Lamborghini Espada History
Catalog record
Photography for this nameplate has not yet cleared the archive’s licensing and identity checks. The researched text below remains available while the page stays out of search and advertising inventory.
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
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)
Related models
Collect the nameplate
Find a scale model of the Lamborghini Espada
Search Amazon across available years, colors, and scales. Exact releases vary, so confirm the listing before ordering.