Espada... the car

I think Enzo Ferrari pee'd a lot of people off in the 60's which resulted in the competition. Ford mid-60s resulting in Le Mans 1966, Ferrucio not being happy with Enzo resulting in 1963 a tractor builder deciding to build his own sports car.

He was known for tractors though

He didn't start out making cars until 1963. The Muira was only the third model they produced. Also well known for engines for power boats these days.

The Espada was a surprisingly popular car. They made about 1,220 of them over three series. Popular because it was a genuine four seater (although not overly easy to gain access to the back seat). Based upon the Marzal show car it was totally different to the regular fast cars of the time.

Of course the story is well known that Ferrucio was pissed off with Enzo because Ferrari's car were rubbish. Ferrucio was a proper businessman, with a factory making tractors and air conditioners, so he rocked up to Maranello to have a moan, only to be given the bum's rush. So he decided to make his own super cars.

Frankly, as pure road cars I think he did a far better job and didn't lose focus; head to head, the Espada was always a far superior car to the Ferrari 400. A lot of Ferrari mystique comes from the death of Dino and the car that bore his name, together with the 308GTS/B which followed. All excellent cars, but nothing can out Countach a Countach and without the Muira, the mid engined supercar probably wouldn't exist.

However, would I buy one now? A new one, no. An old one, definitely yes. I still want an Espada and probably always will.