Lamborghini Espada History
History
The Espada — Spanish for 'sword' — debuted at the 1968 Geneva Motor Show as Lamborghini's answer to the 4-seat GT market, featuring a low, wide Marcello Gandini / Bertone body that could genuinely seat four adults alongside its 3.9-litre V12. It was one of the fastest four-seat cars of its era.
Produced in three series (Series I: 1968–1969; Series II: 1970–1972; Series III: 1972–1978) with progressive power and refinement improvements, the Espada became Lamborghini's longest-running classic-era model and its most prolific, with approximately 1,217 examples built. The Series III received a 5-speed gearbox and power steering.
Generations
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Series I
Original Espada — angular Bertone styling, 3.9-litre V12. ~168 built.
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Series II
Revised interior and exterior details, power steering optional. ~575 built.
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1970 Photo: “1970 Lamborghini Espada S2” by MrWalkr / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
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1971 Photo: “1971 Lamborghini Espada” by Michael Gulett / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
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1972 Photo: “1972 Lamborghini Espada” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
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Series III
Definitive Espada — standard power steering, 5-speed gearbox, increased output.
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1974 Photo: “1974 Lamborghini Espada Series III (37789885946)” by Sicnag / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
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1975 Photo: “1975 Lamborghini Espada S3” by MrWalkr / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
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1977 Photo: “1977 Lamborghini Espada” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
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Body styles
- Coupe (4-seat)
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