1976 Lamborghini Espada
For Auction
Related Articles
One European's experience at Bonneville's famous SpeedWeek.
Vehicle Specifications
- VIN9806
- Classic Car ID102816970
- Stock Number1506006
- CategoryExotics
- Body StyleN/A
- New/UsedUsed
- MileageN/A
- EngineN/A
Classic Car Overview
- One of just 472 examples of the Espada Series III made over a six-year production run
- Originally finished by the Lamborghini factory in Luci del Bosco paint over a Senape interior; later changed to its current colourway
- Powered by a 3.9-litre V-12 engine paired with a five-speed manual gearbox
- Delivered new to Belgium and later imported into Switzerland
- The subject of older restoration work
In keeping with Lamborghinis long tradition for its car model names themed around the fighting bull that so proudly adorns the marques famous badge, the Espada is a nod towards the sword or espada in Spanish used by the bullfighter. The four-seat grand touring coup was launched under the watchful eye of Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1968; the Espada was sold alongside the Islero as a replacement for the 400 GT 2+2. The production of both cars in SantAgata Bolognese overlapped with that of Lamborghinis iconic Miura.
The Espada Series III was launched in 1972, with each revision of the model signifying interior redesigns and slight mechanical improvements. The third and final iteration of the Espada featured an aluminium-trimmed instrument panel, which itself was lightly revised. The front grille now comprised a square mesh design, rather than hexagonal, and revised taillights were sourced from Alfa Romeo. The Series III deployed the same V-12 engine as the Espada Series II, rated by the Lamborghini factory for 345 horsepower, while power steering and air conditioning were standard features by this point.
The example offered here is noted to have been delivered new to Hollebecq, Belgium on 21 October 1976, where it wore the Belgian registration BNT810 . The Espada was built with Luci del Bosco (roughly translated as light of the woods ) paint over a Senape leather interior. In period, the Lamborghini featured in the Belgian magazine Calandres, then in the ownership of editor Patrice de Bruyn, and by this time refinished in silver.
The Lamborghini is believed to have been taken to Switzerland when it was sold at auction in 2009, at which point it was noted to still be finished in silver while being the subject of restoration work in the previous year. In Swiss ownership, the car is said to have been maintained by the same workshop, who duly began to restore the car again. The Espadas owner passed away during the restoration process, however, and so its most recent keeper completed some mechanical work with attention paid to the engine and gearbox, further to general interior finishing.
This iconic four-seat grand tourer now awaits a new owner for its next chapter.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/zu26/.
Classic Car Buyer's Tools
Immediately receive a quote to get your new classic car delivered right to your driveway from Autotrader’s trusted Classic Transport Partner ShipYourCarNow. Click Now!
J.J. BEST BANC & CO., is the largest lender of its type in the country -- providing financing for collector cars. J.J. Best offers low rates, long terms, and no prepayment penalties. Visit our website at www.jjbest.com or call 800.USA.1965 to receive a quick approval. Need to refinance or insurance? We can help you with that too! Click here
For the latest and most reliable Classic and Collectible Car prices, values, production numbers and local car clubs, always trust NADAguides.com. Get more info
Considering buying a new classic? Get a quote before you buy. Agreed value, lowest rates. Go with Grundy Insurance, www.Grundy.com or 888-647-8636 Get Quotes Now
