and a straight-through "Megaphono" exhaust pipe. Depending on the tuning state, the power output can reach between 370 and 440 hp, which is more than enough for Jota, who has a push weight of only 800 kilograms.
To control all this, the gearbox and engine cooling systems were separated, and a dry sump lubrication system was installed. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a ZF differential.
Wallace's modification proved that the Miura could become even more powerful, and soon after, customers began asking for Jota-like options in their orders. In order to meet the customer's requirements, Lamborghini produced several Jotas, which in appearance imitated the original version, which were also called Miura SVJ.
Unlike the original, these customised models feature enhanced interior comfort, but retain the body modification and engine tuning. They also made upgrades to the suspension, exhaust, and brake cooling. Some are also equipped with a dry sump lubrication system and an automatic lock-out differential.
While these custom-built cars don't quite match Wallace's original design in terms of performance, they have been a huge improvement over the original. There is no doubt that these cars are now one of the most popular Lamborghini models on the market.
A total of about 16 Miura have been upgraded by Jota, of which, only the chassis 4860, 4892, 4990, 4934, and 5090 are directly manufactured by the original factory, and the remaining 10 or so are upgraded and modified by Lamborghini officials and Wallace himself.
兰博基尼Miura SVJ
Production quantity: 5
Engine: Mid-mounted, transverse, naturally aspirated V12
Maximum power: 440 hp
Torque: 401 Nm
Drive mode: rear-wheel drive
Weight: 800 kg
Wheelbase: 2505mm
Length: 4390mm
Width: 1780mm
Height: 1000mm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Acceleration 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds