By the time of the Marzal’s 1967 unveiling, Miura production was about to begin in earnest.

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And the response to the Marzal convinced Ferruccio Lamborghini that he should build an equally outlandish four-seat Gran Turismo. As architects of both the Miura and Marzal, Bertone was given the commission; the result was the fabled Lamborghini Espada, revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1968. Its arrival established Automobili Lamborghini as a genuine rival to Ferrari and Maserati.

A more restrained front-engined 2+2 – the Islero – was launched alongside the Espada, which meant Lamborghini now offered a choice of three models. Like the Miura and Islero, as well as Automobili Lamborghini’s raging bull insignia, the Espada’s name was inspired by Ferruccio Lamborghini’s love of bull fighting:

An ‘Espada’ was the term for the sword of a Spanish matador.

Constructed in three series, the Espada became Lamborghini’s most commercially successful model: by the time production ended in 1978 1217 cars had been completed.

During its ten year lifespan, the Espada was at various times a rival to the Ferraris 365 GT, 365 GT4 and 400, the Aston Martins DBS and V8 and the Maseratis Indy and Kyalami. Unlike the earlier 350 GT and 400 GT Lamborghinis which utilized a tubular chassis with Touring’s Superleggera body construction technique of skinned small diameter skeletal steel tubes, the Espada featured a pressed steel monocoque body shell.

And at 2650mm, the wheelbase was 100mm longer than any model Lamborghini had offered thus far. Track dimensions were also expanded and the engine was positioned well forward in the chassis.

The result was a car with enough space for four adults to travel in in genuine comfort at 150mph.

The suspension was to the latest specification of the day: double wishbones with coil springs, telescopic Koni dampers and anti-roll bars at either end. Servo-assisted Girling disc brakes were fitted all round. They had a 300mm diameter at the front and 280mm diameter at the rear. Center-lock 7 x 15-inch Campagnolo magnesium alloy wheels were originally shod with Pirelli Cinturato tires. Twin fuel tanks with a combined 95-liter capacity were mounted either side of the rear luggage area.

Styled by Bertone’s Marcello Gandini, the Lamborghini Espada ranked alongside the seminal Miura as a true icon of its era. Twin headlights per side were mounted within the main nose aperture along with a full width chrome bumper. Two NACA ducts located on the large single-piece hood fed air to the cabin ventilation system. Vents carved fore and aft of the front wheel arches allowed hot air to escape from the engine bay. Espada body panels were made of steel apart from the bonnet which was aluminum.

One of the Espada’s most distinctive features was its upswept rear side windows and gently sloping roofline. To allow such a profile, the Kamm tail fascia was much taller than usual. To partially fill the space, Gandini chose to install a slim slatted window that looked fabulous and slightly improved rear vision. A U-shaped full width back bumper was contoured to match the tail profile. Access to the trunk was by way of a glass rear window that opened hatchback-style.

Only Series 1 Espadas had opening quarterlights.

Which is the case with the Lamborghini Espada Series 1 that we presently have on sale at Beverly Hills Car Club, a rare and highly collectible 1969 Lamborghini Espada Series I 5-Speed featured with matching numbers, and finished in a yellow hue complemented with a black interior. This exotic classic vehicle is a true testament to Lamborghini’s innovative spirit and design prowess during the late 1960s. As one of just 186 examples of the first series Espada built between 1968 and 1969, this classic car represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history. Showcasing its west coast roots, our Espada sports two California black-license plates.

Our California car is equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission, V12 engine, four-wheel disc brakes, 6 Weber carburetors, dual exhausts outlets, Jaeger instrumentation, characteristic vertical glass tail panel, side marker lights, rocker switches, 15-inch alloy wheels with knock-off spinners, Bridgestone white-line tires, and a full-size spare tire fitted in the trunk.

Featured amenities include power windows, bucket seats with headrests, center console, vent windows, single bullet-style wing mirror, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel.

Every curve and contour has been meticulously crafted, showcasing Lamborghini’s unparalleled attention to detail and perfectly accentuating the car’s aggressive lines and muscular stance.

While this Series I Espada has been sitting for many years and is currently not running, it presents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and collectors alike. With some recommissioning work and care, this Italian classic beauty can be brought back to its former glory, ready to hit the open road once again.

VROOOMMM!!!

-Alex Manos, Owner