1968 Lamborghini Espada Series I by Bertone
Sold For €173,000
Inclusive of applicable buyer's fee.Lot Location: Paris, France
RM | Sotheby's - PARIS 13 FEBRUARY 2021
Documents: Cancelled German Fahrzeugbrief
- Beautifully restored by marque specialists, less than 200 km driven since
- Italian delivery example
- Early, Series I example. The 21st of just 37 examples built in 1968
- Lamborghini Polo Storico Certified, accompanied by its black certification box and documents
The Lamborghini Espada was launched at the Geneva Motorshow in 1968 and was an instant success; an enthralling combination of a Gandini styled body built by Bertone, a Bizzarrini-designed 3.9-litre V-12 engine and almost unparalleled level of comfort for a family of four. Its unique appeal made it an icon of its era and it became the longest and best-selling Lamborghinis until the expansion of the Countach range in the 1980s.
This particular car was one of the 37 examples that were built 1968 and is therefore a desirable early Series 1 example, identifiable by its unique opening quarter windows, vertical slatted grill over the rear upright glass panel and exceptional instrument binnacle, which was a nod to Bertone’s love of octagonal design. It was originally delivered to its first owner in November 1968 in Piacenza in Italy but was acquired by its current owner in 2014 from a dealership in Texas, and brought back to Europe to be restored. The restoration took three years and the work was carried out by some of the most recognisable marque specialists in Europe: Top Motors of Nonatola, who removed and rebuilt the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension and running gear; Biondy e Parini who spent 450 hours on the bodywork and stunning blue notte paintwork and Auto Interni who completely retrimmed the cabin in cherry red leather with navy carpets. Detailed photographs and invoices account for all the work that was carried out and it is clear to even the most discerning eye that every element was done to an excellent standard. It has since been awarded certification by Lamborghini Polo Storico (and includes the accompanying black wooden box) and displayed in the official Lamborghini Museum at Sant’Agata from 2018 to 2019.
The car has covered less than 200 km since the work was completed and it presents in absolutely immaculate condition. Likely to be one of the finest of its type, this Espada would sit well in any Lamborghini collection or alternatively be a wonderful way to cover long distances in Europe for years to come.
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