AutoArt Lamborghini Espada

The Espada is perhaps second only to the Miura as the best known Lamborghini body style preceding the Countach. The Espada was made in three series (designated S1, S2, etc.) between late 1969 and 1972. AUTO art appears to have modeled this one after the S2 4000GTE of which 575 were made and first appeared in the Brussels Auto Show in 1970.

The striking body shape was designed by Marcello Gardini for Bertone. Rapier-like lines reflect the Espada moniker which translates to mean “sword”. In this nickel silver color, that parallel to an elegant fighting weapon seems well founded. Auto art has it spot on re-engineered in miniature. Available in four colors, the gold model is representative of the period and perhaps the red and blue are more charismatic but this Argento silver is a brilliant design study.

Poised correctly in shape and stance, many of the car’s unique styling cues are well formulated. For example, the unusual ventilation systems; NACA ducts on the hood used for cooling the interior and front fender mailbox cutouts used for cooing the brakes, to the rear louvers used for dissipating the heat to the massive glass enclosed rear deck. Speaking of the rear, the very cool half-glassed in facia is an absolute show stopper. This Lambo is one of the few with chrome bumpers fore and aft and they are as svelte as if made of Armani silk.

Badging and aerial are delightful but delicate so be careful with those swiffers. The five bolt wheels are a little plastic looking (not helped by the metallic chrome center mount) but are well modeled. The same can be said for the Pirelli tires and Girling brakes which are well engineered but anonymous. The interior is what gives this away as an S2 version and it is superb in just about every way though the woodwork has a less finished look about it than most aspects of the model.

The opening parts work extraordinarily well: the hood has a brace available and once opened the wired V-12 engine and ivory quilted under-bonnet reveals one of the best engine compartments ever engineered by AUTO art. Beautiful as it is, this gem of engineering is overshadowed by the rear bonnet which rises majestically on hydraulic struts.

I really enjoy this model – it seems the perfect counterpart to the Maserati Ghibli both in its angular styling. After Diablo reissues in December that seemed hurried to market, the Espada models show AUTO art is back on track as an interpreter of Lamborghini ethos.

It’s not going out on a limb to say that this is among the best Lamborghini models made and a great addition to any collection focused on the history of automotive styling.

Highly recommended.

-Rusty Hurley