1970 Lamborghini Espada Series II
Chassis no. 8400
Engine no. 40626

A mere five years after introducing its first car and three years after launching the sensational Miura, Lamborghini again up-staged Ferrari by announcing a full four-seater at the 1968 Geneva Motor Show. Named after a matador's sword, the Espada was styled similarly to the stillborn, rear-engined, six-cylinder Marzal but carried its 4-litre, four-cam V12 up front. The latter – first seen in the 400GT and also used by the contemporary Islero - produced 325bhp, an output sufficient to propel the distinctive Bertone-styled coupé to 150mph (242km/h). Islero running gear was employed but wedded to a platform-type, semi-monocoque chassis rather than the former's tubular frame. Introduced in January 1970, the Series II cars came with an extra 25bhp, 155mph (250km/h) top speed and an improved dashboard layout. Only 575 Series II cars were built.

Testing a prototype Espada in 1968, Autocar found Lamborghini's new family-sized supercar to be 'perfectly practical as a full four-seater for long journeys' while possessing the 'seven-league-boots' of the 400GT. Clearly highly impressed by the Espada, the esteemed British motoring magazine concluded, "when styling is added to the well-known Lamborghini engineering, the offering is almost irresistible" - and who would disagree?

Sold new in Switzerland, this Series II Espada is finished in silver-grey with a re-trimmed interior featuring renewed headlining, door trim panels, carpets and Burgundy leather upholstery. Documents on file allow us to trace the car's history back to the early 1990s with the car being maintained in Lucerne, Switzerland in 1991-1992. By 1998 the car was in the UK and was purchased by Mr Anthony Steed at auction in August 1998. Invoices on file show a good deal of work was carried out 1998-1999 by Colin Clarke Engineering. By 2005 the car had made its way to France where the new owner repaired and restored the interior where necessary. Upon completion the car was sold by Bonhams to the current owner at our Monaco auction in 2007 (Lot 128), was reported to "benefit from considerable recent engine work and... a new exhaust". Accompanying documentation consists of copies of the UK V5 registration document; French Carte Grise; bills and other paperwork accumulated during the previous ownership. Stored since acquisition, the car will require re-commissioning before further use.

Please note that if this vehicle is to be imported into Switzerland, Swiss Customs charges (Duty, Car Tax and VAT) will apply at roughly 12.5% of the Purchase Price. Included in this is the Swiss Duty which is calculated on the weight of the vehicle and shall be CHF 15 per 100 kg. Also included is Swiss Car Tax at 4% and this is calculated on the total Purchase Price (Hammer + Buyers Premium). Swiss VAT will then be applicable on the aggregated amount of the Hammer Price, Buyer's Premium, Swiss Duty and Swiss Car Tax at a rate of 7.7%.
Please note that customs rates to other countries shall vary. This vehicle will not be available for immediate collection after the sale and will only be released on completion of customs clearance. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.