Monday, January 23, 2023

Lamborghini Espada


The best-selling early Lamborghini model was the Espada, 1,227 produced 1968-1978.   It was a Gran Turismo type car with seating for four, though back seating was cramped.

Bodies were made by Bertone, designed by the firm's stylist Marcello Gandini.

Espada's were of the 1970s type, featuring extremely low bodies.  This was a continuation of a long-term trend to ever-lower bodies.  But with the Espada and other cars, the trend seems to have been taken to the point where disadvantages overcame advantages in terms of practical, everyday use (ease of entry and exit, for example).  The wheelbase was 104.3 inches (2,650 mm), and length 186.2 inches (4,730 mm), resulting in noticeable overhang.

Gallery

The first three images appear to be of 1968 Lamborghini Espadas via either Lamborghini or Bertone.

This side view indicates how low the car was.  Measured height is 46.7 inches (1,185 mm) -- for readers familiar with Imperial measurements, that's less than four feet tall.  In comparison, the popular current (as of late 2022) Toyota Camry sedan's height is 56.9 inches (1,840 mm).


Interior view of a 1973 Espada, Gallery Aaldering photo.  Clearly, rear seating is cramped, and getting in and out of that area would be difficult for many adults.

The following walkaround images are of a 1973 Espada via Bring a Trailer auctions.  Frontal design is clean, without much character.  The air vents on the hood are the NACA type seen on aircraft.

The character-less front doesn't matter much because the character of the car and brand is embodied in the rest of it.

Note how the upward curve to the after side window frame visually ties to the top frame of the backlight window -- a nice, professional design touch.

The lower window below the backlight might aid rear visibility a trifle, though rear seats seem to block most of that.

The trunk area is visible in this image.  Some kind of cover seems needed.

The long, horizontal character line carries two air vents near the front wheel opening.  It helps tie the design together and also adds to visually lowering the car by breaking up what little slab-sidedness there is (augmented by the lesser line near the lower edge of the body).

In sum, a nicely styled car aside from its questionable package dimensions.

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