Lot 156 - 1974 Lamborghini Espada Series III

• Original right hand drive, manual gearbox car
• Work carried out by both Colin Clarke Engineering and SMDG Ferrari
• Retains many original, rare detail parts

The 1967 Geneva Motor Show event saw the unveiling of the sensational Lamborghini Marzal. A concept car which was seen as an approach to a four-seat Lamborghini. A forerunner for the successful distinct Espada. Named after a matador's sword, the Espada was styled along lines similar to those of the concept Marzal but carried a 4.0 litre V12 up front, first seen in the 400GT and Islero. Introduced in January 1970, the Series II cars came with an extra 25bhp, 155mph top speed, an improved dashboard layout and the option of power assisted steering. The dashboard was revised yet again in late 1972 for the Series III, which also incorporated power steering as standard, up-rated brakes, minor suspension improvements, and a restyled front grille. Espada production ceased in 1978 after 1,217 of these imposing cars had been built. Even today there are few cars that can match the on-road presence of the Espada.

First registered new in South Africa on 1^st June 1974, this remarkably original Espada found its way to the UK in 2014. Having not been subjected to the British climate for most of its life, the bodywork is incredibly solid. Unlike so many Espada’s, this car retains many of the incredibly rare trim parts, so often lost or removed from cars. Parts like the bumpers, windscreen surrounds, rear screen rubber, steering wheel and fuse box cover have all survived and remain with the car. After the car’s import to the UK, it was sent to the highly regarded Lamborghini expert Colin Clarke Engineering, who went through the car servicing and repairing whatever was required. £12,000 was spent with Colin Clarke in 2015 having this service, before having a further £4,350 spent in 2016 with SMDG Ferrari in Cranleigh. Another £660 was spent back with Colin Clarke in 2020 to have the car’s carburettors set up and the engine tuned. The brakes were also rebuilt in 2020 by the then owner before the car was sold to the vendor, who has enjoyed it as part of his collection ever since. Indeed, these wonderful Lamborghini V12 engines sound fabulous when accelerating – so evocative!

Supplied with a UK V5C registration document, owner’s handbook, sales brochure and file of receipts. The guide price offers incredible value for money when compared to the cost of restoration and it is unusual to find an Espada that is both so solid and original. Presenting very well, this lovely Lamborghini is sure to turn heads wherever it goes.