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Lamborghini
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Model biography
Ferruccio Lamborghini always imagined a four-seater that would suit a driver passionate about beautiful, powerful cars, but who was bound by the need for space and comfort. His company produced the first Lamborghini to meet that brief when it launched the Espada 400 GT at the Geneva Show 1968. Known simply as the Espada when it reached production, the car met the design brief to carry four passengers and their luggage in some comfort, while also providing power and performance that was now expected of a Lamborghini.
Model biography
Ferruccio Lamborghini always imagined a four-seater that would suit a driver passionate about beautiful, powerful cars, but who was bound by the need for space and comfort. His company produced the first Lamborghini to meet that brief when it launched the Espada 400 GT at the Geneva Show 1968. Known simply as the Espada when it reached production, the car met the design brief to carry four passengers and their luggage in some comfort, while also providing power and performance that was now expected of a Lamborghini.
To that end, it still retained the 4-liter V12, tuned to deliver 325 CV. The clean lines that were designed by Carrozzeria Bertone gave the car another iconic and distinctive look and the commercial success that followed showed that the company had again met expectations. For a long time, the Espada was Lamborghini’s best-selling car. The model was made in three series: Series I (1968-69) saw 186 units produced; Series II (1970-1972) an incredible 575 units while Series III (1972-1978) saw 456 units sold.
Design
The Espada derived from the Lamborghini Marzal prototype, which was presented in 1967. The prototype was characterized by futuristic large glass surfaces and glass gull-wing doors but these were considered to be too extreme for the production car. Despite efforts to introduce these features, the final product had to do without. Nonetheless, the design of the Espada remains unique and distinctive. The car was very low, with a roof line only 112 centimeters from the ground and the taut, angular lines that would become symbolic of 1970s automotive design. The Espada was the first production Lamborghini to introduce the hexagon shapes as a distinctive feature, a geometric figure that has become a symbol of the brand. Also interesting is the choice of the luggage compartment lid, made predominantly of glass. A vertical pane rises up to meet the glass boot lid. The two pieces were designed to be the width of the car to improve visibility for the driver.
The Espada used the same chassis as the 400GT, but it was stretched to meet the design targets to suit the passengers, particularly in the rear seats. The engine was the same 4-litre 12-cylinder, mounted at the front. The 5-speed manual gearbox was produced by Lamborghini, while the automatic version, available as optional for the first time in a car produced in Sant'Agata Bolognese, was produced in America. The vehicle had four-wheel independent suspension, and another new feature was the option to order Lancomatic hydropneumatic suspension, though it was chosen by only a few customers. The second series car, introduced in 1970, also had the option of power steering, and that became standard on the third series, which was introduced in 1972. Air conditioning, was also optional in the earlier versions of the car.
The Espada used the same chassis as the 400GT, but it was stretched to meet the design targets to suit the passengers, particularly in the rear seats. The engine was the same 4-litre 12-cylinder, mounted at the front. The 5-speed manual gearbox was produced by Lamborghini, while the automatic version, available as optional for the first time in a car produced in Sant'Agata Bolognese, was produced in America. The vehicle had four-wheel independent suspension, and another new feature was the option to order Lancomatic hydropneumatic suspension, though it was chosen by only a few customers. The second series car, introduced in 1970, also had the option of power steering, and that became standard on the third series, which was introduced in 1972. Air conditioning, was also optional in the earlier versions of the car.
Lifestyle
The Espada featured in several films of the time and was often featured in fashion magazine photo shoots. The most exclusive version of the car was the VIP, of which just 12 were produced. These were equipped with a television and bar compartment. The VIPs were ordered in extremely bright, two-tone and contrasting color combinations, following the aesthetic trends of the time.
Lifestyle
The Espada featured in several films of the time and was often featured in fashion magazine photo shoots. The most exclusive version of the car was the VIP, of which just 12 were produced. These were equipped with a television and bar compartment. The VIPs were ordered in extremely bright, two-tone and contrasting color combinations, following the aesthetic trends of the time.
