LAMBORGHINI ESPADA REVIEW

Ferruccio Lamborghini's desire to include a four-seater GT came about in the Spring of 1968 when the Espada was exhibited at the Geneva Salon. A very distinctive design from the Bertone studio, it was far out in appearance yet eminently practical. With 150mph performance from the 3.9-litre V12 engine, five speed gearbox, chassis-mounted rear final drive and coil spring all-independent suspension, 1217 examples were built over the ten-year period from 1968 to 1978. Initially producing 325bhp, by the time the third series was introduced in 1972, output had risen to 365bhp. One of the most admired and commercially successful Lamborghinis, it was the adverse circumstances affecting the factory by 1978 that were the real reason why theLamborghini Espada ceased production, the new Countach produced in-house. While Bertone continued to build the Espada, some suppliers were said to be demanding cash on delivery at that time! Rare in right hand drive form.