Lamborghini Espada History
Catalog record
This is a brief catalog introduction with limited source documentation. A licensed, identity-checked lead photograph has not yet been added for this page. Detailed year, configuration and ownership coverage must be identified separately; this page is not a complete vehicle catalog.
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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
Series I
Original Espada — angular Bertone styling, 3.9-litre V12. ~168 built.
Series II
Revised interior and exterior details, power steering optional. ~575 built.
1970 Photo: “1970 Lamborghini Espada S2” by MrWalkr / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
1971 Photo: “1971 Lamborghini Espada” by Michael Gulett / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
1972 Photo: “1972 Lamborghini Espada” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Series III
Definitive Espada — standard power steering, 5-speed gearbox, increased output.
1974 Photo: “1974 Lamborghini Espada Series III (37789885946)” by Sicnag / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 2.0. Cropped to 16:9.
1975 Photo: “1975 Lamborghini Espada S3” by MrWalkr / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
1977 Photo: “1977 Lamborghini Espada” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
Body styles
- Coupe (4-seat)
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