1974 LAMBORGHINI ESPADA 400 GT SERIES III

KEY FACTS

• This Lamborghini Espada 400 GT Series III is in ‘barn find’ condition; highly original but requiring substantial restoration, making for an exciting project.
• Under the front-hinged bonnet is a 3.9-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine with six Weber carburettors, sending 350bhp to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox.
• This Espada Series III is one of fewer than 500 examples built, of which only 121 were right-hand drive.
• The car has only covered approximately 2,000 miles since 1989, at which time the engine was rebuilt, the suspension was overhauled and the interior was retrimmed at a total cost of around £25,000. It has been in storage since 2000.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This Espada is finished in vibrant Fly Yellow over a black Connolly leather-trimmed interior.
• The Series III was the final iteration of the four-seat GT coupe powered by the sonorous V12 engine, but with improvements such as improved suspension, redesigned aluminium-finished dashboard, a new style of alloy wheel, power-assisted steering and air conditioning.
• The car is unmodified and in its original condition, save for the Fly Yellow paint finish; the car was originally red when it left the famous Sant’Agata factory, but was changed to the current colour around 30 years ago.
• Accompanying the car is the original service manual, an assortment of MOT paperwork, and documented proof of the engine rebuild, suspension overhaul, and interior re-trim undertaken by Motorapide in 1989.

CONDITION

• While the car is both complete and original, it displays substantial corrosion and will need attention paid to the floors, sills, valances and door skins as well as a full respray.
• The owner states that the car’s documentation shows no evidence of accident damage, but there is a record of historic paint repairs and welding work on the wheel arches.
• As the car has stood unused for the past 20 years, mechanical recommissioning will be required.
• The Fly Yellow paint shows corrosion around the vehicle, most notably to the front end. However, the panels appear straight and true. The exterior trim looks intact and complete, but also requires refurbishment or replacement.
• The black leather interior is complete, making a good base for a full restoration. The seats display some scuffing to their rear surfaces, but an appealing natural patina which would no doubt benefit from a re-connolising treatment.
• The driver’s side carpet is damp and discoloured, linked to the corroded floor pan.
• The car has not been started for many years, and it is recommended that a mechanical overhaul be performed before it is attempted. As a result, the condition of mechanical and electrical functions cannot be warranted.
• The most recent MOT test was conducted in May 1999.

SUMMARY

Offered in its complete and largely original state, this Lamborghini Espada 400 GT Series III presents an exciting opportunity to restore and recommission an elegant 1970s grand tourer. As the final and most highly specified of the Espadas, this would be a rewarding project for a keen enthusiast or professional looking to return a rare classic car to the road.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing. As the car has a short four-digit VIN, there are markers relating to other vehicles sharing this number, but the Lamborghini is HPI clear.