The Lamborghini Marzal, one of the most iconic concept cars ever built, will be driven for the first time in public after 51 years at the Monaco Grand Prix track this weekend. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 1967, the Marzal was driven on the same Monte Carlo track by Prince Rainier III of Monaco the same year. It was the Marzal's only public appearance in action until now. Restored to its original specifications, the concept car will be driven twice on the Monaco circuit on each of the three days of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique.

Designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone, the Marzal was commissioned by Ferruccio Lamborghini as a true four-seater to preview a production model to be sold alongside the 400GT 2+2 seater and the Miura supercar. While it remained a one-off, the Marzal made it into production with significant modifications as the Lamborghini Espada, which was launched in 1968. The overall design remained unchanged, but the Espada gained regular doors and a revised rear section. The 2.0-liter, inline-six engine in the Marzal was replaced by a 3.9-liter V-12 and output increased from 175 to more than 300 horsepower.

The Marzal spent many years in the Bertone Design museum and was auctioned at Villa d'Este in May 2011 for around $2 million.

The Marzal will be joined by an Espada at the Monaco circuit, where Lambo will display the car bearing chassis number 9090. Owned by the Italian firm since its creation, this specific Espada was used as a test car and sports side markers for the American market and other details that were present on the production model at first. The Lambo Espada celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, having been introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in 1968.

Needless to say, it's great to see two legendary cars hit an iconic race track.

References

Read our full review on the 1967 Lamborghini Marzal.

Read more Lamborghini news.