1975 Lamborghini Espada Series III Coupe

Design by Bertone

3,929cc DOHC V-12 Engine
6 Weber Carburetors
350bhp at 6,200rpm
3-Speed TorqueFlite Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

*Distinctive Bertone styling
*V-12 motoring with room for four
*Delivered new to the US
*Fetching Bianco over Rosso color scheme


THE LAMBORGHINI ESPADA

"Carrozzeria Bertone unveiled one of its motor show sensations at the 1967 Geneva event, the Marzal. This dramatic concept car was seen as an approach to a four-seat Lamborghini... and it turned out to be a forerunner of the Espada, a genuine four-seater and a distinctive 1960s supercar." – David Hodges, Lamborghini – The Legend.

Named after a matador's sword, the Espada was styled along lines similar to those of the stillborn, rear-engined, six-cylinder Marzal but carried its 4.0-liter, four-cam V-12 up front. The latter - first seen in the 400GT and used also by the contemporary Islero - produced 325bhp, an output sufficient to propel the distinctive, Bertone-styled coupe to 150mph. Islero running gear was employed but wedded to a platform-type, semi-monocoque chassis rather than the former's tubular frame. Introduced in January 1970, the Series II cars came with an extra 25bhp, 155mph top speed, an improved dashboard layout and the option of power assisted steering. The dashboard was revised yet again in late 1972 for the Series III, which also incorporated power steering as standard, upgraded brakes, minor suspension improvements and a restyled front grille. Espada production ceased in 1978 after 1,217 of these imposing cars had been built.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This example of the final series Espada was completed at the Sant'Agata, Bolognese based Lamborghini plant in April of 1975, and benefits from the refinements carried out throughout the production run. Elegantly finished in Bianco white over a Rosso red interior, it was completed to American spec and delivered new to the United States on February 26, 1976. Showing in what appears to be largely original condition today, it was acquired by the current owner in 1998 and largely garaged without use since then. Ripe for recommissioning, this elegant example of the Bertone-designed Espada presents nicely throughout, and offers its next caretaker the opportunity for ample V-12 power along with room for four.