After creating the world’s first supercar with the Miura, Ferruccio Lamborghini turned his attention to the creation of a superlative full four-seat GT, in his quest to take on Ferrari. Lamborghini debuted the revolutionary, Bertone-designed Marzal show car at the 1967 Geneva auto show. The production version of the Marzal, the Espada was introduced the following year, with luxurious seating for four full-sized adults.

Designed by Marcello Gandini and engineered by Giampaolo Dallara, the ultra-low, ultra sleek Espada was a real head turner, just like the Miura, and later inspired the design of the Ford Torino. The pressed steel semi-moncocque was built by Marchesi in Modena, and front-mounted with a 4-liter quad-cam V12 bolted to a five-speed gearbox. There were six twin-throat Weber carburetors, ZF worm and peg steering, all-independent wishbone coil suspension, and four-wheel dual circuit servo-assisted disc brakes. With 320 horsepower that could propel the car over 150 mph, the Espada was the fastest four-seater in the world.

At the time of the Espada’s production, from 1968 - 1978, it was the most successful Lamborghini in terms of sales volume. Just over 1200 were built, and the car cost around $21,000 in 1968. Although the car was advanced enough to last a decade with only detail alterations through its three distinct series, production tailed off rapidly in the aftermath of the first energy crisis. As a collector’s car, the Espada is a relatively affordable way to get yourself behind the wheel of an exotic V12 - as long as you have a fabulous mechanic!