Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 115
1973 Lamborghini Espada Series III Coupe Design by Bertone Chassis no. 8984 Engine no. 40940
Sold for US$91,840 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 115
1973 Lamborghini Espada Series III Coupe
1973 Lamborghini Espada Series III Coupe
Design by Bertone
Chassis no. 8984
Engine no. 40940
Design by Bertone
Chassis no. 8984
Engine no. 40940
3,929cc DOHC V-12 Engine
Six Weber 40DCOE Carburetors
370bhp at 6,200rpm
5-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes
*Three owners from new
*Lovingly maintained and with fewer than 10,000 miles
*Delivered new to the US
*The ultimate Lamborghini for the whole family
THE LAMBORGHINI ESPADA
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 CAR OFFERED
This example of the final series Espada was completed at the Sant'Agata, Bolognese based Lamborghini plant in January 1973, and benefits from the refinements carried out throughout the production run. According to a copy of the original Manufacturer's Statement of Origin, the Espada was first distributed to Modena Sports Car Services in New York City on February 6, 1973 and was promptly transferred to Waldron Motors in Boca Raton, Florida where it was sold to its first private owner, Davis Donnelly, president of Dadco Diversified, Inc, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin on June 6, 1974. Originally finished in Bleu Spettrale over Senape leather interior, Donnelly would keep his Lambo for nearly a decade before selling it to its second owner, Ray Stata of Boston, Massachusetts on September 19, 1983—a copy of the original bill of sale documents the transaction and affirms the mileage to be "below 2,400 miles" at the time of sale.
Mr. Stata would keep the Espada over three decades, adding under 7,000 miles to the odometer in that time. Repainted Verde Metallizzato, the car was reported to be regularly serviced and subject to an extensive mechanical refresh prior to being acquired by its third and present owner on August 14, 2020.
Having travelled fewer than 10,000 miles—believed to be from new—it shows beautifully today and retains its well-kept, original interior. The Espada has been lovingly maintained and said to be a delightful car to drive. Fitted with electric power steering that can be fully switched on or off, this elegant example of the Bertone-designed Espada—one of a mere 483 Series III cars built—offers its next caretaker the opportunity for ample V-12 power along with room for four.
Additional information
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