1973 Lamborghini

Lamborghini wowed the motoring world with its presentation of the Marzal concept car at the Geneva Motor Show of 1967. Here was a completely new automotive design, a high speed V12 engined shooting brake that very much defined the ‘out with the old and in with the new’. Of course, many manufacturers will show outlandish concept cars that never again see the light of day but just a year later Lamborghini launched the Espada, son of Marzal and one of those rare cars that richly deserves the ‘I cannot believe they made it’ comment. Even today close inspection reveals so many outlandish and innovative design details.

The final iteration of the Espada was the Series Three, the final cars being produced in 1978, an amazing decade long production run. Along with a myriad of detail improvements this later series featured power steering and air conditioning greatly enhancing the driving experience. This wonderful example is one of the finest of only 121 right hand drive examples in this case made for the UK market.

The last owner of this example, a well-known and significant collector had long harboured the dream of Espada ownership, a real ‘Top Trumps’ car for his generation, however inspection of many examples led only too disappointment. This journey led to the workshops of Lamborghini guru Colin Clarke Engineering and a long conversation with Colin confirmed that he was speaking this collector’s language. In essence Colin had to fulfil the rose-tinted dream and create a brand-new Espada. Around twelve years ago a sound original matching number right hand drive car was found and so began a two-year restoration with no compromise. The excited owner was very much part of the process, regular coffee meetings with Colin kept him up to speed and ensured all requirements were fulfilled, there was certainly no compromise, many hours were spent deliberating colour and trim choices. Indeed, the exterior was initially finished in a period grey before it was decided to completely strip the car and refinish in the owner’s favourite shade of green, Porsche Brewster Green.

Since completion the Espada has enjoyed light use in appropriate weather and importantly it has continued to be maintained and upgraded to date as appropriate by Colin Clark Engineering. It hence remains in immaculate order in all respects with great detail condition. On the road it performs beautifully and is clearly very well sorted. The look of amazement from pedestrians and other road users is priceless.

The car is only now for sale as this collector is forever seeking new motoring experiences and the collection is constantly evolving. A fantastic car available at way less than the restoration cost.