Espada buyers checklist/guide

Hi folks,

I've always wanted to have a Lamborghini in our garage and now am looking to fulfill that dream and acquire an Espada.

Any particular details that make any of the series more desirable over the other? Based on what I've read so far. They all appeal to me and am hoping to avoid the federalized US bumper attachments if possible.

I have some basic experience owning an Italian classic with one of our other cars being a 86 Testarossa. That said this will be the oldest car we will have in our collection so could use recommendations and pointers on the same -
1. Numbers to check? VIN, engine, panels?
2. Common corrosion spots?
3. Mechanical red flags?
4. Electrical?

Thanks in advance.

Feeling pretty excited and looking forward to join the brotherhood.

 

Start here: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/lamborghinichat-com-sponsored-cats-exotics/191205-espada-thread.html

That should give you a pretty good idea of what's been happening on this website for the last 7 years regarding Espadas. I think it will also point you to other sources of information about these cars.

 

Thanks for the pointer. Started there but wanted to see if there was a condensed version around here. Will finish up there.


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Yes there are condensed lists and lots more information in other locations. I'm certain they've either been pointed to or mentioned in that thread. So have a look again with that in mind and I think you'll find what you need. If not then contact me offline.

These are amazing cars but a lot more expensive and for somethings much more difficult than many other cars "out there". If you're a good mechanic and avid DIYer you can do an awful lot of what's required yourself. But it's hard to get around some the really expensive parts issues for the more serious issues.

 

A good indicator about the priors owners care in maintenance is to ask when the fule hose, running from the LHD rear, along the LHD inner sill (glued under the sound deadening material) and entering into the engine compartment near the inner wheelarch, has been replaced. If the question is "dunno", then nobody really cared and rather tended to spare money instead of avoiding great danger (fire). Because this hose, almost half a century old, will be on its best way of desintegration. The easily accessible and visible hoses in the rear between tanks and pump will already have been replaced due to MOT requests. But what those guys do not see ...

In my eyes the best "indicator question". If someone has ripped out front and back seats, as well as (glued) trim carpets (sill), just for replacement of this f... hose, then he/she has shown the proper masocism for classic Lamborghini ownership. If a metal piping has been properly made replacing this hose, then the owner must be praised even more ...

 

A little bit of engineering expertize helps as well.

If not, consider having to pay to specialized workshops a 6-figure sum over a couple of years. Its is like going to a dentist with malade teeth. The "repair" then goes on, and on, and on, and ... .

 

How did you know?

I think the Marquis de Sade must have been a part of the design committee!

 

Quite simply.
the upper end of the price range may actually yield the best bargain long term .

If your buying it in USA or Europe go on this forum and find an owner close by . Pay!! him a fee to go look and even drive the car with you if possible if not get an Espada owner to go alone . Far better that a professional PPI as these cars are known intimately by very few other than owners themselves .
Lots of talkers out there but talk is Expensive in this case .

Gary
Espada
8394

 

Thats what I recall - aside plenty of small things, like disassembly and repair of the window lifting mechanism - as issues, which I would look at, the next time

But do not let yourself become detracted. It is a really great car as soon as it is sorted by someone who knows what he does (and not only needs to prepare a car for sale most cheaply, this typically makes things worse in long term)!

P.S.: Some sympathy for making special tools helps additionaly, e.g. normal spark plug tools will not do the job ...

 

Bernard's post above contains a very comprehensive checklist, I'd only add to check for terminal rust around the windscreen surround and suspension pickups.

It's worth searching for the right car, though, having owned an Espada for a few years now, I'd go for the most recently restored or original car in perfect condition I could find and I wouldn't mind paying handsomely for it either, as the Espada is a very complicated car to restore.
But the prize for finding the right car is huge because driving a correctly sorted Espada is an amazing experience that's well worth paying extra for. I suspect an expensive Espada today will look good value in a few years time anyway...

Good luck!

 

Thanks guys. This helps a lot, been looking into several options to proceed. I am based in Seattle in the PNW. Any Espada owners around here?

Need to make sure it makes sense financially as I recently got a TR as well. Safe to say I will have to credit/blame Harry for my recent car acquisitions. I always liked these cars but the videos got me to act on them. Looked into a Countach as well but got priced out of that market.