Make: Lamborghini
Model: Espada
Year: 1972
Price: $109,950
Gearbox: Manual
Steering Wheel: Left
Walkaround video: Click Here
The Lamborghini Espada Series 2, unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show in 1970, represents a unique blend of innovative engineering, striking design, and practicality. Designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, the Espada drew inspiration from two iconic concept cars from 1967: the Lamborghini Marzal and the Bertone Jaguar Pirana. These influences resulted in a bold design that was groundbreaking at the time and continues to captivate today.
A grand tourer with character, the Espada was a four-seater GT, initially offered alongside the Islero and the Miura. While it shared its mechanical underpinnings with the more understated Islero, the Espada stood out as the more daring alternative. Its name, "Espada" (Spanish for "sword"), refers to the weapon used by a matador to dispatch the bull, a fitting symbol for its sharp and distinctive design.
The Series 2 introduced several notable improvements over the first generation, including a 25-horsepower increase, bringing the 3.9-liter V12 engine to 350 hp at 6,500 rpm. Combined with fully independent suspension and an advanced monocoque structure, the Espada delivered exceptional handling and driving experience, unmatched by other GTs of its era. Braking performance was also enhanced with the addition of ventilated discs instead of solid ones.
The interior of the Series 2 was thoroughly redesigned, featuring a new rectangular dashboard for better instrument visibility. The cabin provided genuine seating for four adults, a rarity in the segment of exotic sports cars. Additionally, the spacious and practical trunk made the Espada a perfect companion for long journeys.
Originally equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox, the Series 2 was also offered with a three-speed automatic transmission supplied by Chrysler. However, this option proved less suited to the high-revving V12, making the manual version the preferred choice among enthusiasts.
Performance and specifications include a 3929cc V12 engine producing 350 hp at 6,500 rpm. The car features ventilated Girling disc brakes. Its dimensions are a wheelbase of 2650 mm, length of 4674 mm, width of 1821 mm, height of 1191 mm, and weight of 1480 kg. Production of the Series 2 totaled 575 units out of a total of 1,217 Espadas produced.
The Espada Series 2 is not only powerful and elegant but also surprisingly practical. Its versatility and outstanding driving experience made it a success for Lamborghini, with production continuing until 1978. The Series 2 is often regarded as the most desirable version, thanks to its improved performance and refined interior.
This Espada was discovered a few years ago in a French barn, stored dry and intact, awaiting better days. The current owner has spared no expense in making it road-ready, including new brakes, tires, and a carburetor overhaul, all documented with invoices. It was then registered in Belgium after passing a rigorous technical inspection.
Additional information: European model, Belgian documents, road-ready.
The Espada Series 2 is an exceptional piece for any Lamborghini collector or enthusiast, offering the perfect mix of design, performance, and fascinating history.
