Chassis No.: 9808

Engine No.: 41490

Registration: DOY 153M

Like many of the extraordinary motorcars that have left the Sant'Agata factory, the Espada can certainly hold its head up amongst the greats. And like many of their other models, this hugely distinctive model has its name taken from a matador’s sword. The genetic code is continued through to its massive four litre, quad cam, V12 engine. There’s a lot you can do with 325bhp but Ferruccio Lamborghini and styling house Bertone decided to use it to propel his 1970s masterpiece to over 150mph. The Series II received even more power and an improved dashboard whilst the final, and most desirable, incarnation, the Series III, received power steering as standard, better suspension, up-rated brakes and air-conditioning.

Curiously, although the production year is recorded as 1974, this particular example was built in 1976 due to the US predilection for bolting enormous rubber bumpers to everything. To bypass this, it was common practice for customers wanting the purer lines, registered their 1976 cars as 1974 ones to overcome the idiosyncrasies of the Federal and State-specific registration requirements.

With build number 1176, this extraordinary motorcar was sold by its authorised dealer in Arizona in December 1976 and represents the 50th from the end of production. It has remained with its original owner, a Colorado-based billionaire until recently. Indeed he kept it in his own aircraft hanger alongside his private jet and a number of his other extremely high quality classic cars.

Used infrequently, it was maintained by his team of highly trained aero-engineers using Lamborghini parts and upgrading to Aeroquip hosing where appropriate. It remained in Colorado throughout its life, was used sparingly only under ideal road conditions, and records just 26,000 miles. In this regard, the underside of the car is as immaculate as the engine bay and has also been retrofitted with a number of sensible upgrades including an electronic ignition system and a high torque starter motor.

The history file includes a summary of the maintenance and servicing performed on the car, the extensive invoices including those for factory parts sourced from GT Cars of Phoenix, Arizona, the official Lamborghini dealer for the region. Recent maintenance includes an overhaul of the transmission, rebuilt cylinder heads, a fresh MoT test certificate and a full service by The Classic Workshop Ltd. in Bicester during August/September 2018 costing an eye-watering £5,468.

Finished in Black Cherry with a burgundy leather interior and purple velvet inserts, this totally retro-style Espada is supplied complete with original tool kit, jack, and spare wheel (still with its original Michelin tyre),original sales brochure, original owners handbook, original and very rare factory guarantee pamphlet recording its first service in 1977 with just 1,970 miles, a parts manual, original Alpine stereo handbook and, pleasingly, an original pair of Lamborghini Cologne leather-bound flasks.

The Espada is a supercar from the 1970s and so entirely appropriate that it should reflect the fashion at that time. It is immaculate in every respect both mechanically and aesthetically with a very modern driving experience.

There is only one car like this, however, and it is, quite frankly, wonderful.

https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=7755&au=68