Location: Santa Monica, California

$132,000 USD | Sold

The Lamborghini Espada is a grand tourer built by the fabled Italian car manufacturer Lamborghini between 1968 and 1978. Based on the Marzal show car, it was first shown at the 1967 Geneva Auto Show. It was a true four-seater in the Lamborghini roster, which already included the 400 GT and Miura. Only 1,217 cars were made, but that still made it the most successful Lamborghini model at the time. The car was designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone, and the name 'Espada' means 'sword' in Spanish, referring to the bullfighter’s weapon of choice.

The Lamborghini Espada features a traditional mechanical layout with a longitudinal front-engine design. It was long and low; powered by a 4.0-liter, 350-hp V-12 engine with six twin-choke Weber carburetors and connected to a five-speed manual transmission. Top speed was in the area of 155-mph and was the world's fastest four-seat production car when new.

The Series III cars enjoyed a big horsepower increase from 325- to 350-hp. They also typically had large rubber bumpers; however, this early example displays the smaller, chrome bumpers, and with such, makes it all the more desirable. Repainted in its original factory silver, this uncommon machine has power steering (considered as the “big” option for this car) and air conditioning. The original Campagnolo wheels are still fitted to the Lamborghini. The car has been restored both cosmetically and mechanically, while keeping its original integrity at the same token. The interior is presented all-original, and the original Lamborghini tool roll and handbook are included in the sale.

https://rmsothebys.com/auctions/ca14/lots/r0438-1973-lamborghini-espada-by-bertone/