Espada

1972 Lamborghini Espada S3

Designed by Marcello Gandini at Bertone, the Espada S3 was powered by a 3.9 V12 engine with 321 bhp: monocoque steel body, suspension was fully independent, with double wishbones, coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bars. It was provided with four wheel disc brakes and twin fuel tanks holding 95 litres (25 US gal) of gasoline. The fuel cap was hidden behind a black cosmetic grille in the C-pillar, one of Gandini's signature touches. Its 3,929 cc (240 cu in) V12 engine breathed through six Weber side-draft carburators and 24 valves commanded by two chain-driven overhead camshafts per bank. The gearbox was mounted in block with the engine. Most transmissions were manual, and the Espada also introduced one of the first automatic transmissions able to transfer the torque of a large sporting V12. It had unusual gearing, with 3 ratios: drive, 1 and reverse. When leaving the factory it originally fitted Pirelli Cinturato 205VR15 tyres (CN72) and from the series 3 onwards it fitted 215/70VR15 Cinturato CN12.  Only 1217 models were made between 1968 and 1978.

Spotted in 2018 @ Alderley Edge, UK, by Sander Wubs (inazumized photos) 

Automobili Lamborghini SpA

Sant'Agata Bolognese - Bologna, Italy