Early model with iconic ‘knock off’ Miura style wheels
The Appeal
Nothing evokes the heady days of the Italian Riviera quite like a period Lamborghini. And the Espada, with its striking Marcello Gandini (of Bertone) design is one of the all-time greats. Just looking at this car conjures up images of gliding along coastal roads, windows down, V12 singing and Matt Monroe on the radio. Possibly even bumping into Frank Sinatra or Sophia Loren when you pause for un doppio espresso…
Sorry, we got a little wistful there. One thing is for certain, the Espada was a smash hit for the raging bull on release and remains a much-loved and very collectible grand tourer. The Series 2 is widely regarded as the one to have as well, with some improvements over the earlier cars and avoiding the criticisms levelled at the Series 3 car.
So it is that we’re delighted to present this very handsome, highly original Series 2 Espada. Finished in stunning metallic Spectral Blue over a period Mustard leather interior, it’s a fantastic example of one of the finest GT cars ever made. And they’re really very rare now too – just 575 Series 2 cars were built. So whatever you do, don’t let this beautifully specified and conspicuously collectible machine get away…1GjHubAacaJlBQR5cyRVoKUvGkY9H6ioR7cavQne.jpg1022.83 KB
The History and Paperwork
Originally a Swiss car, delivered new there in 1971
Imported to Italy in 2004
One of only 575 Series II cars made
86,465Km on the clock (five-figure odometer)
Kept by the vendor as part of a private collection
Last Revisione in September 2021
Italian registration documents
Lamborghini Certificate of Origin
The vendor tells us this is a matching numbers vehicle
Contrasting perfectly with the stunning blue paintwork, the original Mustard leather interior has a well weathered and warm feel, with layers of patina on the upholstery. There’s some cracking, wear and a few nicks to the leather of the seats, but they’re very usable and could easily be kept as they are and enjoyed with that irreplaceable natural wear. The vendor tells us that, should the new owner wish to recover the seats, the genuine material is still available.
Light beige carpets adorn the cabin and rear luggage compartment, and all look to be in reasonably good order. They naturally show a little wear and the driver’s footwell has a few stains and marks, as you’d expect, but overall they look to be very serviceable. We note there is a foot brace and a cage for a fire extinguisher in the passenger footwell too.
We love the deep period dash and high transmission tunnel, wrapped in leather and finished with a wood veneer fascia, they’re very much ‘of their time’ and neatly capture the spirit of grand touring. A full complement of gauges and instruments lay before the driver, with a wide, wood-rimmed wheel and stubby gear lever with wooden topper, providing tactile touchpoints.
The vendor assures us that everything works as it should, with no faults or issues reported. Certainly, all of the switchgear and internal trim appears to be in very good order, genuine and original with a dusting of wear from use that deepens the period character of the car.
Of course, the first thing you notice with any car is the paintwork. And the Spectral Blue colour of this car really is splendid – deep, metallic and offering a hint of purple, it contrasts perfectly with the brightwork and wheels. Overall the paint looks to be in very good condition too, with a fine gloss and no notable blemishes or marks we could discern.
That iconic long nosed, kamm-tail styling, with generous overhangs and sweeping curves, is certainly eye-catching and remains one of Lamborghini’s boldest designs. In our opinion, it’s also one of the best. Here, the quality of the bodywork certainly does the shape justice too, with smooth curves, clean lines and consistent panels gaps. We couldn’t identify any corrosion or damage, everything looks to be in very fine fettle.
There are lashings of brightwork and badging, all appearing to be present and correct, and still wearing an attractive lustre. It all stands out well against that deep blue paint, while the large glass elements and light lenses all look well, with no cracking or chipping we could see.
As this is an earlier Series 2 car, it is wearing the Miura style wheels with ‘knock-off’ spinners. Finished in silver, they present in good order, with some light blemishes, but no corrosion or major scuffs apparent. They’re shod in a set of Pirelli tyres that appear to have good tread levels and no sidewall damage on display.NgXXqXcYgQjPsD2J8f6Vequ86wEU02JVOz75hciB.jpg1.26 MB
The Mechanics
3.9-litre, naturally aspirated V12
Five-speed manual transmission
Rear-wheel drive
What else but a naturally aspirated V12 could possibly lurk under the long, low bonnet of a grand touring Lamborghini? Fed by twin banks of Weber carburettors (six in total), it’s a unit that sounds quite magnificent. We imagine blipping the right pedal is a seriously addictive pastime.
But it’s certainly not all show and no go – it delivers a meaty 350bhp and 291lb-ft to the rear wheels, meaning that this comfortable grand tourer can dispatch the 0-60mph run in 6.6 seconds while heading on to 161mph. Quite incredible numbers for the early 70s and still impressive now.
Vented disc brakes are at each corner, making sure the driver can quickly bring proceedings to a halt when required, while the manual transmission of this example offers the perfect way to get the best from that sonorous V12.
We’re assured by the vendor that the car is mechanically “perfect”, with no faults reported to any aspect of the engine or drivetrain. They tell us that the car has been maintained in recent years by Lamborghini and Maserati specialist Franco Tralli, from Bomparto near Modena.JC1ry7OEhars0AJSFaQIUP02ypTZ0e3ydBsMaDjs.jpg1.36 MB
Summary
Nothin offers the kind of effortless style, ability and charisma of a period Lamborghini. From the superb styling and original interior, to that spine-tingling V12, we adore every aspect of this Espada. A fine example, in a gorgeous specification, we simply cannot heap enough praise on this delectable grand tourer…
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This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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