1972 Lamborghini Espada

1972 Lamborghini Espada
Sold for $115,500 Including Commission
RM Auction, Monterey, CA. 2014
Chassis no. 8794
Engine no. 40889
Production no. 0694
350 bhp, 3,929 cc DOHC V-12 engine, six Weber twin-choke carburetors, five-speed manual gearbox, independent coil-spring front and rear suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 104.3 in
•Formerly of the Bob Pond Collection
•One of 575 Series II Espadas produced
•Lamborghini’s iconic 1970s four-seater grand tourer
Like the Miura, Lamborghini’s Espada was considered a bold and unique automobile when it was introduced to the world in 1968. It was intended to meet customers’ desires for a four-seater in the lineup, and it certainly didn’t compromise in regard to performance. Combining practicality with V-12 power, it quickly proved to be Lamborghini’s most successful model at the time, handily selling 1,200 cars over its production run.
A second-generation Espada premiered at the 1970 Brussels Salon, and it introduced only minor changes. The Series II Espada featured a revised dashboard, and the center console was fitted with additional lighting for rear passengers. Mechanically, ventilated brakes were installed and power steering could now be ordered as an option. Total output also increased from 325 horsepower to 350, thanks to a higher compression ratio of 10.7:1. From December 1969 to November 1972, 575 examples were produced, making them the most prolific of the three series of Espadas.
This Espada, finished in a subtle yet elegant color combination of silver over blue, was produced in July 1972 and subsequently delivered new to Lamborghini’s official dealer in Vicenza, Italy. It was then sold to its first owner, Dr. Francesco Maggia, on July 28, 1972, and later exported to the United States. Interestingly, from titles and letters provided with the documentation file on the car, it appears that Bob Pond owned this car twice. Pond first sold it in late 1999 or early 2000 to Charles H. Taylor, of Rancho Palos Verde, California. A letter included from Pond to Taylor, dated November 27, 2001, indicates that Pond desired to purchase the car back shortly thereafter, and it returned to his collection in December 2001, at a price of $30,000. Further documentation notes that by the time it was sold back to Pond, the Espada had received a slight cosmetic upgrade, including new magnesium wheels, a new coat of paint in the original color, new carpeting, a retrimmed leather interior, and a new Ansa exhaust system. In his second ownership, Pond continued to use the car, and he put just over 1,000 additional kilometers on its odometer, which currently shows just over 47,000 kilometers. As the car has seen limited mileage since new, a thorough inspection is advised prior to extended use.
It is obvious that Pond quickly realized after selling the Espada that he was giving up a fantastic automobile. While not nearly as outrageous as a Miura or Countach, the Espada offers the same V-12 grunt with loads of practicality. They were prized for their luxurious versatility when new, and they continue to be highly desirable to enthusiasts today. As such, this Espada would be a fantastic way to introduce a family of four to the distinctive power and panache of a V-12 Lamborghini.
Robert Myrick Photography