Certain cars are iconic to such an extent that modifying them feels sacrilegious. Among these automotive legends are the Ferrari F40, Jaguar E-Type, and Lamborghini Miura. These vehicles are more than just machines; they are rolling works of art that define eras in automotive history.
The Lamborghini Miura, in particular, has a revered status as a trailblazing mid-engine supercar. Its cultural significance is immortalized in films like the original 1969 The Italian Job, where its beauty and allure captured the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide.
A Bold Move by Liberty Walk
The Lamborghini Miura has recently become the subject of a bold transformation by Liberty Walk, a Japanese car customization company known for its daring and sometimes controversial designs. Unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Salon, the LB-Silhouette Works GT Lamborghini Miura features radical modifications, including flared arches and an oversized rear wing. Almost every panel of this once-timeless design has been altered. While Liberty Walk’s creations often spark debate, their reimagining of the Miura raises questions about the boundaries of artistic expression and respect for automotive heritage.
Launched in 1966, the Lamborghini Miura was the company’s first mid-engine V12 supercar, setting the stage for decades of Lamborghini excellence. Designed by Marcello Gandini, the Miura’s elegance and innovation influenced generations of car designers. Gandini’s portfolio also includes other legendary designs, such as the Lamborghini Countach and Lancia Stratos. The Miura’s status as an automotive masterpiece makes it a particularly sensitive canvas for modification, amplifying the controversy surrounding Liberty Walk’s intervention.
Controversy and Comparisons
Critics of Liberty Walk’s Miura modifications argue that the alterations disrupt the car’s perfect proportions and timeless design. Adding a massive rear wing and significantly lowering the car’s ride height, they claim, undermines the vehicle’s balance and character. Drawing parallels to the world of music, the writer likens this modification to Elvis Costello’s divisive cover of Charles Aznavour’s classic song She. While some reinterpretations can surpass originals, like The Righteous Brothers’ Unchained Melody, others fall short, disrupting the essence of the original work.
With only 763 Lamborghini Miuras ever produced, their rarity adds to their untouchable status. While car customization has its place in expressing creativity and pushing boundaries, certain icons demand preservation. Liberty Walk’s previous Miura project, which used a Ford GT chassis, was more forgivable as it didn’t involve an original Miura. However, using an authentic Miura for such drastic modifications has sparked outrage among purists. The consensus among many enthusiasts is clear: classics like the Miura should remain untouched, preserving their original artistry for future generations to admire.