In 1968 at Geneva Motor Show, Ferruccio Lamborghini presented to the public a new four seater Gran turismo. Lamborghini Espada-”Sword” in spanish, a reference to the sword,that Torrero used to kill the bull in the Corrida- was born from the hands of Marcello Gandini, a designer at Bertone company. Espada was considered a bold and unique automobile when it was introduced to the world. It was intended to meet customer's demand for a four-seater in the lineup and it certainly didn't compromise in regard to performance. Until its career finish in 1972, the Espada was produced in 3 series.
The scaled model comes from Autoart as a part of their Millennium series. It wasn't an extravagant model for me or a must have for my collection, but I've decided to complete my Lamborghini line of supercars, since the vintage models of the house are not an usual presence. It wasn't hard to find and is still available now, for a more than a decent price. What the model offers and how the company managed to reproduce this Gran turismo, I will tel you in the following.
The model comes in a fragile display box, not my favorite at all, fixed with screws on a plastic base and having all the mobile parts kept closed by fine rubber strings with metallic hooks on the end. I don't agree with this system, because at least for me, risking to break the plastic parts that are hung, trying to loosen them.
Being an italian turismo and coming along with the Bertone name in its pedigree, you easily think at beautiful curves and lines of the body. For me the design isn't something spectacular, rather discreet and elegant. The general shape and the stance were surprised very well on the model and the different parts are keeping minimal gaps when put together. As usual, the paint job is excellent, keeping the right depth and brilliance of the blue tint. All the exterior ornaments are chromed and look very good, except the wipers painted in silver, for an unknown reason. Along its body, the car reveals many air vents, correctly modeled and cut through on the scaled model, but missing the real grills. In fact, only the front grill is covered with a mesh. I like a lot how they made the front lights, turn signals and especially the taillights, giving them a strong realistic note. I'm in doubt about the little lights fixed on the front bumper, namely about their right color, because in some photos of the real car appears to be orange, white- as in our case- or bi-color. A big plus for the external antenna, too. About logos and lettering I can't be so happy, because all the metallic photo etched parts are peeling. Only the front, the Lamborghini logo is raised as a single piece and very well detailed.
Being an italian turismo and coming along with the Bertone name in its pedigree, you easily think at beautiful curves and lines of the body. For me the design isn't something spectacular, rather discreet and elegant. The general shape and the stance were surprised very well on the model and the different parts are keeping minimal gaps when put together. As usual, the paint job is excellent, keeping the right depth and brilliance of the blue tint. All the exterior ornaments are chromed and look very good, except the wipers painted in silver, for an unknown reason. Along its body, the car reveals many air vents, correctly modeled and cut through on the scaled model, but missing the real grills. In fact, only the front grill is covered with a mesh. I like a lot how they made the front lights, turn signals and especially the taillights, giving them a strong realistic note. I'm in doubt about the little lights fixed on the front bumper, namely about their right color, because in some photos of the real car appears to be orange, white- as in our case- or bi-color. A big plus for the external antenna, too. About logos and lettering I can't be so happy, because all the metallic photo etched parts are peeling. Only the front, the Lamborghini logo is raised as a single piece and very well detailed.
The wheels provide soft rubber made tires, without additional marks and keep the clean look of the rims. Are accurately made, having modeled the rivet heads and the customized logo in the center. The brake system isn't visible from the exterior and it wasn't detailed properly
I'll use an opening tool to open the doors, as I said before the gaps are minimal. The doors are opening wide on hidden hinges and give a lot of space to observe the interior. Customized in a light shade it fits the exterior paint very well and is very well finished and detailed. What i like most here are the wood trim and the steering wheel that comes along with metallic photo edged and dimpled spokes. On the central console the switches were modeled, very accurate I must say and individually marked. The main block of indicators is totally legible. Many complain about the size of the gearshift trim, but observing some photos of the real one, I agree with the manufacturer. All interior is carpeted, but missing the seat belts.
The huge engine bonnet lets the engine visible, more than enough, and isn't necessary to use the attached rod. The ensemble is great made of many separate pieces, wired and marked. Is anost, missing the red painted cables from the real structure. I like the cut-through air intakes of the carburettors and how are positioned.
Is hard enough to open the real lid- rather its glass to take a look inside. Its opening on struts and has the demisting system replicated. The large trunk was carpeted, without any other detail.
Underneath, painted in silver are visible: the engine, the gear box and the exhaust system with the double final pipes chromed. Is visible the suspension system, too, with red dumpers and metallic springs.
Is hard enough to open the real lid- rather its glass to take a look inside. Its opening on struts and has the demisting system replicated. The large trunk was carpeted, without any other detail.
Underneath, painted in silver are visible: the engine, the gear box and the exhaust system with the double final pipes chromed. Is visible the suspension system, too, with red dumpers and metallic springs.
The model will complete a Lamborghini line, not many old models being replicated in 1:18 scale. I consider it to be a good reproduction, well detailed and offered for a good price.
No reproduction without permission. Copyright © Play Cars- Auto models biography 2015
No reproduction without permission. Copyright © Play Cars- Auto models biography 2015