1970 Lamborghini Espada Series 2: Pot of Gold

The Lamborghini Espada is definitely my favourite car from the Italian manufacturer.

See, when I was a kid, I grew up in a leafy suburb nestled in the foothills on the outskirts of Melbourne. For the most part, it was a pretty normal place to live. Good schools, quarter-acre blocks and more than one Fish and Chip shop to choose from. But, for whatever reason, it also had a fair scattering of interesting characters that called it home. There was the local wizard (an icon), the Frank Zappa lookalike who ran a store aptly named “Hippy Haven”, and countless Artists, Sculptors, Poets, and Authors.

With this variety of humans came some very interesting houses. The kind of houses you look at and wonder how they are still standing. Or, if the architect was high on PCP during the initial design phase. One such house, nestled down on the train line, was particularly strange. Large statues adorned the overrun garden, roof pitches seemingly poke out from all different angles and it wasn’t entirely clear as to where the front door was, or if there in fact was one at all. Whilst this type of house wasn’t entirely unusual for the area, it remained etched in my memory for one reason.

That’s because, this house, with all its quirks, had something very interesting parked in the carport.

A Lamborghini Espada.

Just to clarify, we lived in a very blue-collar area. Seeing something like the Espada in a driveway was not a regular occurrence, at all. Infact, when I first saw those quad headlights and open mesh grill, I thought perhaps it was XB GT, Datsun 240k or even an old 71-73 Mustang. It wasn’t until a few weeks later when I saw an Espada at a local car show that I recognized the grill, and made the connection.

For some reason, I didn’t walk back past that house to confirm the sighting. I think perhaps it was because I didn’t fully understand exactly how cool the Espada was, or if in fact, it was one at all.

Years later, I end up moving back to the area with my young family. Wanting to confirm my suspicions, I went for a walk past the strange house where I once saw the out of place Italian V12. The driveway is now completely overgrown. However, under a makeshift carport out the front, sits another unique car. A Rolls Royce Corniche Convertible.

For me, that’s all the convincing I need to confirm what I saw 20 years ago was in fact an Espada. Surely someone worldly enough to park a Corniche under a glorified tent may also have owned an Italian Supercar. Could I be wrong? Sure. But why ruin a good memory by hunting down the truth. Maybe one day I will go knock on the door and ask the question- maybe not.

And that’s why I love the Espada. Not because of the styling, the sound or history – which are all great. Its because of that fleeting memory that has remained with me all these years.

This example popped up on Carsales last week and immediately had my attention. There is never a shortage of Espadas for sale at any given time, but the Gold paintwork and Miura wheels on this one are a standout. The seller has been very thorough with their description and history of the car, and you can read more below.

To view the original ad, head to Carsales where you can find it for sale for $269,950

1970 Lamborghini Espada Series 2: In the owners own words.

Australia is delighted to offer for sale a 1970 Lamborghini Espada Series 2.

The factory records note that this particular car was delivered new on the 15th July 1970 to Lamborghini in Great Britain. The original colour was oro metallic (gold) with a senape interior. This is a rare and desirable early Series 2 model Espada with Miura style knock off wheels.

It is understood that this Lamborghini Espada came to Australia in the mid 1970’s. The previous owner acquired the car back in 1989 from a Lamborghini specialist in Sydney. Its subsequent early history in Australia is not known.

This is an incredibly original and unmolested car. It carries an older repaint that has the odd blemish and stone chip consistent with its age, however, the depth of colour remains vibrant and strong. Whilst colour is obviously a personal choice, we think gold is a perfect choice for an Espada . . . it looks even better in the flesh than it does in the photos . . . it is STUNNING! The exterior chrome and trim are in good condition, however, one headlight bezel is noted as missing. Mechanically the car is very good with the engine, gearbox and brakes having been rebuilt in 2006/2007. The car has travelled less than 1,000 miles since then. The starter motor, clutch & master cylinder and rear brake booster have recently been overhauled and new fuel lines fitted. The wheels have been painted and new Pirelli tyres fitted. There is a hole in one rear muffler. Since arriving at Australia the car has had a minor service and been tuned. The engine starts easily and the big V12 soon settles into a smooth idle. Out on the open road the car performs as one would expect. The Espada runs essentially the same engine as a Countach so theres plenty of go when you need it. This car pulls strongly through the rev range and the gearbox is tight. It brakes and it handles well, though the shock absorbers are soft and the car would benefit from having these refurbished or replaced. The engine bay is fresh and very well presented.

The interior of this car is totally original and it presents exceptionally well for its age. The seats are showing some patina, but there are no rips or tears. In many ways its just like a favourite leather jacket! The timber steering wheel and dash are a feature of these cars and both are in very good condition. The carpets in the cabin and rear boot area are also in very good condition.

There is a reasonable history file dating back to 1989 with receipts & photos for the major mechanical works mentioned previously, copies of an Espada owners manual & parts manual, an Espada factory sales brochure and other Espada literature that will accompany the car. There are also two sets of keys, a correct spare wheel and factory jack kit.

A Lamborghini Espada is a rare beast but finding an early Series 2 car with the Miura style knock off wheels that is so original is a very rare beast!

Price is AUD $269,950.