Lot 306: 1971 Lamborghini Espada

The Espada was one of Lamborghini's greatest achievements, a car which finally fulfilled Ferruccio's ambition to create a four seater luxury supercar. Stylistically inspired by the futuristic Marzal show car of 1967, the Espada was unveiled at the 1968 Geneva Salon and, following the trend started by the Miura, its name was taken from bullfighting folklore. The Espada used the four cam 3,929cc V12 engine fitted to the Miura, whilst its luxurious passenger cabin was intended to offer levels of comfort and refinement not previously seen in a car of such high performance. Innovative details abounded, marking the Espada as the choice of the VIP with taste.

This early Espada, boasting various features which were to disappear on later cars, was first registered on 10th May 1971, changing owner in 1980 and then for the second time in 1989, when it entered the present ownership. In 1990 Parisian Lamborghini expert Edmond Ciclet was entrusted with an engine overhaul, since when only nominal mileage has been covered. The Navy blue paintwork appears presentable with no obvious corrosion, and the tobacco leather interior is well preserved. The car will need re-commissioning after several years of inactivity, and is French registered.

Cette Espada 1ère série, offrant des options amenées à disparaître sur les séries suivantes, fut livrée neuve le 10 mai 1971, changeant de mains en 1980 avant d’être acquise en 1989 par l’actuel propriétaire. L’expert Lamborghini à Paris Edmond Ciclet réalisa une révision du moteur en 1990, depuis quoi la voiture ne fut que trés peu utilisée. La carrosserie bleu nuit ne présente pas de trace de corrosion et l’intérieur en cuir havane est en bon état. Cette Espada immatriculée en France nécessitera une remise en route suite à une période d’inactivité.