#Lamborghini Espada 400 GT Lancomat

[carsthatnevermadeitetc]

Lamborghini Espada 400 GT Lancomat, 1968. The Bertone designed Espada was first revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1968. At the Turin Motor Show of November that year Lamborghini presented a version of the car with hydropneumatic suspension which was subsequently offered as an option for the 4-seat GT. However low-take up meant the hydraulic-based system was dropped (regular 400 GT pictured)

[watchilove]

Taking the V12 engine to 4 litres The technical cornerstone of the Espada was the 60° V12 engine that was first produced in 1963 with a displacement of 3.5 litres, which had already been increased to 4 litres (3929 cc) in 1964. It is a remarkable example of engine development technologies, and it was capable of delivering 325 hp at 7200 rpm when it was first fitted in the Espada. This increased to 350 hp at 7500 rpm in the Espada Series II, which was presented in 1970. Fed by six Weber 40 DCOE side-draft carburettors, the V12 had a compression ratio of 9.5:1 (which increased to 10.7:1 from the Series II onwards) and two chain-driven overhead camshafts per bank. It weighed just 232 kg thanks to the substantial use of aluminium to make not only the cylinder head but also the crankcase and the pistons. It was front-mounted in a position that was slightly further forward compared to the previous Lamborghini 350/400 GT engines, in order to make the interior roomier. Thanks to the large opening below the aluminium hood, it was easily accessible. The chassis was based on that of the 400 GT but it was lengthened so that the wheelbase reached 2650 mm and it was also widened, with the wheel track increasing to 149 cm. It had four-wheel independent suspension, with double wishbones and coil springs. In November 1968, an Espada “Lancomat” with hydropneumatic suspension went on display at the Turin Motor Show. The system was made available on-demand, but in the end, it was chosen by very few owners. The Espada was an extremely fast grand tourer that was capable of reaching a top speed of between 245 and 260 km/h and keeping up with the sportier Miura in most conditions. https://www.instagram.com/p/Cfi4GXcrhqL/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=