Vehicle Description
Ferruccio Lamborghini was one of the wealthiest industrialists in
Italy and a Ferrari owner, but he considered Ferraris unrefined as
grand touring cars - suited only for racing.� Enzo Ferrari
responded angrily, insulting Lamborghini who immediately set out to
create a better grand touring car than Ferrari with the world's
richest and most powerful as the desired audience. The first
Lamborghini was introduced just four months later at the 1963 Turin
Auto Show. Lamborghini constructed a modern production facility
near Bologna and completed 273 two-seat front-engine 3.5-liter V-12
350 GT coupes in 1964, the first year of production.� That car
quickly became the 400 GT with a larger 3.9-liter V-12 and 2+2
seating.� The spectacular mid-engine V-12 Miura unveiled in
chassis-only form at the Turin Auto Show in 1965 was intended as a
display car, but went into production as the worlds first Supercar
in 1966.� The Miura was followed two years later by the
revolutionary Espada, fulfilling Lamborghini's vision of a true
grand touring car seating four adults in luxury with performance
and styling as dramatic as anything Lamborghini had previously
produced. Lamborghini later described the Espada as "my
Rolls-Royce; still quite fast but also large and comfortable".� The
Espada was styled by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, who also styled
the Miura, derived from the earlier Lamborghini Marzal concept
car.� The Espada was powered by the same Giotto Bizzarrini-designed
3.9-liter 60-degree dohc V-12 engine as the Miura, mounted in the
front of the car driving the rear wheels through a 5-speed
Lamborghini gearbox.� Like all Lamborghinis of the period, chassis
development was undertaken under joint heads of the technical
department:� Giampaolo Dallara and Paolo Stanzani.� In production
trim, the Espada was capable of a top speed of 155 mph, making it
then the fastest four-passenger automobile in the world.� The
Espada was offered in three series [S1, S2, S3] between 1968 and
1978 with running changes and slight differences between series.� A
total of only 1,217 Espadas were produced, still making it the most
successful of all Lamborghini models up to that time. The Espada
Series III offered here is finished in classic Rosso red with a
light tan leather interior.� The car has been repainted to a very
high standard, with straight panels and very good panel fit
throughout. �The car is equipped with signature knock-off
Campagnolo magnesium alloy wheels.� The interior has never been
restored and is in good original condition.� Beautiful supple
leather covers the seats, door panels, center console and trim.�
The stylish suede-covered Series III dashboard is in very good
condition and is one of the most distinguishing interior features,
placing most of the gauges and controls directly in front of the
driver and re-positioning the Philips am/fm cassette player to the
driver's left.� Aluminum trim on the dashboard and console and a
leather wrapped steering wheel both replaced wood used in earlier
series, updating and brightening the control area considerably.�
The floor area, doorsills and the large, flat cargo area are all
covered with a darker plush carpet, and it is hard to say enough
good things about the superlative rear seats.� The underhood area
is nicely detailed to a standard complimenting the rest of the
car.�� Mechanically, the car runs and drives wonderfully.� Included
with the sale are tools, a jack, spare belts, owner's and radio
manuals. This is a very pretty car; an important part of early
Lamborghini history, cars that are increasingly being appreciated
by collectors and investors alike.� The Espada cost more than a
Miura when new.� Added to the visual and investment appeal is the
fact that this car can also be enjoyed regularly in any number of
ways.� Drives or dinners with children or another couple, regional
and marque events, and - as it was originally intended - fast, long
distance touring in comfort and luxury are all engaging
possibilities.