Cars on the big screen: Lamborghini Miura P400 in The Italian Job

For over a hundred years, the car has played a central role in many of Hollywood’s biggest films, becoming a symbol of speed, freedom, and drama. In some cases, the car has been more than just a mode of transportation—it has become a character that shapes the audience’s perception of status, adventure, and style.

Text: Johannes Nilsson
Photo: Alamy

Published 2024-10-26

Rarely has a film's opening sequence captured the total attention of car enthusiasts as much as The Italian Job from 1969. In a beautiful alpine setting, we see an orange sports car elegantly navigating winding mountain roads.

Behind the wheel sits a well-dressed gentleman in a light blue shirt and black tie. His collar is casually unbuttoned, shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a slim cigarette rests nonchalantly in his mouth. With a determined gaze and firm hand, he manoeuvres one of the most revolutionary models in the sports car world. The location is the San Bernardino Pass in Switzerland, the man is actor Rossano Brazzi, and the car is Lamborghini’s outstanding Miura.

The sound of the 3.9-litre V12 engine is eventually accompanied by Matt Monro’s velvety voice singing "On Days Like These." The period-appropriate opening credits make their entrance as Signor Brazzi takes us further up the partially snow-capped mountain pass. An almost overwhelming potpourri of nature, music, and automotive elegance.

The Miura was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1966 and became a resounding success, thanks to its elegant design and ground-breaking technology. It was the first mass-produced car to feature a mid-engine layout, with the engine mounted transversely behind the driver. Due to its compact design, the engine was combined with the gearbox and, until 1973, even shared the same lubrication system. The car was designed by Marcello Gandini, just 27 years old, for the design house Bertone.

A total of 762 units were produced across three different models between 1966 and 1973. The Miura from The Italian Job, in the colour Arancio Miura, was lost for 50 years but was rediscovered in 2019 and certified and restored by the factory the same year. In the film, the car meets a grim fate as it explodes in a tunnel and is later pushed off a steep cliff. Fortunately, this was a previously crashed Miura that the factory had provided for the film production—and lucky it was, considering today's average price of around 2 million euros.

Well-known Miura owners included connoisseurs like Frank Sinatra, Rod Stewart, and the Shah of Iran.

Sir Michael Caine in the leading role

The lead role is played by the impeccably dressed Sir Michael Caine, who throughout the film alternates between razor-sharp, three-button suits, leather gloves, horn-rimmed sunglasses, and a perfectly tailored, double-breasted coat in beige suede. It’s sleek and stylish, yet flamboyant—just like our four-wheeled protagonist.