Very nice Series I Espada

1969 Lamborghini Espada Additional Info:

1969

Series I

Approximately 29,000 miles

VIN: 7210

Engine Number: 40067

Originally: Gold Metallic/Navy Leather

History:

The vehicle was an Italian import in 1974, avoiding federalization. As such, the car has the small side markers, H4 headlights, and no smog equipment. Mark Mallet purchased the car from the importer/owner at an unknown date. Mr. Mallet sold the vehicle to its long-time caretaker, Mike Roberts in January of 1988. At the time of purchase, the vehicle had already been changed from its original color of Gold Metallic to a dark blue metallic. While a handsome color, the paint quality was poor. Mr. Roberts treated the car to a bare metal respray in dark blue metallic. This work has been photo documented and was performed in ‘89/’90. Throughout his ownership, Mr. Roberts did much to improve and maintain 7210. In addition to the bare metal repaint the car had a valve job (also photo documented), much of the suspension rebuilt (Koni shocks), control arms painted, hardware plated, and new bushings installed. While much of the work was performed by Mr. Roberts himself, there is 28 years worth of receipts and invoices that accompany the car. Additionally, there’s an impressive file of correspondence with many other enthusiasts, club members, and people involved with the care of Lamborghinis. 7210 comes with its original jack and bag. However, the tools are missing. The original Italian owner’s manual is present as well as an English reproduction. Included with the car is a collection of photos documenting its participation in club events and the Cincinnati Concours. There are numerous vintage club newsletters and other marque publications, as well as a tremendous amount of technical printings in addition to workshop manuals and wiring schematics. All in all, it’s a tremendous collection of documentation amassed over the past 30 years.

Cosmetics:

Overall, the car presents very nicely. Though done over 25 years ago, the paint is still in very good condition. There is no rust present on the car. The wheels were refinished at the same time and still look excellent. The front seats, dash, and headliner, and carpets were also done approximately 25+ plus years ago but are aging remarkably well. The leather is still soft and supple. The rear seats are finished in their original leather and look remarkable. The seam at the back of the instrument cluster is separating. All glass is clear and free of blemishes. Chrome trim is very nice. Additionally, all lenses are clear and free of crack and fading. Under-hood cosmetics are equally impressive. At the time of the valve job much of the engine compartment was refinished and detailed. The valve covers were repainted to an excellent standard. The carburetors were rebuilt and all hardware was painted or plated. More recently, the spark plug wires were replaced with Cavis units with white insulating boots. Additionally, the under-hood quilted insulation was replaced.

Driveability:

The car starts up and drives well, having benefitted from much recent servicing as well as a life-time of good care. The car shows good compression with reading of 150-165 on all cylinders. Most recently, all fluids and filters have been changed. The carburetors were serviced. This entailed removing the carb tops, cleaning up the bowls, freeing up the accelerator pumps, as well as cleaning the idle and main jets. Additionally, the float needles and seats were replaced, and float levels set. At idle, the car sounds wonderful with a great mix of intake noise and exhaust burble. This noise is improved with the recent fitment of a full stainless exhaust system.Power is good throughout the entire RPM range with no stuttering or stumbling. Braking is fade and pull-free, performance being adequate as it’s a Series I car. However, the car has benefited from relatively recent rebuilds of both boosters and replacement of the master cylinder. Additionally, the clutch master cylinder was recently replaced. Ride quality is good. Overall, the car is most definitely a tourer, being relatively softly sprung. However, with the wide stance and low overall height, the car handles quite nicely with predictable oversteer when pushed in a turn. The non-assisted steering is quite pleasant and provides good feed back, only being a chore when parking. The suspension is tight and the car tracts straight ahead. Gear changes are very pleasant, being crisp and positive. The center console and gear-change lever are perfectly placed for resting one’s arm. Overall, the car is one that could be very enjoyable cruising long distance at high speeds or pleasant enough for a back roads blast with even wife and kids in tow.

Systems Functionality:

Impressively, many vehicle systems are fully functional. The climate control system blower works for both the heat and the A/C. On a cold day, heat is adequate. The A/C system is functional, having recently been recharged and a rebuilt York compressor installed. The car has been converted to cool using r-134a refrigerant. Though we’ve not tested the car on a hot day, we assume cooling with be typical, late ‘60s Italian ‘adequate’. The electrical system is remarkable well sorted with the vast majority of gauges and switches working. The aux. radiator fan, dome light, A/C blower, heater blower, and rear defrost fan are working. I’m unsure about the fog light switch as the fog lights, though present, are not fitted to the car. The A/C temp knob works as does the A/C fan speed knob. Having said that, the A/C fan function is ‘slow’ and ‘slower’. The headlight switch, dash light rheostat, and washer switch are functional. Unfortunately, the washer nozzles are inoperative but one can hear the pump running. The wiper rheostat is inoperative. The wipers function on one speed. The wiper switch does work. All indicator lights for the rear defrost, A/C light, heater blower light, and fog lights are functional. Impressively, the clock works and keeps excellent time. The water temperature gauge is functional. Speedo, tachometer, and odometer also work well. The fuel gauge is either dead or reads accurately. The windows function but slow. We did remove the passenger side window motor, clean and lubricate it. That significantly helped window operation. The electric mirror adjustment is functional. Seats tilt and slide fore and aft without trouble. Interior dome lights all work. The radio, a period correct aftermarket unit with 8 track player works. Included with the vehicle is a fully rebuilt original style Blaupunkt. All exterior lighting is also functional.

Overall:

This Series I Espada is a great example to use and enjoy. This is a rare and unique car from Lamborghini’s earlier days. It clearly shows a lifetime of good care. Never having been restored, is has just been kept up and used carefully. Major systems have been maintained and overhauled as needed. Cosmetics have been attended to with repairs and refurbishments performed to a high level. Fully serviced and sorted, this car is ready for club events or a long tour.