1971 Lamborghini Espada 400GT Series II
Seller is a dealer: European Motor Studio in Mesa, Arizona (480) 310 8814
VIN: 8518
Odometer: 40,850 miles
12 Cylinder Coupe
Price $169,995 US Dollars / Buy it Now
As of 11/16/16: 8 days left with 35 watching
I love Espadas and these keep climbing in value. I had an opportunity to buy one for $60k over 8 years ago and still regret it ever since. This one is in very nice original condition. Seller also states this car was ordered by Malcolm Forbes in a very unusual color combination of Arancio over Bertone “VIP” Arancio Leather Interior. This Espada left the Sant’ Agata Bolognese factory on October 29, 1971 and delivered to Forbes by Modena Car, New York. Very cool history on this car. The Chassis number is 8518 and is the 557th Espada off the production line of a total of 1217 cars ever made. The interest is high and this is a great example with an interesting history.
The Espada is a 4 seater GT that was in production for 10 years. This is a beautiful design by Marcello Gandini at Bertone.
The production is broken down into 3 series.
Series 1 ( S1): 1968 – 1970
Series 2 (S2): 1970-1972
Series 3 (S3): 1972-1978
** All series featured a different interior design with minor changes to the exterior
Fun Fact: The Espada name means “Sword” and refers to the sword that is used in bull fighting.
This video by Harry’s Garage features an Espada with a huge glass sunroof. I always loved this rare option but have never seen one in person. I think that is the one to own because it makes the interior open and looks cool.
The Espada used a monocoque steel body. Suspension was fully independent, with double wishbones, coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars.four wheel disc brakes Twin fuel tanks held 95 l (25 US gal) of gasoline; the fuel cap was hidden behind a black cosmetic grille in the C-pillar, one of Gandini’s signature touches.
Its 3,929 cc (240 cu in) V12 engine breathed through six Weber side-draft carburators and 24 valves commanded by two chain-driven overhead camshafts per bank. The gearbox was mounted in block with the engine. Most transmissions were manual, and the Espada also introduced one of the first automatic transmissions able to transfer the torque of a large sporting V12. It had unusual gearing, with 3 ratios: drive, 1 and reverse. When leaving the factory it originally fitted Pirelli Cinturato 205VR15 tyres (CN72).
What a great Espada logo. Lamborghini always created very intersting fonts and logos for their cars.
The interior is gorgeous. I wouldnt change a thing.
Books and Tools. I wouldnt want to track down all the pieces to make a complete set.
Seller Description:
European Motor Studio is very proud to offer this very rare and highly unusual 1971 Lamborghini Espada 400GT Series II. Ordered new by Entrepreneur Malcolm Forbes in this very unusual color combination of Arancio over Bertone “VIP” Arancio leather interior, this Espada left the Sant’Agata Bolognese factory in October 29, 1971 and delivered new to Forbes by Modena Car, NY. Espada chassis number 8518 is the 557 Espada off the production line of a total of 1217 units ever made. The car has covered a mere 40,860 miles from new and has been in the Forbes ownership until the mid 2000’s where it went to its second owner, a private collector where it has been properly stored and cared for. The Arancio lacquer paint is mostly original with a couple of touch ups from over the years. It shows very well for its age with some minor imperfections, stone chips in the front nose and very light checking on the roof. The body is very straight and the original panels are free from any accident damage or repair work. All of the trim is in beautiful original condition and undisturbed after all these years. The interior is absolutely stunning with a beautiful nicely aged patina to the original Bertone VIP leather. A very small number of Espada’s left the factory with this interior treatment and from top to bottom is is very soft to the touch and free from any dye or repair work. The glorious matching numbers 4 cam Italian built V12 engine starts right up and does not smoke on start up or under acceleration. All 6 Weber carburetors are all nicely synced and tuned properly and brand new factory correct plugs and wires along with a full service has just been done. Brand new pads, re-machines rotors, new calipers, new ball joints, tie rods, suspension bushings, control arm bushings and shock tower bushings have all been replaced. Brand new Michelin XWX’s and re-finished factory Miura knock off wheels have also just been done. All of the electrical items in the car are operating as designed including all of the lights, interior lights, dash lights, all warning lights on the dash, exterior lights, reverse lights, brake lights, side marker lights, headlights and turn signals are all working as designed. This is an exceptionally well maintained Espada that has been cared for its entire life and kept in largely original condition even down to the original radio that is still operating. The original Lamborghini leather book case, original owners handbook, original service book, dealer book and service coupons are all present with the car including the original radio booklet, tool roll, jack, matching spare tire and service documentation. This is an incredible opportunity to acquire a very iconic Italian GT sports car in a very rare configuration with excellent provenance and complete with all of its books and tools.
What do you think?