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LOT 455

1973 Lamborghini Espada Coupé Project Coachwork by Carrozzeria Bertone Registration no. RUF 948M Chassis no. 9202

Sold for £27,391.31 inc. premium
Lot 455

1973 Lamborghini Espada Coupé Project
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Bertone Registration no. RUF 948M Chassis no. 9202

1973 Lamborghini Espada Coupé Project
Coachwork by Carrozzeria Bertone

Registration no. RUF 948M
Chassis no. 9202

Odometer reading: TBC
MOT: Exempt



• Rare right-hand drive UK model
• Formerly owned by jazzman Chris Barber
• Partially restored and offered for completion

Footnotes

A right-hand drive model sold new in the UK by Portman Lamborghini, '9202' was first registered as 'XYY 357M' but its first owner and early history is not known. The first documented owner was the famous jazzman and bandleader, Chris Barber, who acquired the Espada in 1977 only to crash it on a wet European motorway; Barber walked away but the Lamborghini was damaged. In 1979 the Espada passed to a new owner, Chris Haskins, who repaired the car and reregistered it as 'LAM 399'. Passing through various hands, both private and trade, during the 1980s, the by now rather worn Espada was purchased as a project in 1989 by Alan Warburton. A major restoration ensued before changing circumstances resulted in the car being sold; it ended up in Jersey, returning to the UK mainland in 1996. The new owner was Lamborghini specialist Colin Clarke, who sold the car onto Peter Rees of Wire Wheels 4U, during whose ownership the Espada featured in Classic Cars magazine. Chairman of the Lamborghini Club UK Ant Hawkes was the next owner, and during his custodianship further restoration was carried out, including replacing the sills and doors; rebuilding the steering, gearbox and rear axle; and rewiring the electrics. Now reregistered and belonging to a new owner, the Espada is offered with numerous parts for completion and sold strictly as viewed.

Vendor Score Total: 51 /100

Bidders should note that the automated 100-point Seller's Assessment is provided by each Seller at the point of consignment using the guidelines below, and is not provided, assessed or verified by Bonhams MPH. Accordingly Customers (Bidders) are on notice that each vehicle is offered "as is / as seen" subject to the Conditions of Sale for the auction, and Customers (Bidders) are strongly recommended to view the Lot(s) being offered, before bidding, in order to satisfy themselves as to their condition; Bonhams MPH will not entertain disputes over Sellers' Assessments.

Key for sellers' assessments:
1/5 POOR. A project vehicle | Requires urgent attention | Damaged | Parts missing
2/5 AVERAGE. Useable condition | Requires some attention | Light damage
3/5 GOOD. Drive away | Presents well | Good history file | Drives well
4/5 VERY GOOD. Well restored | Running and driving with no noticeable faults | Sound throughout
5/5 EXCELLENT. Concours condition | Beautifully presented | Driving very well

EXTERIOR TOTAL: 10 /25
Body Work: 1
Paint: 1
Glass: 3
Chrome/Plastics/Trim: 2
Wheels/Tyres: 3

RUNNING GEAR TOTAL: 12 /20
Gearbox/Clutch: 3
Axles: 3
Suspension: 3
Brakes: 3

INTERIOR TOTAL: 13 /20
Seats: 4
Dashboard/Door cards/Carpets: 3
Headlining: 3
Trim: 3

ELECTRICAL TOTAL: 5 /10
Main components: 2
Ancillary components: 3

ENGINE TOTAL: 6 /20
Starting: 1
Running: 1
Under Bonnet: 2
Mechanical components: 2

Car History File: 5

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