Description
Exciting project! solid, UK RHD manual low mileage example with desirable specification and history, runs and offered for improvement.
History of this car
According to the factory record on file, our Espada left Sant’ Agata on September 7, 1973 and was delivered directly to Lamborghini GB in London and was first registered as a new car in the UK on September 17, 1973.
Our car, the latest specification S3 model, complete with PAS and redesigned dashboard, was finished in metallic gold with a senape (tan) leather interior, the same scheme it wears today.
Unusually for an Espada, there is a huge history file with this car dating back to 1977. This includes most if not all MOTs which corroborate today’s odometer reading of 24, 425 miles as being the total mileage from new; indeed according to a Automobili Lamborghini service department invoice on file, the mileage was only a mere 1843klms or 1145 miles when the car was back at Sant’ Agata in 1980 for brake works.
Owned in the day by famous jazzman Chris Barber and registered to his Soho offices, our car underwent a photo documented 1000 hour body and mechanical restoration in 1990 and featured in a Classic Cars magazine road test in 1997; in the same year vintage Lambo expert Colin Clarke Engineering valued this car at £20, 000, a tidy sum for an Espada back then, and reflecting a superior condition (certificate on file).
In 2004 our Espada was taken off the road for refurbishment which requires completion today. These works include fitting up and painting of replacement doors plus a mechanical overhaul, although some items have already been done.
Importantly, the car is 99. 99% complete, and removed parts accompany the car together with some other spares.
Body
This isn’t the usual rotten Espada project. Our car has a very good solid body with replacement sills. The doors are in primer and are rot free, but require fitting and finishing. The chassis appears very sound and without corrosion issues.
Paintwork, doors aside, is not that bad and could go again after the doors are repainted and blended, but the new owner will probably opt for a full strip and repaint to do this superb car justice.
Glass is all very good as is the brightwork. The only missing item we have identified is the offside fuel flap rear half louvre, everything else is boxed and ready to fit.
Mechanics
We’ve had the engine running on this car after carefully building oil pressure and connecting an external fuel feed. After fitting new plugs, adjusting the distributor, servicing the carburettors and replacing engine room fuel lines, the engine starts, runs and idles on all 12 cylinders and has good oil pressure. A precautionary rebuild is of course recommended after having been shut for years. Please get in touch for a video recording of the engine running.
Whilst brake servos and fuel tanks appear recently refurbished, there is also evidence of other recent rebuilds to the gearbox and back axle, and suspension componentry looks newer rather than older.
A major mechanical overhaul is still required before hitting the road again though with attention also needed to at least the electrics, hydraulics, brakes, fuel system, tyres etc.
Interior
This presents in good order with undamaged original leather upholstery and carpeting, unmarked headlining and original seat belts.
Boot
Good clean condition again with original carpeting, correct spare wheel and battery covers and Campagnolo alloy spare wheel in place; the rear screen hydraulic struts are new.
Summary
This is not the typical basket case project Espada.
Now very collectible, these super cool cars in top restored condition retail at £150, 000 or more so at the price suggested there is a lot of equity on the table for the next owner to finish off this fabulous vintage Lamborghini, and unlike most Espada projects you know the engine in this one runs.
Rarity – very few UK RHD cars exist – superb desirable colours, celebrity ownership and unusually detailed history sets this Espada apart from the rest.
Supplied with the aforementioned large history folder and manuals, original keys and fob plus boxed and labelled removed parts with inventory. The car rolls freely and we can help load to your vehicle or arrange transportation.
Plenty more pics on the website.
E&OE
