One of my favorite rabbit holes when certain cars come up for sale is to look at who the owner is. Of course, that’s easier said than done since most listings don’t include the owner’s name. However, in the case of this 1974 Lamborghini Espada listed here on eBay which is described as having under 50,000 original miles and being in storage for 22 years, the caretaker appears to be a name that’s been associated with vintage Lamborghinis and Jaguars for some time. The current bid is $30,000 with no reserve.
Chad Bolles in South Carolina has a long history with old Lamborghinis, and you can find his name on various message boards. Apparently, he also was a go-to for vintage Jaguars, but it seems pivoted to just Lamborghini in later years. There’s an old E-Type in the background, so clearly he still has the bug like we all do. The Espada looks like an attractive survivor that he claims would fool you for being a new car if you saw it on the street. However, it sounds like health issues and broken bones have interfered with his ability to enjoy it, and perhaps to also work on vintage automobiles.
Pictures aren’t the best, but I’m encouraged by the interior photos. Paint can be redone well enough to fool you into thinking it was new, but it’s difficult to create the same appearance inside a vintage Lamborghini interior. The sensitive dash and seat materials all appear to be in excellent condition. On the exterior, the wire wheels are a bit of a letdown, and I hope the seller still has the original 15″ Campagnolo alloy wheels somewhere in storage. He mentions having a stash of vintage Lamborghini parts, and given his old forum posts indicate he has plenty of spares, I’m hopeful he’s able to re-home those likely sought-after parts with the people who need them.
The 3.9-liter V12 produces 350 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. It was the epitome of a grand tourer when introduced, and is still a formidable road trip companion today. Obviously, one would hope that it still runs quite well being in the care of a seasoned Lamborghini specialist, and based on my quick Googling, the seller’s name is held in high regard in most instances for his mechanical aptitude. The engine bay appears spotless, and the hand tools along side it should either inspire confidence or questions depending on your point of view. Espadas rarely come up for sale, especially in condition like this.
Had a customer with one of these that he kept damaging the bodywork on. One early morning I took the shop guys out for a “paint test drive” on I-35 and found that these burly beasts can really haul the mail. Shifted into 4th on the 5 speed and glanced down to find we were approaching 140 mph. Smooth as glass and the big engine just humming. Wow!
And we would hear the conversation with the trooper:
“Mr. Hess, what exactly is the reason for traveling at 140+MPH?!?”
“Officer, these is an exotic car that requires a very special paint after we repair the damage. It has to be able to hold up to speeds like this or it won’t cure properly.”
“Good explanation. Drive carefully, Mr.Hess.”..
Good stuff, sir. Personally speaking that ride would’ve been better than any paycheck bonus in the world.
I’m not sure which I liked better….
Bobhess experience with one of these. ( wish I was part of that ride)
Or Nevadahalfracks rendition of his conversation with a Trooper after pulling him over for going a conservative140 mph.
Nice car too!!!
-Dave
Troopers were not out that early. Must have coffee before hitting the road. Good story though. These things are goose bump cars at their finest.
Beautiful car, but a long road trip? I bet it breaks down before you can make any time on a cross country trip. I remember reading singer Richard Carpenters attempt years ago in a 70s Ferarri. Spent more time being towed than on the road. I had my 68 Stang on a 5K trip, nary a whimper from her, and let me tell you, a lot of that trip was in somewhat illegal speeds.
And “ended” with an “error in the listing”..
The first question should be ” does the air conditioning work ?” even if it does it’s not enough cooling to handle the job unless its been reworked completely.
The part that makes them feel faster is how low you sit. The hatch window adds to the affect when you look in the rear view mirror.
It’s still the coolest of the hard edged look IMHO.
I’d have to loose the wires and find a set of original Companalos. (sp?)