1971 Lamborghini Espada Series II

• One of 575 Series II Espadas built
• Delivered new via Lamborghini GB
• In Italy since 2006
• Present ownership since circa 2012
• Professionally restored in Italy 2012-2016
• Registered in Italy

"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.

Ferruccio Lamborghini's first production car, the Touring-styled 350 GT, had debuted at the 1964 Geneva Motor Show. The work of two of Italy's most illustrious automobile engineers, the 350 GT featured a glorious 3.5-litre, four-cam V12 designed by Giotto Bizzarrini, housed in a chassis penned by Gianpaolo Dallara. The 350 GT's four camshafts and all-independent suspension meant that it upstaged the best that Ferrari offered at the time; but to compete with his Maranello rival's larger models Lamborghini needed a nominal four-seater, and the 4.0-litre 400 GT 2+2 duly appeared in 1966. Despite its novice status as an automobile manufacturer, Lamborghini had quickly dispelled any lingering doubts about its ability to compete with the world's best Gran Turismos.

Named after a matador's sword and unveiled at the 1968 Geneva Motor Show, the Espada was styled by Bertone's Marcello Gandini - creator of the incomparable Miura - along lines similar to those of the stillborn, rear-engined, six-cylinder Marzal but carried its 4.0-litre, four-cam V12 up front. The latter - first seen in the 400 GT and used also by the contemporary Islero - produced 325bhp, an output sufficient to propel the distinctive coupé 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 (249km/h) 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, up-rated brakes, minor suspension improvements, and a restyled front grille. Espada production ceased in 1978 after 1,217 of these imposing cars had been built, of which 575 were Series II examples. Even today there are few cars that can match the on-road presence of the Espada.

According to data supplied by the International Lamborghini Registry, this stunning Espada was originally finished in Verde Pallido with a Verde Scuro leather interior and delivered to its first owner via Lamborghini GB on 10th August 1971. The body number was (and is) 'X750X0529X'.
Little is known about the car's subsequent history before it was purchased by our vendor circa 2012. The car had been in Italy since 2006. Upon his purchase, the vendor embarked on a thorough restoration, entrusting the body to a specialist in Northern Italy. A handwritten receipt lists the work done, which included stripping the body back to bare metal; replacing corroded body panels where necessary; replacing suspension and brake parts; overhauling the engine, including the carburettors; and fitting a new clutch. The car was then repainted and the interior expertly reupholstered with new leather. The work was undertaken between circa 2012 and 2014, and the Espada was then awarded the ASI Certificato d'Identita with Grade Tipo A, Gruppo 3: the correct classification for a car restored to original condition without any major deviations from correct factory specification. In addition to the aforementioned receipt and ASI certificate, the car also comes with Italian registration documents. Having seen regular but sparing use since restoration, this stunning Lamborghini Espada presents beautifully and is worthy of the closest inspection.