The Saga of the Miura: A National Icon

If you are passionate about sports cars and are looking for a special piece of Brazilian automotive history, Miura is a brand that deserves your attention. Created in the heart of Rio Grande do Sul, Miura not only challenged the standards of the national automotive industry, but also left an indelible mark on the hearts of sports car enthusiasts. Get ready for a dive into the fascinating trajectory of the brand that dared to dream big and became a national icon.

The Origin of Miura: A Gaucho Dream

Miura was born in 1976, the result of the entrepreneurial vision of Aldo Besson It is Itelmar Gobbi. Inspired by the legendary Lamborghini Miura model, the founders sought to create a genuinely Brazilian brand that would unite Lux, technology It is performance. The name was chosen to evoke the elegance and sportiness associated with Lamborghini, but with its own identity that would suit the national market.

Located in Passo Fundo, in Rio Grande do Sul, the company had modest beginnings, but soon gained space with its bold and highly innovative models. The use of fiberglass for Volkswagen bodies and mechanics was an intelligent solution to overcome the industrial limitations and high production costs of the time.

The Models That Defined an Era

Miura Sport

The brand's first model, the Miura Sport, was launched in 1977 and quickly attracted attention for its modern lines and luxurious finishes. Equipped with revolutionary items for the time, such as air conditioning, AM/FM radio, minibar and even one TV built into the panel, the Sport was positioned as a car for those who wanted to combine comfort and sophistication. The initial price was approximately Cr$ 1.2 million, a value that, adjusted for 2024, would be equivalent to approximately R$ 300 thousand.

Miura Targa and Kabrio

Over the years, Miura has expanded its range of models. Highlights include the Miura Targa, a sports car with a removable roof, and the Kabrio, a rare and exclusive convertible, with only 14 units produced between 1984 and 1985. The Kabrio was an extreme luxury model, whose original price of Cr$ 3.5 million would represent about R$ 850 thousand nowadays.

Miura 787

Released on 1987, the Miura 787 marked the pinnacle of the brand's sportiness. With an engine Volkswagen AP 1800, the model delivered power and performance, reaching up to 200km/h. The 787 stood out on the runways, participating in competitions such as the Brazilian Championship of Brands and Drivers, where it was piloted by names such as Paulo Gomes It is Jorge Freitas.

Miura X11

In 1990, Miura took another step in innovation with the launch of the X11, which featured a design inspired by Lamborghini Countach and introduced the system of ABS brakes to the Brazilian market. This was an important milestone for the national industry, demonstrating the brand's ability to implement advanced technologies.

Innovations that Revolutionized the Market

Miura has always been ahead of its time, both in design and technology. Among its most notable innovations are:

• TV Built into the Panel: The model Saga, from 1984, was the first Brazilian car to offer a TV on the dashboard, anticipating trends in automotive entertainment.
• ABS brakes: Introduced in the X11 model in 1990, long before this technology became common in Brazilian cars.
• Export to the USA: In 1985, Miura exported some models to California, where they sold for around US$ 25 thousand, or approximately R$ 125 thousand at the time. Adjusted to 2024 values, this equates to more than R$ 700 thousand.

The Legacy 

Throughout its history, Miura has produced around 3,500 units, consolidating itself as one of the most important brands in the Brazilian sports car segment. Even after closing its operations in 1992, the brand remained alive in the popular imagination and in the hearts of collectors.

The rarest model, the Kabrio, is today one of the most coveted items among collectors, with examples that can reach values higher than R$ 200 thousand in the classic car market. Other models, such as the Miura 787 and X11, are also highly valued for their stories and exclusivity.

Interesting Facts About Miura

1. First with TV: The Miura Saga was a pioneer in bringing entertainment into the car, something that would only become common decades later.
2. Rare Export: Despite its qualities, the Miura had a brief stint on the international market, with occasional exports to the USA.
3. Innovative Design: Inspiration from European luxury and sporty models ensured a unique visual appeal for the Miura cars.

An Icon That Stands the Test of Time

Currently, the Miura is more than a brand; it is a symbol of creativity and boldness in the Brazilian automotive market. The brand's models are a guaranteed presence at classic car meets and automotive events throughout Brazil, where they are admired for their innovations and design.

For collectors and enthusiasts, the Miura remains a possible dream. Restoring a model can be a challenge, but the reward is the opportunity to drive a piece of national automotive history.

Conclusion

A Brazilian Miura was not just a sports car brand, but a milestone in the history of the country's automotive industry. With its visionary approach and innovative solutions, the brand raised the bar for national sports cars, leaving a legacy that inspires to this day.

If you have the opportunity to see or perhaps buy a Miura, know that you will be connecting with a golden era of Brazilian motorsports. After all, it's not every day that you get to drive a car that matches Lux, technology It is history in a single package.

Now that you know the history of the Miura, how about sharing it with other enthusiasts and helping to keep the memory of this Brazilian icon alive?