Rambo's Lambo
This black LM002 is from the Lamborghini museum, and having been entirely-restored by the marque’s classic department, Polo Storico, it represents Lamborghini’s first SUV creation and is widely considered as the original luxury SUV. Turning heads in sophisticated city streets, the LM002 was equally at home in dirt, gravel and snow.
The LM002’s development started as a project to develop a high performance off-road vehicle for military use at the end of the 1970s, with the name of Cheetah. Lamborghini engineer Giulio Alfieri resurrected the project in 1981 with the LM001: an innovative concept with a rear-mounted engine, followed by the LMA prototype with a front-mounted powertrain. The final production model of the LM002 was unveiled at the Brussels Motor Show in 1986 and featured the 5.2 litre V12 engine from the Countach. In an aluminium and fibreglass body, with four-wheel drive transmission, transfer case and three self-locking differentials, the SUV could exceed gradients of 120%. Reaching speeds of more than 200 km/h, the LM002 was equipped with specially-developed Pirelli Scorpion tyres, allowing ‘floating’ capabilities across soft surfaces such as sand, and highly durable in hot conditions.
A luxurious interior matching the individual needs of the customer completed the LM002. The LM002 attracted significant attention when launched, as a vehicle unlike any other, with performance to match its super sports car stablemates as well as significant off-road capabilities and an imposing design and presence. A total of 300 were produced from 1986 to 1992.
Photos © Lamborghini