FINELY CHOPPED LAMBO
If you prefer your Espadas factory spec, look away now
There was a Lamborghini for sale at an auction. It was supposed fetch around £200,000, but failed to reach its reserve. This, ordinarily, is not news. When the Lambo in question looks like the one on this page, however, it is very much news. This is a 1968 Lamborghini Espada, but one which no longer looks quite like the car that left the factory.
Turned into a rat rod by French tuning house Danton Art Kustoms in 2018 – to celebrate the Espada’s 50th birthday – it demonstrates a slight departure from the standard car’s languid, classy approach to grand touring. Just to be clear, this car will not grand tour.
When a car’s spec sheet prioritises the phrase “8.2 feet wide”, you know you’re dealing with something out of the ordinary. The original 3.9-litre V12 engine still sits up front, producing a modest 350bhp, but it breathes a little easier now owing to the complete lack of bonnet. Doesn’t it look lovely, all exposed?
Much of it is completely custom – the seats and wheels most notably – but the side vents have been nicked from a Lamborghini Reventón. All told, it’s a stark looking thing. We’re unashamedly in love with its madness. But we suspect you’ll have your own opinion.
So, has a stone-cold classic been butchered, or should more people give old Lambos a bats**t new lease of life?
If you fall into the latter camp, and have several hundred thousand pounds knocking around, then rejoice, it’s still out there with your name on it.