350 bhp, 3,929 cc double overhead-cam V-12 engine, five-speed manual transmission, front and rear McPherson strut suspension with lower A-arms, coil springs, and anti-roll bar; and four-wheel disc brakes. Wheelbase: 93.6 in.
By the late 1960s, in order to comply with American safety and emissions regulations, it became necessary for Lamborghini to replace the Islero Coupé. With Gianpaolo Dallara’s departure from Sant’Agata, the task of crafting a replacement fell to his former assistant and now chief engineer, Paolo Stanzini. Stanzini shortened the Espada’s chassis by 10.7 inches, whilst retaining most of the fundamental structure and running gear.
With the wide track of the Espada as a base, Bertone’s Marcello Gandini penned a purposeful and broad-shouldered look to the car, with flared wheel arches, NACA bonnet air intakes, and unique hooded headlamps. Early cars also featured magnesium alloy wheels from the iconic Miura. The talent of Stanzini and Gandini resulted in a purposeful and luxurious GT car with a top speed of 162 mph thanks to its 4-litre engine delivering 350 brake horsepower.
The car offered here is a very early example (#18), which was delivered to Switzerland in January 1971 via Garage Foitek. The car has remained in Switzerland ever since. It is believed that the car once formed part of the collection of Jean Wicki, the 1972 Olympic Gold Medal Winner in the four-man bobsleigh, and Lamborghini aficionado The car is a matching-numbers example as confirmed by the Lamborghini factory and in very good and largely original condition, benefiting from recent servicing, replacement of the interior carpets, and cosmetic tidying. It is believed that the current mileage of 77,000 kilometres is likely to be accurate.
The current owner has enjoyed the car throughout his ownership and reports that the engine pulls nicely through the gears with its characteristic V-12 sound. The car has a Swiss Veteran Car Inspection certificate, valid until June 2019. This is a rare chance to buy and own a previously under-appreciated Italian V-12-engined sports car, which is rapidly finding its rightful place as one of Lamborghini’s great designs and a car said to have been Ferruccio’s favourite.


