www.QV500.com - Lamborghini Espada Part 3: Espada Series III
 
Lamborghini's final incarnation of the Espada, the Series III, was unveiled during March 1973 at the Turin Salon. Set up-wise there were some minor improvements including new spring rates for the rear suspension. There were also more powerful brakes, but the most noticeable changes were made to the bodywork. Immediately obvious was the Series III's restyled nose, its twin headlights on each side now being sunk into the grille. There were also rectangular Carello light clusters on the tail that combined to lend these last of the line Espada's a refreshing new look.
   
An improved ZF power steering system was fitted as standard while inside there was a new wrap-around dashboard, a revised centre console and an improved air-conditioning system. For the first time it was possible to order an Espada with a conventional sunroof while in March 1974, Lamborghini introduced automatic transmission as a cost option (this being the Chrysler Torqueflite three speed). With the increasingly stringent emissions and crash regulations being imposed upon high performance vehicles sold in the USA (and particularly California), Lamborghini did well to develop a North American-spec Series III. The modifications over Euro-spec versions were ungainly 5mph rubber impact absorbing bumpers, revised carbs, a smog pump, altered ignition settings and chunky sidelights. With all this emissions equipment, these US cars were significantly down on power. Production of the Series III ended in 1978 after 456 examples had been completed. The Espada's glorious ten year run was over.