Lamborghini Espada

[Pine]

Perhaps not the most attractive automobile from Italy, but I like it

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, a radically rebodied Jaguar E-type, it was to fill the spot of a true four seat car in Lamborghini's lineup, which already included the 400GT and Miura. 1217 cars were made, making it the most successful Lamborghini model at the time.

The car was designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone. The name "Espada" means "sword" in Spanish, referring to the sword that bullfighters use to kill the bulls.

The Espada was originally fitted with a 4.0 L 325 bhp (242 kW) V12 engine, fully independent suspension and four wheel disc brakes. Most transmissions were manual, and the Espada also introduced one of the first automatic transmissions able to absorb the torque of a large sporting V12. It had unusual gearing, with 3 ratios: drive, 1 and reverse.

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 altered dramatically between each model. An all new dashboard and steering wheel was installed for the S2, and the interior was again revamped for the S3. In 1970, power steering was offered as an option, and in 1974 an automatic transmission was also offered. In 1975 impact bumpers had to be installed to meet United States safety requirements, and some people consider cars produced with them to be the S4, but Lamborghini did not officially change the designation.

[Golfmad]

That interior is awe some

sadly I cant say the same for the outside - its really NOT a pretty car

[vader]

That was when ALL the car manufactures were doing the front engine thing for the Yanks who 1) couldnt drive a mid engine 2) wanted rear seats to load their brats in to take them to McD. Porsche did it with the 944, 924 and my fav 928.

[MINCE]

considering when that came out, I think it looks rad! I dig it loads!
There was a white one in Kirstenhof, where my parents stay. Dunno if it is still there.

[stew 89]

Man Oh Man. That is a beauty My granddad had one when I was a kid. I have memories of going for ice cream in it.

Good Times

[retrovan]

Have heard and seen on TV, they can be picked up for next to nothing in Europe

Herman

[Nisaar]

Hey there

Its nice to look at , I have only driven and owned italian cars my whole life , My VW Bus is a toy . I Can honestly tell you that buying an old italian car is looking for trouble. parts pack up and are extremly expansive , silly things like master cylinder rubbers an cost you a fortune , imagine the price of the rear windscreen

[Ron&Gill]

Ag, I don't know, it looks like a panel of flat glass to me, now try a T 34 rear window...

It's a very seventies car. It's got it's charm...

[retrovan]

If you can get one now, you should, as this is a 'Love it or Hate It" car, a lot are being crushed in Europe as nobody wants them, this means if you have one in years to come, you have a gold mine.....

Herman

[riaanj]

I LOVE it, especially that interior! WOW!