Extraordinary Bertone design . 350hp Bizzarrini V12 . Sports car handling

1970 Lamborghini Espada Series II GTE

• 3.9 L V12
  
• 5 speed
• 16k miles shown
  
• Chain driven Quad-Cam | 10.7:1 compression
  
• 6 Weber 40 DCOE 20-21 carburetors
  
• Max power: 350bhp @ 7,500 rpm
• Max torque: 290 ft/lbs @ 5,500 rpm
• Miura style Campagnolo center lock magnesium alloys 7x15
• Girling dual circuit 4 wheel vented disc brakes
  
• Jaeger gauges and clock
  
• Air conditioning | power windows
  
• Owner's manual, tool roll & literature included
  
• Length 186.5” | Width 73.4” | Height 46.6”

Spanish for ‘sword’, the Espada was created as the premier four seat GT with an innovative Bertone design by Marcello Gandini. The Espada had long been considered unique, but has aged very well and is one of the most impressive cars to view in person. Gandini’s masterpiece overlapped production with his other Lamborghini designs – the Miura, Urraco & Jarama along with the Marazzi designed Islero. The proportions are unlike anything else on the road, past or present. Nothing from Ferrari or any other manufacturer was quite as extreme. The low and wide stance give it a very commanding presence that is purposeful yet stunning. Sporting and highly functional with true 4 seats and a very convenient glass liftback. The Espada is oft remarked as the four-seat Miura, sporting a similar V12, with excellent driving characteristics and actually costing a bit more than the two-seater. The powerful 3.9L quad-cam V12 fitted with 6 Weber carburetors create the unmistakable Lamborghini exhaust note.

Series II cars featured a revised dashboard and a 25bhp higher output V12 among other changes from the early cars. This one also sports the desirable Miura style Campagnolos, something lost later in production. According to several sources, this Espada was sent to Rome, Italy to be purveyed by the dealer Carpanelli Autosalone Piemonte on April 14, 1970. While few Series II cars made it to the States, the car does retain the desirable European bumpers despite having the federalized side markers. It is believed the car was originally Verde Acqua (confirmed with underlying paint) and verde leather (unconfirmed, but possible). The GT was in a collection for approximately 40 years prior to acquisition from a dealer.

Despite still holding the title as the lowest height production 4-seater, the car was designed to be a premium GT car, to be driven on long drives in comfort. Quite comfortable in a cocoon of leather, it offers more leg room and head room than period sports & GT cars, despite its height. The Series II cars featured an improved air conditioning system with additional air outlets. Fully independent suspension provides handling befitting the Lamborghini name, blurring the lines between sports and luxury car. Still quick by today’s standards (6.5 seconds to 60), the car moves very well through traffic and sports a very useful rear hatch – it’ll make memorable grocery runs!

The car appears quite original aside from a few changes – most notable is the color change, Mallory ignition box, stainless-steel braided fuel lines feeding the carburetors (similar, but not factory type), aftermarket muffler and exhaust tips. While the paint is presentable, upon closer inspection, cracks, fading, blemishes and inconsistent finish are present. Bertone flank badges are off the car, but are included, while passenger side Espada badge is broken but attached. Body is good overall, but does have a few dings on the nose and lower front valance, easily rectified by a competent shop. Gauges appear to operate normally, but the tachometer is currently not functioning. The car would benefit from additional sorting and if an impeccable, historically accurate example is sought, would make a top candidate to restore back to the original metallic Verde Acqua.

Please note: Only bid if you have funds readily available to complete the transaction. The car is located in Illinois with a clean Montana title. Should you have specific questions or want to clarify payment arrangement, do so well before the close of auction. $500 deposit due in 48 hours, full payment is due within 7 days. Bidders intending to export the vehicle outside of the U.S. will incur an export fee of $500. Car must be transported off the premises within 10 days of sale unless other arrangements are made. Contact regarding free local delivery.