1972 Lamborghini Espada S2 400GT

The Lamborghini Espada is a grand tourer which was built by Italian car manufacturer Lamborghini between 1968 and 1978.

Based on the Marzal show car, displayed at the 1967 Geneva Auto Show, and the Bertone Pirana, it was to fill the void for a true four seat car in Lamborghini's lineup, which already included the 350GT and Miura. Reported sales figures made it the most successful Lamborghini model at the time. The car was designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone and well recognised as a vehicle with true drivers car reputation despite having four seats. The name "Espada" translates as "sword" in Spanish, depicting the sword of bullfighters.

The Espada S1 was originally fitted with a 4.0 Litre 325bhp V12 Engine, fully independent suspension, disc brakes to all four wheels and manual transmission. Automatic transmission was a later option but rarely ordered.

During its 10 year production the car underwent some changes, and three different series were produced. These were the S1 (1968-1970), the S2 (1970-1972) and the S3 (1972-1978). Each model featured engine power improvements, but only minor details were changed with the exterior design. The interior was modified between each model. An all new dashboard and steering wheel was installed for the S2, and the interior was again revamped further for the S3. During the early 1970's, power steering was offered as an option, and in 1974 an automatic transmission was also available. In 1975 impact bumpers had to be installed to meet United States safety requirements, considered by some to be the S4, but Lamborghini did not officially change such designation.

The car offered here today is an exceptional one. Not registered until 1975, it is however a Series 2 car of distinction and originality with a panoramic flexiglass roof which is considered a desirable impressive option and would be a worthy addition to any classic vehicle collection. This vehicle commenced life in the UK, was registered in 1975 with originally white coachwork and has had only a handful of owners in its life. The recent but previous owner, a qualified mechanic, bought this car in 1979 and remained the custodian for 30 years. During his tenure, chassis #8116 was changed from White to Black, and from Black to Red as a bare metal respray in the 1990's, the quality of which is still resplendent today.

At a similar time, further restoration works were completed to the car. The interior was entirely retrimmed in rich Connolly hide, Rolls-Royce Wilton carpets and a burr walnut veneer face to the dashboard console. The engine, transmission, running gear, 5-speed gearbox and clutch were at the same time rebuilt or replaced with new parts which results in the car performing faultlessly, with only a few thousand miles since refurbishment. To the exterior, the addition of Ansa twin exhaust pipes, Miura SV style wheels and fresh tyres complete the look of this capable 1970's GT 400, the likes of which we rarely see on UK roads.

It's fair to say that the Espada was a very different supercar, having true Lamborghini pedigree, V12 power, untold luxury and four passenger capacity. With prices tipped to rise, you shouldn't wait to add one to your collection. #8116 is available to view at Silverstone on November 3rd and to buy on November 4th. We'll see you there...