Meet the Lamborghini Espada, a grand-touring automobile with four seats. Before it was exhibited at the 1968 Geneva Auto Show, Lamborghini Espada was a concept automobile designed by Bertone's designer Marcello Gandini after the company's founder Ferruccio Lamborghini desired it. In the wake of Miura's triumph, Ferruccio Lamborghini set out to build a new model that would appeal to a wider audience.

Remember that the Islero and the mid-engine Miura were both on the market at the time. Meanwhile, the 400 GT was succeeded by the Espada and the Islero. The first Espada prototype was first kept at the factory, however over time the inside was stripped away, the motor and wheels were uninstalled, and the car was left outdoors in a field behind the plant. The Museo Ferruccio Lamborghini now houses this one-of-a-kind vehicle.

Lamborghini Espada was produced in three versions. The Series I was produced from 1968 to 1970, the Series II from 1970 to 1972, and the Series III from 1972 to 1978. Each edition was an evolution of the previous one, with improvements like more performance and a revamped interior. Unlike the motor and the interior, the body's design stayed virtually unchanged from series to series.

Related: This Lamborghini Espada Rat Rod Breaks All The Rules

Lamborghini Espada Was Built With Great Care

Lamborghini Espada
Via: Pinterest

Lamborghini Espada's structure was extremely well-thought-out. The frame was semi-monocoque in design and was constructed using a combination of sheet steel pressings and foldings, as well as huge square section tubes. This layout, which included a double-layer propeller-shaft tube, ensured adequate stiffness to fulfill the European and American crash testing while maintaining dynamic driving qualities.

On all four corners, the suspension was totally independent, with asymmetrical length double wishbones, coil springs, and Koni hydraulic shock absorbers, as well as front and rear anti-roll bars. Four-wheel disc brakes were used in the braking system, which was handled by two circuits, each with its own Girling vacuum servo. Ferruccio was particularly concerned about the purity of the air in his vehicle, so he installed a cutting-edge fresh air system for the front and back seats.

Speaking of the engine, the Espada was powered by a 4.0-liter V12 motor adapted from the 400 GT. In the Series I Espada, the motor generated 325 hp, whereas the Series II and III Espadas delivered 350 hp. The Espada's engine was constantly improved and, depending on the model, could achieve a top speed of roughly 155 mph. The motor was mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. Eventually, the Series III Espada got a three-speed Chrysler-built automatic gearbox as an alternative.

Related: Magnus Walker Takes Out A Lamborghini Espada and Ferrari 308 GT4 For Some Fun

Three Lamborghini Espada Series Were Built

Lamborghini Espada
Via: Pinterest

To start with, Lamborghini Espada Series I had a stunning design, opulent interior, and a strong V12 engine. As previously stated, it was powered by a 3,929 cc Lamborghini V12 motor taken from the 400 GT 2+2 and rated at 325 horsepower in the Series I model. Campagnolo alloy wheels with knock-off hubs were used. Before 1970, a total of 186 automobiles were produced.

Lamborghini debuted the Series II version of the Espada at the 1970 Brussels Motor Show. The sole exterior modification was the removal of the grille that covered the vertical glass rear panel. Inside, there were significant alterations, including a completely redesigned dash, center console, and steering wheel. Air conditioning and ZF power steering were now included as standard equipment.

The motor has also been improved. Due to a greater 10.7:1 compression ratio, the Espada's generated power climbed to 350 horsepower. Rather than rigid discs, the brakes were replaced with vented Girling discs. On the rear half-shafts, CV joints were now employed. Lamborghini built 575 Series II Espadas, which is more than any of the three series. Finally, in 1972, the Series III Espada was introduced.

Lamborghini Espada
Via: Pinterest

Interestingly, the 350 horsepower engine from the Series II was retained, however, a Chrysler Torqueflite 3 speed automatic gearbox was possible as a choice in 1974. Speaking of the interior, the dash was redesigned. Likewise, the tires were replaced, and the wheels were upgraded. Pirelli Cinturato 215/70WR15 CN12 tires were installed on Series III, and the squared mesh grille and Alfa taillights were added to the design. The Espada Series III now had the choice of a sunroof as well. Moreover, to comply with US safety regulations, big impact bumpers had to be added starting in 1975.

To recapitulate, Lamborghini Espada was a practical automobile with the performance of a sports car and enough space for the entire family. Two adults could sit relatively comfortably in the back seat, and there was enough room for 280 liters of luggage beneath the nearly flat rear hatch. A perfect blend of grace and ruggedness characterized the vehicle's extended, low profile. The Countach and Diablo may not have been possible without the Espada. Due to this, the Espada has earned a spot in Lamborghini's hall of fame as one of the carmaker's most iconic automobiles.