1975 LAMBORGHINI ESPADA SERIES III

KEY FACTS

• Offered with what is believed to be genuine very low mileage from new, this Lamborghini Espada has been off the road for decades are is now in need of restoration.
• Under the bonnet is the 350hp 3.9-litre naturally aspirated V12 ‘S’ engine, fed by six Weber carburettors, coupled to the very rare three-speed automatic transmission.
• It is thought to retain its original panels and paintwork throughout.
• The current owner acquired the car in 1996, and it appears that the individual before them acquired it in 1978.
• UK DVLA records show that its road tax expired on 1 November 1984, suggesting it has not been driven on the road since then.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• 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 350hp Miura ‘S’ specification and ventilated disc brakes. 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 was also fitted as standard.
• This car is one of fewer than 500 examples of the Series III built, of which only 121 were in right-hand drive - and just five of those are understood to have been fitted with the Torqueflite automatic transmission, making this an exceptionally rare version.
• It is also equipped with factory air-conditioning, electric windows and 8-track radio.
• Accompanying the car is the original spare wheel and tools, plus original Lamborghini owner’s manual.

CONDITION

• Apart from a minor dent on the front of the bonnet, the seller is not aware of any bodywork damage, though there are obvious rusted areas of the lower body in particular, which will require replacement or repair.
• The lower door skins, rear wheel arches and rear sills appear to need the most significant attention, and potentially other areas of the car underneath - but the basic structure appears sound.
• The ‘Luci del Bosco’ brown paintwork is believed to be the original factory finish, and it is in fair condition considering it has spent more than 20 years stored in a barn. Most of the bodywork above the waistline appears to be in good order, but there are sections of the lower body where the paint has cracked or flaked away, as shown in the photo gallery.
• Inside, the tan leather is again believed to be original, and shows very little surface wear for its age, supporting the low indicated mileage. There are a few blemishes, but the upholstery would likely need nothing more than a light re-conditioning or re-connolising treatment.
• The floor mats are discoloured and stained, and there is a patch of discolouration in the headlining above the driver’s seat, but otherwise it presents very well.
• As the car has been unused for well over 20 years, and in all likelihood more than 35 years, it will require complete mechanical recommissioning or restoration.
• The car does benefit from a stainless-steel exhaust which remains in good condition.
• While the car has not been started or tested, it was driving and roadworthy when it was put into storage more than 20 years ago.

SUMMARY

This Lamborghini Espada 400 GT Series III is offered in true ‘barn find’ condition, but it presents as an incredibly original and complete project for its next enthusiast owner or a professional restorer. Evidence suggests it has not been on the road since 1984, so its odometer reading of just 16,478 miles may well be correct. In the final and most improved Series III specification, and with the exceptionally rare automatic gearbox, this Espada is an elegant grand tourer, which deserves to be brought back to a superb standard.

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. There is a marker for a Rover Maestro with the same VIN, but the Lamborghini is HPI clear.