| |
| Lamborghini Espada | |
|---|---|
| Lamborghini | |
| aka | Espada 400 GT |
| Production | 1968–1978 Espada GT (Series I) 168 units Espada GTE (Series II) 575 units Espada GTE (Series III) 456 units |
| Class | Grand Tourer |
| Body Style | 2-door coupe, 4-seat |
| Length | 4,730 mm (186.2 in) |
| Width | 1,860 mm (73.2 in) |
| Height | 1,185 mm (46.7 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm (104.3 in) |
| Weight | 1480 kg / 3263 lbs |
| Transmission | 3-speed TorqueFlite automatic |
| Engine | 3.9 L Lamborghini V12 |
| Power | 340 hp @ 7000 rpm |
| Similar | Ferrari 512 BB Ferrari Daytona De Tomaso Mangusta Maserati Ghibli |
| Designer | Marcello Gandini at Bertone |
The Lamborghini Espada is a grand tourer which was built by Italian car manufacturer Lamborghini between 1968 and 1978.
It was designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone. Gandini drew inspiration and cues from two of his Bertone show cars from 1967, the Lamborghini Marzal and the Bertone Pirana.
The Espada was a four-seater GT and was initially sold alongside the Lamborghini Islero and the mid-engine Lamborghini Miura. The Espada and the Islero both replaced the Lamborghini 400 GT 2+2 and had similar mechanical underpinnings, with the Espada a more visually daring alternative to the relatively conservative and discrete Islero.
During its ten years in 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 interior redesigns, minor mechanical improvements and minor exterior changes. 1,217 Espadas were made, making it the most numerous and longest-running Lamborghini model until the expansion of Countach production in the mid-1980s.
Name[]
- The Spanish name Espada (pronounced [esˈpaða]) means "Sword", referring to the sword that the Torero aka “Matador” uses to kill the bull.
Lamborghini Espada Timeline[]
- The design team used more than two years to agree on the concept and design, but when this finally was in place at the end of ’67, it took less than 6 months to complete the first Espada which was showcased at Geneva Motor show in March ’68.
Series I - Espada GT (1968-1969)[]
In 1968, Ferruccio decided to built a full four-seater Gran Turismo, and it was presented as the Espada 400 GT, whose styling was inspired by the Marzal prototype of 1966, the first Espada prototype even retained the gullwing door-design, but this was abandoned for the production model.
Marcello Gandini designed the Miura and the Marzal, and was also contracted to create the look of the new Espada, the engineering was largely done by Gianpaolo Dallara, though he didn’t change the already winning formula of Lamborghini, a front mounted V-12 engine, delivering it’s power through a 5-speed Lamborghini gearbox to the rear wheels.
Automatic transmission wasn’t available in the beginning of the production run, but it would become available on later Series. The Espada chassis was a strong fabricated pressed-steel platform, built by Marchesi of Modena, the engine was installed 7.9 inch further forward while an addition of 3.8 inch to the wheelbase freed up enough space for the four-seat cabin, note that an Espada is only about 100mm longer compared to the 400 GT 2+2.
The styling of the Espada was very sensational for the late Sixties, a real head-turner, with its wide track and low lines the car was very impressive. The front of the car, with quad circular headlamps and double NACA ducts in the hood, that fed not the engine but the ventilation for the interior, was simple but effective.
The interior featured four bucket-type seats, with enough space for the rear passengers, if the front seats weren’t pushed all the way back. The dashboard on this first series looked rather messy, but presented the driver with everything he might need, the first show car even had the Marzal steering wheel, but this was redesigned for the production units, the dashboard cluster inside this first series kept the hexagon styling Gandini also used on the Marzal.
On the 1968 Turin Auto Show, an Espada with a Lancomatic suspension was shown, it was made optionally available, but only a few Espada’s were ordered with it. This system was perfected by the German Langen company and replaced the normal spring/damper units with units who’s damping was controlled by the resistance of a fluid, but the system proved to be unreliable.
Only 186 Espada Series I were built, and today they are very hard to find, let alone find a good one, if you really want to buy an Espada, try finding a Series II car, and always remember, a V-12 powered Lamborghini seems to have 12 pieces of everything.
In 1970, a new Series II took over, with minor modifications, the basic Espada chassis would later be used for the Jarama 2+2, in a shortened form.
Specificacions for Series I[]
- General
| Years built | March 1968 – November 1969 |
| Production | 168 units |
| Chassisnr. | nr. 7001 – 9900 |
| Presentation | March 1698 Geneva Auto Show |
- Dimensions
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm / 104.15 in |
| Overall length | 4738 mm / 186.2 in |
| Overall width | 1860 mm / 73.1 in |
| Overall height | 1185 mm / 46.57 in |
| Front track | 1490 mm / 58.56 in |
| Rear track | 1490 mm / 58.56 in |
| Ground clear | 135 mm / 5.31 in |
| Front overhang | 932 mm / 36.63 in |
| Rear overhang | 1148 mm / 45.12 in |
| Weight | 1480 kg / 3263 lbs |
| Distribution | 52/48 % front / rear |
- Chassis
| Structure | Semi-monocoque of sheet steel |
| Body | All-steel body of integral construction, aluminium was used for the hood |
| Suspension | All-independent, consisting of double transverse unequal length wishbones with coil springs, telescopic Koni dampers and anti-roll bars |
| Brakes | Girling ventilated disc brakes on all wheels operated by two vacuum servo units with independent circuits to front and rear |
| Front | 300 mm / 11.79 in |
| Rear | 280 mm / 11 in |
| Steering type | ZF Worm & roller, 3.8 turns lock to lock |
| Turning circle | 11.5 m / 38 ft |
| Front tire size | HS 205VR15 |
| Rear tire size | HS 205VR15 |
| Type of tire | Pirelli Cinturato |
| Front wheel | 7×15 inch |
| Rear wheel | 7×15 inch |
| Type of wheel | Campagnolo cast magnesium (CN72 Centre Lock) |
- Engine
| Type | V-12 60 degree, aluminium block with pressed-in liners, front mounted, rear wheel drive |
| Distribution | Dual overhead camshafts, chain drive, two valves/cyl. |
| Main Bearings | 7 |
| Cyl. Capacity | 3464 cc / 211 ci |
| Bore & stroke | 82 x 62 mm |
| Compr. Ratio | 9.5 |
| Max. power | 325 Bhp at 6500 rpm |
| Max. torque | 375 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| Cooling system | Water cooled, with centrifugal pump and two thermostatically controlled electric fans |
| Ignition | Alternator with Magnetti Marelli coils and one distributor |
| Alternator | 600 Watt Bosch |
| Fuel system | Electric Bendix fuel pump, 6 twin-barrel Weber 40 DCOE 20 carburetors |
| Fuel type | 100 Octane |
| Fuel consumption | 17 Lit/100 Km |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Electr. system | 12 V |
| Plugs | Bosch 235 P21 |
- Drivetrain
| Type | Lamborghini five-speed + reverse manual all-synchromesh driving a Lamborghini differential |
| Clutch | Borg & Beck dry-single plate, hydraulically operated |
| Disc diameter | 266.7 mm / 10.48 in |
| 1st gear ratio | 2.520:1 – Max speed 64 Km/h or 40 Mph |
| 2nd gear ratio | 1.735:1 – Max speed 112 Km/h or 70 Mph |
| 3rd gear ratio | 1.225:1 – Max speed 164 Km/h or 102 Mph |
| 4th gear ratio | 1.000:1 – Max speed 204 Km/h or 127 Mph |
| 5th gear ratio | 0.815:1 – Max speed 245 Km/h or 152 Mph |
| Reverse gear ratio | 2.765:1 – Max speed 0 Km/h or 0 Mph |
| Final drive ratio | 45% limited slip:1 |
- Performance
| Top speed | 245 Km/h / 152 Mph |
| 0 – 100 Km/h | 6.50 sec. |
| Standing Km | 26.00 sec. |
| 1/4 Mile | 15.00 sec. reaching 100 Mph |
- Capacities
| Fuel | 93 Liter / 25 Gallon |
| Engine oil | 14 Liter / 4 Gallon |
| Cooling system | 14 Liter / 4 Gallon |
| Luggage | 280 Liter / 74 Gallon |
- Lamborghini Espada (Series I) Gallery
.jpg "1968 Lamborghini Espada (Series I).jpg (95 KB)")
_front.jpg "1968 Lamborghini (Series I) front.jpg (183 KB)")
_rear.jpg "1968 Lamborghini Espada (Series I) rear.jpg (147 KB)")
Series II - Espada GTE (1969-1972)[]
On an early January 1970 Brussels Auto Show, a slightly altered Espada was introduced, it was designated the Espada 400 GTE, but it is better known as the Series II model.
The main changes over the first series could be found on the inside, the complete dashboard was redesigned, now with a lockable glove-compartment, the steering-wheel was redesigned, the rear passengers received additional ventilation, and the new rear armrest now incorporated a small light.
The styling wasn’t altered too much, during the Series II production run however, new five-bolt wheels were introduced to replace the Miura knock-off types.
Another big change was made under the hood, the Miura/Islero ‘S’ engine was installed in the Espada GTE, with a 10.7 compression-ratio, this engine was able to output 350 Bhp at 7500 rpm.
New ventilated disc brakes with a width of 32 mm at the front and 22 mm at the rear were installed and power assisted steering was made optionally available. The front portion of the door windows were now fixed, and the vertical rear window lost it’s bumper.
This Series II Espada was only in production for two years, but it reached the highest production number of the different Espada series, 575 Series II were produced by Lamborghini. Most Espada’s on sale today are therefore Series II models, and because of the improved level of finish, this series is considered as the best Espada.
Two special versions were built on the Series II chassis, the first was presented by Bertone himself, the Espada VIP featured a TV set between the front seats, a complete bar was installed in the rear sides and the two-tone leather interior was upholstered in the same colors as the exterior. This special is still owned by Bertone, but a better known special was designed and built by Frua and was designated the Frua Faena.
A 1970 Espada with serial number 7665 was converted into a 2-door convertible, the car is finished in red over beige leather
Specificacions for Series II[]
- General
| Years built | November 1969 – November 1972 |
| Production | 575 units |
| Chassis nr. | 7001 – 9900 |
| Presentation | March 1970 Geneva Auto Show |
- Dimensions
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm / 104.15 in |
| Overall length | 4738 mm / 186.2 in |
| Overall width | 1860 mm / 73.1 in |
| Overall height | 1185 mm / 46.57 in |
| Front track | 1490 mm / 58.56 in |
| Rear track | 1490 mm / 58.56 in |
| Ground clear | 127 mm / 4.99 in |
| Front overhang | 932 mm / 36.63 in |
| Rear overhang | 1148 mm / 45.12 in |
| Weight | 1635 kg / 3605 lbs |
| Distribution | 52/48 % front / rear |
- Chassis
| Structure | Semi-monocoque of sheet steel |
| Body | All-steel body of integral construction, aluminium was used for the hood |
| Suspension | All-independent, consisting of double transverse unequal length wishbones with coil springs, telescopic Koni dampers and anti-roll bars |
| Brakes | Girling ventilated disc brakes on all wheels operated by two vacuum servo units with independent circuits to front and rear |
| Front | 300 mm / 11.79 in |
| Rear | 280 mm / 11 in |
| Steering type | ZF Worm & roller, 4.3 turns from lock to lock |
| Turning circle | 19.74 m / 32 ft |
| Front tire size | HS 205VR15 |
| Rear tire size | HS 205VR15 |
| Type of tire | Pirelli Cinturato |
| Front wheel | 7×15 inch |
| Rear wheel | 7×15 inch |
| Type of wheel | Campagnolo cast magnesium (CN72 Centre Lock) |
- Engine
| Type | V-12 60 degree, aluminium block with pressed-in liners, front mounted, rear wheel drive |
| Distribution | Dual overhead camshafts, chain drive, two valves/cyl. |
| Main Bearings | 7 |
| Cyl. Capacity | 3464 cc / 211 ci |
| Bore & stroke | 82 x 62 mm |
| Compr. Ratio | 10.7 |
| Max. power | 350 Bhp at 7500 rpm |
| Max. torque | 394 Nm at 5500 rpm |
| Cooling system | Pressurized, vertical flow radiator and twin electric fans |
| Ignition | Alternator with Magnetti Marelli coils and distributors |
| Alternator | 550 Watt Bosch |
| Fuel system | Electric Bendix fuel pump, 6 twin-barrel Weber 40 DCOE 20 carburetors |
| Fuel type | 100 Octane |
| Fuel consumption | 22.9 Lit/100 Km |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Electr. system | 12 V |
| Plugs | Bosch 235 P21 |
- Drivetrain
| Type | Lamborghini five-speed + reverse manual all-synchromesh driving a Lamborghini differential |
| Clutch | Dry-single plate, hydraulically operated |
| Disc diameter | 241 mm / 9.47 in |
| Reverse gear ratio | 2.765:1 – Max speed 0 Km/h or 0 Mph |
| Final drive ratio | 4.09:1 |
- Performance
| Top speed | 260 Km/h / 161 Mph |
| 0 – 100 Km/h | 6.60 sec. |
| Standing Km | 26.00 sec. |
| 1/4 Mile | 15.00 sec. reaching 100 Mph |
- Capacities
| Fuel | 93 Liter / 25 Gallon |
| Engine oil | 14 Liter / 4 Gallon |
| Cooling system | 14 Liter / 4 Gallon |
| Luggage | 280 Liter / 74 Gallon |
- Lamborghini Espada (Series II) Gallery
_1.jpg "Lamborghini Espada (Series II) 1.jpg (152 KB)")
_2.jpg "Lamborghini Espada (Series II) 2.jpg (64 KB)")
_3.jpg "Lamborghini Espada (Series II) 3.jpg (103 KB)")
Series III - Espada GTE (1972–1978)[]
Bertone redesigned the interior of the Espada once more, the Espada Series III was introduced on the 1972 Turin Auto Show, the front grill-treatment was again slightly altered and the rear taillights were changed, they were now the same as on the Alfa Romeo 2000. In the interior, the dashboard was changed, now wrapped toward the driver and wood was used instead of aluminum, power-steering was made standard, along with air-conditioning, the center console now had a more upright kick-up from the front. Underneath the bodywork, the rear triangular suspension arms were modified, the spring and shock rates rejigged, and the disc brakes were again upgraded, and under the hood, two alternators were installed.
Available options now include a sunroof which wasn’t demanded much, and also from 1974 on, a Chrysler automatic transmission could be ordered. Starting in 1976, the same black ‘safety bumpers’ needed for the U.S. market were installed on the cars for he European market, and by some specialists, these late Espadas were called the Series IV, but the factory kept calling it the Series III.
Although this last model of the Espada was kept in production for the longest period, it didn’t sell as well as the Series II, in its six years production, it only sold 456 units. The complete Espada production totaled at 1217 units, making it Lamborghini’s second biggest success, only the Lamborghini Countach would top this figure much later. Even today, the styling of the Espada is as fresh as 46 years ago, it is still a head-turner, people still stare at it every time one passes by.
Towards the end of the production life for the Espada, Bertone had designed a four-door version of this high-speed luxury cruiser, the overall looks of this final design were very good, but for some reason Lamborghini didn’t take this new Espada into production, which could be seen as a pity, because it would surely sell quite good.
Specificacions for Series III[]
- General
| Years built | November 1972 – 1978 |
| Production | 456 units |
| Chassis nr. | 7001 – 9900 |
| Presentation | November 1972 Turin Auto Show |
- Dimensions
| Wheelbase | 2650 mm / 104.15 in |
| Overall length | 4738 mm / 186.2 in |
| Overall width | 1860 mm / 73.1 in |
| Overall height | 1185 mm / 46.57 in |
| Front track | 1490 mm / 58.56 in |
| Rear track | 1490 mm / 58.56 in |
| Ground clear | 127 mm / 4.99 in |
| Front overhang | 932 mm / 36.63 in |
| Rear overhang | 1148 mm / 45.12 in |
| Weight | 1635 kg / 3605 lbs |
| Distribution | 52/48 % front / rear |
- Chassis
| Structure | Semi-monocoque of sheet steel |
| Body | All-steel body of integral construction, aluminium was used for the hood |
| Suspension | All-independent, consisting of double transverse unequal length wishbones with coil springs, telescopic Koni dampers and anti-roll bars |
| Brakes | Girling ventilated disc brakes on all wheels operated by two vacuum servo units with independent circuits to front and rear |
| Front | 300 mm / 11.79 in |
| Rear | 280 mm / 11 in |
| Steering type | ZF Worm & roller, 4.3 turns lock to lock, servo-assistance became optionally available |
| Turning circle | 19.74 m / 32 ft |
| Front tire size | HS 205VR15 |
| Rear tire size | HS 205VR15 |
| Type of tire | Pirelli Cinturato |
| Front wheel | 7×15 inch |
| Rear wheel | 7×15 inch |
| Type of wheel | Campagnolo cast magnesium (five bolt wheel hubs) |
- Engine
| Type | V-12 60 degree, aluminium block with pressed-in liners, front mounted, rear wheel drive |
| Distribution | Dual overhead camshafts, chain drive, two valves/cyl. |
| Main Bearings | 7 |
| Cyl. Capacity | 3939 cc / 240 ci |
| Bore & stroke | 82 x 62 mm |
| Compr. Ratio | 10.7 |
| Max. power | 350 Bhp at 7500 rpm |
| Max. torque | 394 Nm at 5500 rpm |
| Cooling system | Pressurized, vertical flow radiator and twin electric fans |
| Ignition | Alternator with Magnetti Marelli coils and distributors |
| Alternator | 2 x 770 W Bosch |
| Fuel system | Electric Bendix fuel pump, 6 twin-barrel Weber 40 DCOE 20 carburetors |
| Fuel type | 100 Octane |
| Fuel consumption | 22.9 Lit/100 Km |
| Lubrication | Wet sump |
| Electr. system | 12 V |
| Plugs | Bosch 235 P21 |
- Drivetrain
| Type | Lamborghini five-speed + reverse manual all-synchromesh driving a Lamborghini differential |
| Optional | Chrysler TorqueFlite automatic available from 1974 on |
| Clutch | Borg & Beck dry-single plate, hydraulically operated |
| Disc diameter | 241 mm / 9.47 in |
| Reverse gear ratio | 2.765:1 – Max speed 0 Km/h or 0 Mph |
| Final drive ratio | 4.09:1 |
- Performance
| Top speed | 250 Km/h / 155 Mph |
| 0 – 100 Km/h | 6.60 sec. |
| Standing Km | 26.00 sec. |
| 1/4 Mile |
- Capacities
| Fuel | 93 Liter / 25 Gallon |
| Engine oil | 14 Liter / 4 Gallon |
| Cooling system | 14 Liter / 4 Gallon |
| Luggage | 280 Liter / 74 Gallon |
- Lamborghini Espada (Series III) Gallery
_1.jpg "Lamborghini Espada (Series III) 1.jpg (214 KB)")
_2.jpg "Lamborghini Espada (Series III) 2.jpg (141 KB)")
_3.jpg "Lamborghini Espada (Series III) 3.jpg (81 KB)")
See also[]
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