1968 Lamborghini Espada Series I
Named after the Spanish bullfighter’s sword, this dramatic four-seater grand tourer debuted at the 1968 Geneva Motor Show as the fastest production car capable of carrying four adults in comfort.
Only 37 examples were built in 1968, making early Series I models exceptionally rare among the 186 total Series I units produced through 1969.
Designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone and powered by a 3.9-liter (238 cubic inch) V12 producing 325 horsepower, the Espada delivered genuine 152 mph performance while maintaining luxury appointments.
Early Series I models featured distinctive octagonal instrument housings inspired by the Marzal concept car, opening quarter windows, and vertical slatted grilles over the rear glass panel.
Fed by six sidedraft Weber carburetors and paired with a Lamborghini-designed five-speed gearbox, this front-engined layout provided superior usability compared to mid-engine competitors.
The Espada became Lamborghini’s best-selling model of the 1970s, with 1,217 total units produced over ten years, establishing a successful formula for practical supercars.
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