Lamborghini celebrates its V12 in 2022. The twelve-cylinder engine has powered the brand's most iconic models for almost 60 years. These include the Espada 400 GT, Lamborghini's first four-seater and the car manufacturer's best-selling model for many years. Thanks to its four-liter V12 front engine, this technically innovative masterpiece was a fast Gran Turismo despite its larger dimensions.
Ferruccio Lamborghini's high goals
Founder Ferruccio Lamborghini had a clear goal in mind from the very beginning of his work in the automotive industry: he wanted to produce the best Gran Turismo - a sports car that was not only fast, but also comfortable and luxurious. The Espada 400 GT presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1968 is the vehicle in which this desire manifested itself for over a decade.
The Espada offered space for four adults and their luggage thanks to a far more spacious interior than its predecessor, the 400 GT 2+2, and the Islero 400 GT 2+2. The Espada also impressed with its luxurious interior with an abundance of leather and fine materials as well as optional air conditioning. Power steering was introduced as an optional extra in 1969 and fitted as standard from 1972. A version with automatic transmission was available from 1974.
Engine capacity increased to four liters for the V12
The main feature of the Espada is the V12 engine with a 60-degree bank angle, which was first produced in 1963 with a displacement of 3.5 liters. This was increased to four liters (3929 cm³) as early as 1964. A remarkable monument to engine development and technology, it produced 325 hp at 7200 rpm when it was first installed in the Espada. This figure rose to 350 hp at 7500 rpm in the second series Espada presented in 1970.
The V12, fed by six horizontal Weber twin carburetors (type 40 DCOE), has a compression ratio of 9.5:1 (10.7:1 from Series II) and two chain-driven overhead camshafts per cylinder bank. Its low weight of 232 kilograms is due to the extensive use of aluminum in the cylinder head, crankshaft and pistons. The front engine, which has been moved slightly forward compared to the previous Lamborghini engines in the 350/400 GT, makes for a more spacious interior. Thanks to the large opening under the aluminum hood, the engine was easily accessible.
The chassis was based on the 400 GT, but was extended to a wheelbase of 2650 millimetres and widened to a track width of 149 centimetres. The independent suspension on all four wheels had double wishbones and coil springs. In November 1968, an Espada "Lancomat" with hydropneumatic suspension was presented at the Turin Motor Show. The system was offered as an optional extra, but was ultimately chosen by very few owners.
The Espada is a fast Gran Turismo, capable of reaching top speeds of between 245 and 260 km/h. In this respect, it can compete with the sportier Miura in most conditions.
The sales success of the Espada
At its debut, the Espada was the fastest four-seater in the world. The highly innovative design with angular shapes by coachbuilder Bertone proved to be a long-lasting commercial success. Despite its height of just 119 centimetres, its versatility and spaciousness made it suitable for everyday use, which significantly increased the brand's customer base. A total of 1226 vehicles were produced in three series: 176 units of the Espada 400 GT Series I from 1968 to 1969, 578 units of the Espada 400 GTE Series II from 1970 to 1972 and 472 units of the Espada 400 GTS Series III from 1972 to 1978.
The Espada VIP with minibar and Brionvega television
Based on the Espada 400 GTE Series II, the Espada VIP was presented in 1971, of which only twelve were produced. The first models of this special series were offered in a special orange paint finish with a two-tone leather interior in orange and black. Later vehicles were also produced in other color combinations. The interior of the VIP version was equipped with a minibar and a refrigerator in the rear side panels. An Algol 11 television set from Brionvega was also mounted on the top of the cardan tunnel to provide entertainment for the rear passengers. Today, the VIP is one of the most sought-after versions in Espada collectors' circles.
Paul McCartney's sunken Espada
One of the most famous owners of the Lamborghini Espada is certainly Sir Paul McCartney. The former Beatles member is a self-confessed Lamborghini fan. In 1972, McCartney purchased an Espada Series III with right-hand drive, manual gearbox, red paintwork and red leather interior. His wife at the time, Linda, used the car frequently. One day, however, it rolled into a nearby pond after she had parked it in neutral and forgotten to pull the handbrake.
After three days, the vehicle was rescued from the water and later sold to a new owner, who used it for many more years. Subsequently, the Espada served as "décor" in an English pub. In 2005 it was sold to an unknown enthusiast and it is believed that the vehicle is now in Austria.
VIP owners and films
Over the years, a number of celebrities have expressed their affinity for the Espada. For example, the celebrated American TV entertainer Jay Leno, who has always been a passionate car fan, has owned one of the very first Espada Series II, built in 1969, since 1986. Harry Metcalfe, founder of the British car magazine EVO, has also owned an Espada for many years - a right-hand drive Series II from 1970. In 2018, he took part in the initiative organized by Automobili Lamborghini Polo Storico to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Espada and Islero.
The Espada has appeared in numerous films. The most famous among fans of the model is the 1973 Italian film "They Called Him Flatfoot" starring Carlo Pedersoli aka Bud Spencer. Shot largely in Naples and the surrounding area, the film shows the protagonist chasing an Espada uphill around several hairpin bends. The long chase sequence ends in front of the church of Sant'Antonio a Posillipo.
