>>Lamborghini Espada

Lamborghini Espada

Lamborghini Espada

Manufacturer	Lamborghini
Production	1968-1978
Assembly	Sant'Agata Bolognese, Italy
Class	Grand tourer
Body style	2-door coupé
Layout	FR layout
Engine	3929 cc 60° V12 325 bhp (242 kW) (1968 - 1970) 350 bhp (261 kW) (1970 - 1978)
Wheelbase	2,650 mm (104.3 in)
Length	4,730 mm (186.2 in)
Width	1,860 mm (73.2 in)
Height	1,185 mm (46.7 in)
Curb weight	1,465 kg (3,230 lb)
Designer	Marcello Gandini at Bertone

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.

A Lamborghini Espada S3

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.

The one-off Lamborghini Faena was based on the Espada.

In 1978, Lamborghini built a one-off 4-door sedan variant of the Espada called the Faena. The car was extended by 18 centimeters and was unveiled at the 1978 Turin Motor Show. It is currently owned by a Swiss collector.

Revival attempts

In 1999, a new version of the Espada was rumored to be in the works, but it was right at the time Lamborghini wanted to concentrate on a Diablo successor, so little became of the idea aside from a few drawings.

Edmunds reported Lamborghini intended to revive 2009 Lamborghini Espada. However, the only announced 4-seat car since then has been Lamborghini Estoque.