Unveiled to great acclaim at the Geneva Motor Show, the sensational Lamborghini Marzal concept offered a bold glimpse of a four-seat Lamborghini and laid the foundations for the striking Lamborghini Espada. Named after a matador's sword, the Espada retained much of the Marzal's dramatic styling but adopted a front-mounted 4.0-litre V12, as seen in the 400GT and Islero. Introduced in Series II form in 1970, power rose by 25bhp, top speed increased to 155mph, and improvements included a revised dashboard and optional power-assisted steering. The later Series III gained further refinements, including standard power steering, uprated brakes and subtle styling updates. Production concluded in 1978 after just 1,217 examples, and even today few cars can rival the Espada's unmistakable road presence and sense of occasion.

This particular Lamborghini Espada was cherished by its previous owner for an impressive 27 years, from 1997 until recently, before passing to its current custodian, who acquired the car with every intention of restoring it to concours standard. However, increasing work commitments have meant the project has yet to begin and, with regret, he has taken the difficult decision to part with it. As such, it is now excitingly offered without reserve, presenting a rare opportunity for the market to determine its value. Having spent much of its recent life off the road in dry, secure storage, the car appears notably complete and fundamentally solid. An old tax disc dated 2006 remains in the windscreen, suggesting this was the last time it saw regular use. The odometer displays 19,011 miles and, while this cannot be warranted, the minimal wear to areas such as the pedals and switchgear would seem consistent with modest mileage.

The long-term owner advised that shortly after his purchase in 1997 the car benefitted from a comprehensive engine rebuild and body restoration undertaken by Cordwallis Group, reportedly at a cost of some £42,000. Unfortunately, the associated paperwork has since been misplaced. Now clearly requiring full recommissioning and restoration, this Espada nonetheless represents a compelling and increasingly rare opportunity to return one of Lamborghini's most charismatic four-seaters to its former glory. Consigned by Fraser Smith

Lot details
Year: 1973
Make: Lamborghini
Model: Espada Series III
Registration: YNC 158L
Chassis No: 8992
Odometer: 19,011

* A UK supplied right hand drive example.
* Thought to be one of only 130 manufactured.
* A great base for a restoration project.
* Reported engine rebuild and body restoration in 1997 costing approx. £42,000.