The Lamborghini Espada is a head-turning grand tourer that still draws much attention with its bold design and thrilling performance, even though it went out of production in 1978. This iconic 2+2 seater is known for its spacious cabin and comfortable ride. Under the hood, the Espada sports a powerful V12 engine with prompt acceleration and a top speed exceeding 152 mph. Depending on the model year and variant, the Espada's horsepower ranges from 325 horsepower for the early model years, while the latter years produced 350 horsepower. Its torque ratings also range between 275 lb-ft and 290 lb-ft of torque. The driving experience is engaging, thanks to the rear-wheel-drive layout and a 5-speed manual transmission. The Espada's design is unique, and sharp lines, a sleek profile, and iconic headlights mark it. The spacious interior, swathed in premium leather, offers seating for four adults, making it a practical choice for grand touring adventures. Owning a piece of the Lamborghini Espada will cost you between $40,000 and $200,000, depending on the condition, year, and specific variant. Read this Lamborghini Espada review to learn more about this Italian grand tourer.
The Lamborghini Espada came to be in 1968 because Marcello Gandini (its designer) preferred the idea of a practical Lamborghini. This practical Lamborghini would offer a spacious cabin and ride smoothly with an efficient engine that'll deliver performance-wise. Unlike its mid-engine brethren, the Espada was designed to be a grand tourer, capable of carrying four adults and their luggage in style. Its spacious interior, swathed in luxurious leather, became a hallmark of the model. The Espada's ten-year production run saw several iterations. The initial Series I (1968-1970) boasted a 325 hp V12 engine, while the Series II (1970-1972) upgraded to a 350 hp version. The Series III (1972-1975) introduced cosmetic changes and further engine tweaks. Some US-bound models had design tweaks to meet regulations and appeal to Americans, but they were never officially designated Series IV. Although not the most commercially successful Lamborghini, the Espada left its mark. A total of 1,217 Espadas rolled off the production line, making it a relatively rare sight on the road today. Each model year had its production numbers, with Series I being the most produced (578 units).
While not boasting multiple engine options, the Espada delivers consistent excitement with its front-mounted V12. Each cylinder houses four valves, actuated by dual overhead camshafts per bank that breathe through six Weber-side-draft carburetors. Depending on the Series, horsepower ranges from 325 to 350 hp, unleashed at a high-revving 7,200 to 7,500 rpm. Torque reaches up to 290 lb-ft, ensuring a refined acceleration experience that throws you back in your plush leather seat. Expect a 0-60 mph sprint in under 7 seconds and a 152 mph top speed. This V12 engine directly contributes to the Espada's overall curb weight of around 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs). While not exactly a featherweight, its power-to-weight ratio ensures decent performance. In its heydays, fuel economy was never a priority; hence, it's not surprising to see estimates that suggest an average of 8-10 mpg, a figure that might make eco-conscious drivers faint. While the basic V12 architecture remained throughout the Espada's production, later models (Series II and III) received tweaks that boosted horsepower and improved overall performance. The Espada competes with other Italian icons like the Ferrari Daytona and Maserati Indy in its grand touring segment. While the Daytona offered slightly more power (with its 4.4L V12), the Espada held its own in terms of performance and provided a more spacious and comfortable cabin. The Espada boasted significantly more power and a more aggressive appeal than the Indy.
The Espada's interior exudes a unique charm that has an Italian flair. Upon opening the doors, you're greeted by a surprisingly spacious cabin swathed in rich leather. There are a few wood trim pieces here and there to denote luxury. The 2+2 seating arrangement offers ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The plush bucket seats hug you comfortably, even during spirited drives, while the rear seats, though tight, can accommodate two adults for short journeys. The Espada's rear seats aren't for tall passengers. One interesting thing we noticed about the Espada's interior is that the lever to move the front seats and gain entrance to the rear is placed on the other side of the seat by the center console. That notwithstanding, entering and exiting the rear seats isn't a chore. Up front is the wood-wrapped steering wheel that falls perfectly into your hands. Airbags weren't standard then, so they're missing on this steering wheel. The gauge cluster is nestled perfectly behind it, featuring large, legible dials displaying essential information. The dials here include the speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, oil gauge, engine temperature gauge, and more. To the left of the steering wheel is the radio - not the place where you'd expect it. The center console is tilted towards the driver. It's adorned with chrome accents and toggle switches and houses the climate controls and the gear selector. In some Espadas, the gear shift knob would either be for the three-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. The dashboard, a sweeping expanse of leather and wood, houses the air vents and additional gauges. The overall design is elegant and clean. The Espada isn't mainly known for its serenity, so you should expect a tolerable cabin noise level. The purr of the V12 engine is ever-present, and so is wind noise at high speeds.
The Lamborghini Espada has a head-turning design with sharp lines and audacious curves that sweep from the front to the rear. The front looks aggressive, with its low-slung design dominated by the twin headlights on both sides. Beneath the twin headlights is the rock-solid bumper with the turn signals integrated into it. A little above the headlights and onto the hood, you'll find two air vents on each side of the hood that draw air into the engine bay. The Espada's side profile is curvy and angled nicely. The wedge-shaped design tapers towards the rear, creating a dynamic silhouette. The absence of a B-pillar accentuates the sleek lines too. The Espada's muscular stance is further accentuated by its wide tires. Depending on the model year, tire sizes range from 185/70VR14 to 205/70VR14, and they're mounted on stylish alloy wheels that complement the overall design. The Espada's trunk offers enough space for weekend getaways. Accessing it requires lifting the rear glass hatch, revealing a surprisingly deep compartment that can accommodate two-person luggage. The sloping rear glass adds to the dynamic profile, while the wide taillights add to the Espada's rear look. The dual exhaust pipes on either side let out the growl from the front-mounted V12 engine.
By today's standards, the Lamborghini Espada's technological features belong to a bygone era. But their uniqueness and historical significance remains. The Espada has a classic carburetor setup, as Lamborghini fitted it with six Weber 40 DCOE carburetors. It also has an old-school 5-speed manual gearbox and an optional three-speed automatic transmission. The Espada also had features like air conditioning, power windows, and two gas caps connected to the same gas tank.
Owning a Lamborghini Espada comes with a hefty price tag, but the exact cost depends on several factors, like the model year, Series, condition, and mileage. The S3 Espada fetches the highest price. With all that in mind, expect to pay between $40,000 for a project car needing significant work and upwards of $200,000 for a pristine, low-mileage Espada.
So, is the Lamborghini Espada the right car for you? It depends. If you crave cutting-edge tech and creature comforts, look elsewhere. But if you yearn for a driving experience steeped in traditional Italian flair, the Espada might be a good choice. Ready to shop for an Espada (or sell your current vehicle)? Look no further than Exotic Car Trader, your one-stop shop for exotic cars. We take the hassle out of buying and selling your dream car online, offering a smooth and transparent process every step of the way. Our services include extensive listings, expert guidance, simplified transactions, and global reach. The Lamborghini Espada will always draw attention to you. For some, the Espada will elicit an awe-inspiring emotion; for others, it'll be a nay. But for you, it'll always bring you smiles as you cruise down the road in this Italian grand tourer of the 70s.
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