Mention Lamborghini to any vintage enthusiast and the conversation will likely focus on the Countach or Miura. Of course, these two juggernauts of design and performance excellence are among the most beautiful and unique sports cars ever conceived, yet during production of both these iconic Lamboghinis, the Espada lurks, almost hidden in the shadows. With its V12 engine, Miura wheels, dramatically low profile, and expansive glass, the Espada remains every bit as bold and daring as the Miura and Countach, with the added benefit of being both an affordable classic and a surprisingly drivable supercar.
Inspiration for the Espada came in part from the Marzal, which was based on the Miura platform and seated four people with comfort. Photo: RM Sotheby’s
Espada—named for the matador’s sword that victoriously gores the bull—was conceived to slice into the luxury market segment that accommodated four passenger touring. Upon its debut, there was literally nothing in the market to rival this four-place supercar. Derived from two of Marcello Gandini’s earlier Bertone concept cars, the Jaguar Piranha and Lamborghini Marzal, the two cars were highly influential on the Espada design. In the case of the Marzal, Lamborghini chief engineer Giampolo Dallara, surmised that cutting the Miura V12 in half and using it in the lengthened wheelbase Marzal would suffice as a mid-engine variant for the four-passenger design. But the smaller powertrain was quickly dismissed as it was clear, a performance GT car needed to have a prestige engine.
