by Mike Gulett –
I announced a few days ago that I listed my 1971 Lamborghini Espada Series II on Bring a Trailer (click here to see the listing), where you will see many new photos and new videos. It sold on Wednesday May 25, 2022 at 12:20 PM PT for $172,000 USD.
I have never sold a car at auction before but I did buy one – the Bizzarrini GT 5300 at an in person auction, Russo & Steele in August 2008, in Monterey. Now I have done both.
It was tense as the bidding went from $80,000 to $172,000 in the last one hour. I spent most of the last few hours of the auction thinking it was not going to meet the reserve and thus would not sell. I was fine with that.
Six months ago I think I could have sold it for more but 2 years ago it would have sold for much less than today. It is almost impossible to time the market just right. So, the best thing is to go with the flow.
Does anyone else have any experience with Bring a Trailer?
Let us know what you think in the Comments.
Congratulations. I think in your case they could check on who the owner is and find he’s owned a lot of cars he has treated well. So a horse from your stable is a good ‘un. Sounds like a lot of money but in Carmel wouldn’t buy a garage….
Wally,
Thank you for your kind words. I believe this is the 2nd highest price paid for a stock Espada in the US at a public auction.
However, the Bring a Trailer community did not know who I am and so they do not know my history of car ownership or that I am the editor of My Car Quest.
I only posted here on My Car Quest that I was selling the Espada on BaT more than half way through the one week auction.
I believe the sales results represent this excellent Espada and maybe how it was presented.
Hi Mike,
Congrats but how could you sell this pride and joy? Yeah money talks. However in these unsettled times might be good to have a collector car in the stable even if they slip in value you can enjoy them when the stock market crashes. What’s next on your list?
I purchased my 1985 BMW M635 Euro spec on BAT and it was a great experience and car was well represented! Awesome car! My son sold his 1977 IH Scout and was happy with the results. BAT is very selective declining many submissions. Your Espada would be a good fit as not sure I’ve seen another on BAT/ Recently there was an Iso Grifo on BAT that was a no sale at $385K. Not familiar with that Grifo but looked pretty nice.
Whoever bought your Espada got a killer car that was basically N.O.S. congratulations! The question is what’s next in your Car Quest?
I’d love to see you get an Apollo or a Sunbeam Tiger.
Cindy,
Good suggestions. I have a wide range of tastes and I also have to please my lovely wife who has strong opinions.
The consideration list now includes: Porsche 928, Jensen Interceptor, various Aston Martin models, Lamborghini Gallardo, ’66 Shelby GT350, Iso Lele, Ferrari 550 and …
In late 2017 I tried to list my 1965 Corvette coupe rest of modded with an LS 2 and 4L60e with BaT. Unfortunately, that would not list my car with my $85,000 reserve and wanted me to list it for $55-$60,000 reserve. I was pretty disappointed with their assessment and after a few emails back-and-forth I ended up listing it on eBay. The car eventually sold for $90,000.
Congratulations old pal. Looks like lunch is on you the next time we meet.
Congrats on the sale Mike. Your Espada was a beautiful car and it looks like you got a great result. I have bid on a couple of cars on BaT but did not win and have not sold anything on the site, though have thought of listing my very low mileage 560SL on the site. As I have owned a lot of cars over the years, I have commented on many cars that are listed to provide potential buyers some relevant feedback. In any event, glad it worked out well for you. Keep the AC!