The 1970 Lamborghini Espada SII is one of the most distinctive four-seat Italian grand tourers of its era: a low, dramatic Bertone-designed coupé powered by Lamborghini’s 4.0-litre V12 and created to combine genuine high-speed performance with long-distance usability.
This specific 1970 Lamborghini Espada SII has been sold and is now part of the Giro Classico archive. The original listing identifies it as chassis 7990, restored in Italy and finished in Blue Notte over Grigio Ghiaccio leather.
Lamborghini Espada SII: a true four-seat V12 GT
The Espada was born from Lamborghini’s ambition to build a genuine four-seater that could stand alongside the best European Grand Tourers of the late 1960s.
Its design evolved from the spectacular Marzal concept, shown by Bertone at the 1967 Geneva Motor Show. The production Espada kept the dramatic low-slung proportions but adopted a front-mounted V12, rear-wheel drive and a more practical four-seat cabin.
The formula was unusual and highly sophisticated:
- 4.0-litre quad-cam V12
- front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
- independent suspension
- manual transmission
- genuine four-seat interior
- low Bertone body
- long-distance GT capability
Rather than being a stripped-out supercar, the Espada was designed as a fast, luxurious continental GT.
Marcello Gandini and Bertone design
The Espada’s shape is one of its defining qualities.
Its low nose, vast glazed area, long roofline and broad rear section gave it a silhouette unlike almost anything else on the road. The styling came from Bertone during Marcello Gandini’s most creative period and drew inspiration from the Marzal concept.
What makes the Espada special is that the design remains dramatic without sacrificing cabin space. Four adults can travel in a car that sits astonishingly low to the ground and still looks every bit a Lamborghini.
That combination of theatre and practicality is one of the reasons the model has become increasingly appreciated by collectors.
The 4.0-litre Lamborghini V12
The Espada used the famous Lamborghini V12 lineage that had already appeared in the 350 GT, 400 GT and Islero.
In Series II form, output rose to around 350 bhp, with the Giro Classico listing noting a top speed of approximately 250 km/h.
The V12 gives the Espada a very different character from contemporary six-cylinder or V8 grand tourers.
Its strengths are not limited to outright power. It also offers:
- smooth high-revving delivery
- excellent long-distance performance
- distinctive mechanical sound
- strong period authenticity
For many collectors, the engine is the central reason to own an Espada.
What changed with the Series II?
The Series II was introduced in January 1970 and brought several important improvements over the original Espada.
According to the Giro Classico description, changes included:
- approximately 25 additional bhp
- top speed increased to around 250 km/h
- revised dashboard
- optional power-assisted steering
The later Series III introduced further changes, including standard power steering, uprated brakes, revised suspension and a redesigned front grille.
The Series II therefore occupies a particularly attractive middle ground: it retains much of the purity of the original Espada while benefiting from meaningful mechanical and ergonomic improvements.
This specific 1970 Lamborghini Espada SII
The Giro Classico car is documented as chassis 7990 and was fitted with Series III power steering, improving usability while preserving the core Series II specification.
It underwent a comprehensive rotisserie restoration in Italy, completed in 2011. The work included rebuilding:
- engine
- gearbox
- suspension
- body
- interior
Since completion, the car had covered only around 500 km when described by Giro Classico.
The restoration is supported by a complete photographic record.
Do you have any updates regarding the Lamborghini Espada #7990?
Andrea would be very interested in buying the car back. Please feel free to contact him directly at andrea@giroclassico.com.
Blue Notte over Grigio Ghiaccio
The car was finished in Blue Notte with a Grigio Ghiaccio leather interior, a particularly elegant combination for such a dramatic body shape.
On an Espada, colour makes a major difference.
The long roofline, broad flanks and extensive glazing respond especially well to darker metallic finishes, while a light interior helps preserve the airy character of the cabin.
Why the Espada is becoming more collectible
The Espada has several qualities that are increasingly difficult to find in one car:
- naturally aspirated Lamborghini V12
- manual transmission
- Bertone styling
- genuine four-seat usability
- limited production
- highly distinctive design
- direct link to Lamborghini’s early GT era
Giro Classico records total Espada production at 1,217 examples across all series before production ended in 1978.
For collectors, the Espada offers something different from the Miura or Countach. It is less focused on visual extremity alone and more on the original Lamborghini idea of a fast, sophisticated Gran Turismo.
What to inspect before buying a Lamborghini Espada
A serious Espada purchase should always involve specialist due diligence.
Important areas include:
- chassis identity
- body corrosion
- previous structural repairs
- V12 engine condition
- compression and oil pressure
- carburettor setup
- cooling system
- gearbox
- clutch
- differential
- suspension
- steering system
- brakes
- electrical equipment
- dashboard and instruments
- interior trim
- restoration quality
- ownership history and documentation
Because the Espada combines a complex V12 drivetrain with a large, highly styled body, restoration costs can rise quickly if a car has been neglected.
Originality versus usability
On a Lamborghini Espada, the ideal car is not necessarily the least-used one.
A strong example should combine:
- correct identity
- transparent history
- high-quality restoration or preservation
- properly sorted mechanicals
- period-correct presentation
The Series III power steering fitted to this Series II is a good example of a modification that should be disclosed clearly. It may improve usability, but it also becomes part of the car’s documented history rather than something to hide.
This 1970 Lamborghini Espada SII has been sold
This specific 1970 Lamborghini Espada SII is no longer available and remains online as part of the Giro Classico archive.
The page should continue working as a high-value research and lead-generation asset for searches around:
- Lamborghini Espada for sale
- Lamborghini Espada SII
- Lamborghini Espada value
- classic Lamborghini V12
- Lamborghini Espada restoration
- Lamborghini Espada buying guide
Looking for a comparable Italian GT currently available?
There is currently no direct Lamborghini Espada in the Giro Classico inventory.
For a collector attracted by 1960s–1970s Italian GT design, manual transmission, front-engine layout and distinctive coachwork, the closest current alternative is the 1968 Fiat Dino 2000 Coupé.
The connection is not mechanical, but it is highly relevant in terms of collector intent:
- Italian GT
- same broad era
- Bertone design language
- front-engine, rear-wheel drive
- manual transmission
- four-seat usability
- distinctive 1960s styling
For someone searching specifically for another Espada, private sourcing remains the correct route.
Another high-level alternative: Ferrari 550 Maranello
For collectors focused more strongly on the front-engine V12 GT philosophy, the Ferrari 550 Maranello is another compelling current alternative.
The Ferrari is much newer, but conceptually it shares the same core idea:
- naturally aspirated V12
- front engine
- rear-wheel drive
- manual gearbox
- long-distance GT capability
This makes it a useful second commercial route for buyers who are less attached to period and more interested in the analogue V12 grand-touring experience.
Looking specifically for another Lamborghini Espada?
Giro Classico can assist with the search for:
- Lamborghini Espada Series I
- Lamborghini Espada Series II
- Lamborghini Espada Series III
- Lamborghini Islero
- Lamborghini 400 GT
- Lamborghini Jarama
- other early Lamborghini V12 GTs
The process can include:
- private and off-market sourcing
- chassis and drivetrain verification
- provenance research
- restoration assessment
- pre-purchase inspection
- market valuation
- negotiation
- private brokerage
- worldwide import-export logistics
Discover Giro Classico’s Private Brokerage service
For collectors approaching an Espada as an important acquisition rather than a casual purchase, Giro Classico’s broader advisory service can also assist with provenance, authenticity, restoration quality and market positioning.
Discover Giro Classico’s Collector Car Advisory service
For further information regarding sourcing a Lamborghini Espada SII, assessing a restored car, verifying provenance or arranging a confidential acquisition and inspection, please contact us directly.
Because in the end, we never truly own these cars, we simply preserve them for the next generation.
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