Car collectors will need a new dictionary of superlatives in preparation for Coys' Spring Classics auction, scheduled for Thursday, March 11.

Among the star lots is an exceptional Lamborghini from the 1960s. The decade saw a series of outstanding touring cars from the Lamborghini stable, but these achievements were consolidated in the Miura.

The Lamborghini Miura made its debut beside the 400GT on March 10, 1966, at the Geneva Motor Show - having been completed only days before.

Finished in a striking orange-red hue, the car caused a sensation.

The Lamborghini Miura, estimated at £185,000-230,000

Its mid-engined V12 layout was in itself highly innovative, but it was the extraordinarily flamboyant body, by Marcello Gandini of Bertone, which provided the masterly final touch.

Offering 3,525hp on tap through a 3,929cc engine, the car was capable of 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds and nearly 180mph - more than a match for any other road-going production car.

The Miura - outrageously different and certainly more sophisticated than its arch rival the Ferrari 275 GTB/4 - soon became a favourite among pop stars, racing drivers and other wealthy playboys.

One-hundred-and-eleven examples were produced in 1967. Of these, Paul Fraser Collectibles recently spotted a vintage 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400 on the collectors' market priced £345,950.

Only 763 Miura's were ever manufactured, between 1967-72

A record 184 Miuras were made in 1968. But the car's production would fizzle along with the Swinging Sixties it came to typify, ceasing in 1972 with only 763 Miura's ever manufactured.

Today, it is the most highly prized of all Lamborghinis.

Coys will be auctioning Chassis 3171, the 80th Miura which was delivered to its first owner in Paris on 21st October 1967. The vendor believes the car has covered only 18,000km since construction and is sold without any known faults.

Restoration work was carried out by a world renowned Miura expert, including a full engine rebuild through which all known Miura foibles have been fixed.

Probably one of the finest Miuras in existence, it will auction with an estimate of £185,000-230,000.

Coys' sale will be held at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London.