1974 LAMBORGHINI ESPADA SERIES III

This Lamborghini Espada 400 GT Series III is a rare and exceptionally stylish Italian grand tourer, offered in excellent cosmetic and mechanical order from cherished 31-year ownership. Under the bonnet is a 3.9-litre naturally aspirated V12 ‘S’ engine, in its original high-compression 350hp tune, coupled to a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 77,315 km.

Designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, the Espada first appeared in 1968 in Series I guise, which was followed in 1970 by the Series II, adding the uprated engine to Miura ‘S’ specification, ventilated disc brakes, and Miura-style knock-off wheels. In 1972, the Series III brought further enhancements, with a new aluminium-trimmed instrument panel, Campagnolo alloy wheels, new tail lights, and a square-mesh front grille. ZF power steering and air-conditioning were also fitted as standard. The claimed performance figures were 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 155mph.

Fewer than 500 examples of the Series III were built, and only 121 in right-hand drive. This rare model was sourced and imported from South Africa in 1989, whereafter it was purchased by the current owner and re-registered and taxed on 2 November 1990.

In the early 1990s, the owner commissioned a total engine rebuild, with balanced and polished con-rods and crankshaft, and the fitment of oversized 1.4-inch diameter valves. This work was carried out by noted Lamborghini specialist John Hartland of Motorapide. In 1992, the car was also completely reupholstered.

The Espada was used frequently during the first five years of his ownership, but less so in the 25 years that followed. Over the last eight years, during which time the Lamborghini has covered less than 400 km, it has been treated to an extensive mechanical overhaul and cosmetic refurbishment. 

Today, this classic GT car presents superbly, having been given a complete bare-metal respray at ColourKit in Leicester in November 2015. There is no known prior accident damage, and certainly none during the vendor’s ownership, though both sills were replaced prior to the respray as they were suffering from some corrosion. The vibrant red finish looks smooth and even across the panels, and all of the brightwork is also in great shape. Lamborghini and Bertone badges are present and in good order, and other period-correct items include the Vitaloni Californian wing mirrors. The 15-inch alloy wheels are all in excellent condition, having been refurbished.

Given that the interior re-trim of this car was completed nearly 29 years ago, it presents remarkably well. The Magnolia leather shows minimal signs of wear or age, and certainly no rips or other damage. The driver’s seat does have some slight discolouration on the seat base, though this could be made to look as good as new with some re-connolising.

Its carpets are still in very good order, protected by a set of floor mats front and rear. The headlining shows no splits or sagging, and the only note from the vendor is regarding a hole in the boot carpet. The switchgear is all original, and while the vendor notes that two of them wobble slightly, all of the buttons and controls work as they should, and there are no warning lights.

The last scheduled workshop visit was in October 2020, with winter maintenance carried out at 77,286 km by GCR Central in Leicestershire. In June 2019, the same workshop replaced all the tyres and the right-hand tie rod assembly, while in January 2019 at 77,221 km it was given a full service. The starter motor was reconditioned in March 2014 at 77,059 km, when the radiator was also re-cored, and the speedometer drive was replaced. During 2013, the cylinder head was skimmed and given replacement gaskets, a new clutch was installed, and the brakes and callipers were fully overhauled and given new flexi hoses.

Now exempt from mandatory testing on the basis of age, its last MOT test was on 15 August 2013 at 76,987 km, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories. All five wheels - including the full-size spare - were fitted with period-correct Michelin tyres just 200 km ago, which remain in excellent condition.

Writing about the model in Motor Sport magazine in period, renowned journalist Denis Jenkinson commented: “On all counts the Espada was remarkable in seeming to always have something of everything in reserve, whether it was revs, gears, seats, braking; road-holding or ride”.

This Lamborghini Espada 400 GT is a cherished Series III model, boasting a more sophisticated specification with improvements to the driving experience as well as the interior. During the current owner’s 31-year custodianship, this Espada has effectively been given an extensive restoration, with a full engine rebuild in the 1990s, and a bare-metal respray just five years ago. It would make a fabulous addition to any established collection, or perhaps even the ideal entry point to classic Lamborghini ownership.

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. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing. Two finance markers do show up for plant equipment with the same serial number, but these are not related to the Lamborghini.