The supercar is now a design and engineering concept understood throughout the world, so it’s hard to fathom just how revolutionary the Miura was when it first broke cover in 1965.

It was the first mid-engined car to match unforgettable looks with prodigious power, enough to garner a reputation that demanded respect from its drivers.

The story of how the Miura came to be is almost as exceptional as the car itself, and both things are now truly unrepeatable today.

There are various versions of how Ferruccio Lamborghini ended up starting one of the world’s greatest car manufacturers, all of which seem to centre around a dissatisfaction with Enzo Ferrari’s products.

So it is not coincidental that an ex-Ferrari employee would be instrumental in the beating heart of the Miura.

Giotto Bizzarrini found himself as a free agent in his late-30s after a failed “palace coup” at Maranello following his development of the 250 GTO.

Aside from working with Iso and Count Volpi, Bizzarrini ended u...