1976 Lamborghini Espada

The Lamborghini Espada is a 4-seat grand touring sports coupe built in three series from 1968 to 1978. Designed by Marcello Gandini for Bertone, the car uses a monocoque steel body and a standard front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. The engine is a 3929cc V12 OHC, naturally aspirated with six Weber 40 DCOE carburettors, which delivers up to 350bph at 7,500rpm through a Lamborghini 5-speed manual, (or later an optional Chrysler TorqueFlite automatic), gearbox.

Major differences between the different series were in the cabin. Series I cars had a rather cluttered dash with a dominant three-spoke steering wheel. In 1970, the Series II cleaned the dash, gave a neater steering wheel and also revised the grille and added vented brakes. In 1972, the dash, steering wheel and grille were again revised. Power output was gradually increased, from around 325bhp to around 350bhp. A total of 189 Series I cars were built, 575 Series II and 456 Series III.

Today, the Lamborghini Espada is considered a very collectable GT. Later cars tend to achieve higher values, with their more refined cockpit and slightly higher power outputs, and a good period colour combination can add to the value. Late US cars with impact bumpers have a somewhat reduced value.