Italian Flag Lamborghini Espada ~ 1968-78

Lamborghini EspadaWith the 400 GT 2+2 and its 1968 replacement, the Islero, Lamborghini already had a 2+2 four seater lineup in its catalog, but what Ferruccio Lamborghini really wanted was a proper 4 seater coupe that could seat 4 adults in total comfort at high speed. Lamborghini EspadaThe answer would come in 1968 with the introduction of the Lamborghini Espada, in reference to the sword used by bullfighters. The other good reason for the Espada’s birth was to stay true to the new extravagant stylistic direction started by the Miura two years earlier. This was a needed move to distinguish Lamborghinis from Ferraris, and get noticed in the exotic sports car market.

Lamborghini EspadaThe Espada 400 GT went into production in 1968 after the concept car “Marzal” and challenging “Pirana” were developed. As the Miura, the Espada was designed by Marcello Gandini, then working for Bertone. The result really was something far more unique than anything else on the road with its “futuresque” look and impressive dimensions for a two door coupe.

Lamborghini EspadaThe 400 series chassis was elongated and the front engine created by Bizzarini and revised for street use by Dallara was the same in-house, quad-cam V12 block placed at the front with a capacity of 3929 cc (240 cu in), while the five speed transmission also was Lamborghini’s creation. The proportions of the car were impressive as said, with a very long and low profile. The roofline ended in a smooth extension of the rear glass, while another short vertical glass piece on the Kamm-tail and above the rear lights let you see out when maneuvering… very space age indeed. The hood adorned two NACA air ducts feeding fresh air into the cabin, and two horizontal thin cuts on each front fender were directly taken from the Marzal concept. Lamborghini EspadaFilling the wheel arches were a set of magnesium Campagnolo wheels as standard which had a center knock-off and looked the part, especially at the back with the squared-off rear arches. With its size the Espada could look odd viewed from some angles. The long wheelbase with the huge rear quarter windows and rear overhang was quite… well just plain long, and the same could be said for the hood. As eye-catchy as it was, the Espada is just a lot of car to swallow, and finding harmony in its lines requires you to find the proper approach.

Lamborghini EspadaThree Series were made between 1968 and 1978, all had their subtle differences but every series received its unique interior starting by the Espada 400 GT Series I from 1968 to 1970. The tail lights on the Series I were the same used on the 1967 Fiat/Dino Coupe from Bertone, and a particular suspension system called “Lancomatic” was optional and replaced the tube shocks and coil springs by a telescopic arm controlled by fluid. Lamborghini EspadaBut this system never proved itself and thus never took off. The V12 was fed by six side-draught Weber carburetors and produced 325 hp at 6500 rpm while later on it achieved 340 hp at 7000 rpm. With this the Espada could get to 60 mph from a standstill in 6.5 seconds, while four adults could reach a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) without much noise intrusion and in perfect comfort.

Lamborghini Espada Interior DashboardInside the Espada, the dashboard was functional but very busy and overdone with hexagonal outlines and with a top recessed pod. The swooping center console received toggle switches, radio and heat controls, while the high tunnel console was fitted with the gear lever and ashtray. At the back, two enveloping bucket seats with a center armrest and another ashtray in front of it gave a relaxing tone for rear passengers.

Lamborghini EspadaThe Espada second Series, or Espada 400 GTE SII arrived in 1970 and adorned bigger rectangular tail lights, which had also been fitted on the Maserati Ghibli, Indy and Khamsin (sometimes smaller Alfa units). The GTE also received the Miura’s hotter camshaft and with it the V12 Lamborghini Espadanow developed 350 hp at 7500 rpm, but performance remained comparable. A new and better built interior was developed for the second Series with a more classic rectangular binnacle housing wood trim. The toggle switches were replaced by safer rocker units and power steering was adopted after customers complained about the heavy steering action found on the Series I cars.

Lamborghini EspadaThe Espada Series III was introduced in late 1972 at the Turin Motor Show and can be recognized by its new grill and recessed headlights without chrome trim. At the back, new thinner rectangular tail lights also found on Alfas were fitted (not consistant), and an optional sunroof was finally available. A Chrysler 3 speed automatic Lamborghini EspadaTorqueflite transmission was offered mainly for the US market in 1974. In 1976 all market Espadas were fitted with the ugly federal rubber black bumpers. As for the power, it remained the same at 350 hp at 7500 rpm. New “flatter” Campagnolo wheels held with five bolts replaced the older set. To stay on the safe side, bigger disc brakes were fitted, and the Espada's rear suspension was improved.

Lamborghini Espada Interior DashboardLike the Espada Series I and II, a new dashboard, with this time a metal brushed background trim and an enveloping right wing, was the new thing. The center console was vertical and the tunnel console was slightly raised.

Lamborghini EspadaIn 1978 coachbuilder Frua made a one-off creation by redressing a Espada SIII and lengthening the chassis to fit four doors with a heavier and higher trunk line, while the front was pointier. This model is known as the “Faena”.

Lamborghini EspadaA total of 1217 Espadas were sold until 1978, making the Espada one of the most produced classic Lamborghinis, and is still highly regarded for its looks, power and technology… not bad for a big and heavy car capable of transporting four adults at 155 mph (250km/h).

JJP.

Lamborghini Espada Specifications
Model/Year Lamborghini Espada S I
1968-70
Lamborghini Espada S II
1970-72
Lamborghini Espada S III
1972-78
Designer Bertone
Marcello Gandini
   
Engine Type Front Longitudinal
All alloy V12 @ 60˚
DOHC. 2V/24V
   
Capacity 3929 cc / 240 cu in    
Fuel Feed 6 Weber Sidedraught
40 DCOE carb.
   
Power 325 hp @ 6500 rpm
later on 340 hp @ 7000 rpm
350 hp @ 7500 rpm 350 hp @ 7500 rpm
325 hp in US
Torque 276 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm 290 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm 290 lb-ft @ 5500 rpm
Transmission 5 speed - RWD 5 speed - RWD 5 speed - RWD or
Optional 3 Speed Auto Chrysler
Top Speed 155 mph - 250 km/h    
"0-60" mph - 0-100 km/h 6.5 sec    
Chassis Steel Unitary    
Weelbase 2650 mm / 104.3 in    
Front Suspension 2 Wishbones, Coil Springs
Tube Shocks, Anti-roll Bar
   
Rear Suspension 2 Wishbones, Coil Springs
Tube Shocks, Anti-roll Bar
  Upgraded
Brakes Ventilated Disc Bigger disc Upgraded
Front Tires 205VR-15 205VR-15 215VR-15
Rear Tires 205VR-15 205VR-15 215VR-15
Steering ZF Worm & Roller   Power Steering standard
Weight 3582 lb / 1625 kg    
Country of Origin Italy    
Production Num. 186 (Total 1217) 575 (Total 1217) 456 (Total 1217)
Lamborghini Espada SIII -
The rear glass hatch is very
practical, immense and
rather advanced for its time.
Lamborghini Espada SII -
The two hood NACA air ducts
feed fresh air into the cabin.
Lamborghini Espada SII -
The two horizontal thin cuts on
each front fender were directly
taken from the Marzal concept.
Lamborghini Espada SII -
The front-end barely changed
from the SI to the SII.
Lamborghini Espada SII -
The Espada is a true four seater.
Lamborghini Espada SII -
Plenty of space and access
for the rear passengers
Lamborghini Espada SII -
Magnesium Campagnolo wheels as
standard for the Espada SI and SII.
Lamborghini Espada SII -
Long rear-quarter windows for the
comfort of its rear occupants.
Lamborghini Espada SII -
The rear vertical window concept
was new, futuristic and came back
in 1988 with the Honda CRX.
Lamborghini Espada SII -
Introduced in 1968, the "Espada" name
refers to the sword used by bullfighters.