by Mike Gulett-
The Lamborghini Faena one-off concept by Pietro Frua was the only four-door Lamborghini in 1978.
It looks a little like an Espada because it is based on a Series 2 Espada which Frua stretched 7 inches to a total length of 18 feet.
Lamborghini Faena
1971 Series 2 Lamborghini Espada
The front reminds me of the Aston Martin Lagonda.
Lamborghini Faena
The Lamborghini Faena was introduced in Turin in 1978 at the Salone internazionale dell’Automobile and was shown again in 1980 at the Geneva Auto Show.
While the Faena was described as a four-door coupé it has many characteristics of a shooting-brake (or station wagon or estate car). Like the Espada the hatch back cargo compartment is open to the rear seat passengers.
I prefer the open headlights of the Espada compared to the lift up headlights on the Faena.
1971 Series 2 Lamborghini Espada ready for the road
Naturally the name Faena is related to bullfighting; it is a series of passes performed by a matador using his sword and cape for show before the poor bull dies.
Lamborghini Faena
1972 Series 2 Lamborghini Espada
Specification of the Lamborghini Faena
Engine: 4.0 Liter (3.929 cc) V12
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Power: 350HP
Wheelbase: 283 cm (111 in)
Length: 549 cm (216 in)
Width: 186 cm (73.2 in)
Height: 118,5 cm (46.6 in)
Weight: 1,835 kg (4,045 lb)
Top speed: 243 KM/h (151 MPH)
0-100 KM/h: approx. 6.5 seconds
Production number: 1
Designer: Pietro Frua
What do you think – should Lamborghini have gone to production with the Faena?
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
The “similar” William Towns Lagonda was not a sales success, so perhaps Lamborghini were right not to go into production. The 1980 Ferrari Pinin four door saloon is also unique.
A real shame that a limited number were not produced to test the market… I suspect they were too early to this party…Seems in todays world this would be quite welcomed by consumers
She is a beautiful car too bad only 1 was made as I would buy in a heart beat.
Dumb question is she still around and if so would she by chance
be for sale and would she be in the number for a white collar guy
could afford to buy ??
Gordon,
You have good taste but you may want to consider an Espada.
Were the taillights sourced from Citroen? They look like those on a Citroen SM.
Well spotted sir! The Citroën’s rear fog warning lamps have become reversing lights on the Faena.
Thanks!
Not sure this extension works so well. That rear section reminds me of the boxy garden window unit that was so popular in kitchens 20 + years ago. Compared to the Espada it looks like an add on, which is what it is. The design is a compromise for the addition of the rear doors and the rear view with that large rectangular glass? no thank you.