To Be OFFERED AT AUCTIONEstimate:
$275,000 - $325,000
- One of just 328 produced from 1986 to 1993
- 5.4-liter V-12 paired with a five-speed manual gearbox;
four-wheel drive
- Two-owner example; original owner was the founder of Bally
Total Fitness
- Full repaint and interior re-dying in its original color
combination of olive green over creme
- Recent work performed by Fast Cars Ltd. totals over
$90,000
Imagine how absurd the idea of an Italian supercar builder creating
an off-roader would have seemed when word first slipped out of
Sant'Agata Bolognese in the late 1970s that Lamborghini was
developing a military-oriented four-wheeler with high ground
clearance and large tires.
Cafe tables lined with locals sipping cappuccinos and Sangiovese
must have roared with laughter at the thought. Those at
Lamborghini's headquarters, however, had a serious vehicle in mind.
It just took them a while to get it right.
Called "Cheetah" during its development, the truck that would
become the LM002 in the mid-1980s was intended to be a
demonstration of Lamborghini's immense capabilities. The company
that built the Countach could do more than just wedgy sports cars;
it could also assemble plush and durable 4x4s with serious
power.
The initial development models used a waterproofed version of
Chrysler's 360 cubic-inch V-8 shoved behind the passenger
compartment, a move that would prove the prototype's weakest link.
The V-8 hanging out above the rear axle made for such poor handling
that Lamborghini did not allow anyone that was not on its payroll
behind the wheel.
A front-engined model with correct Lamborghini V-12 powerplant was
unveiled in 1986 at that year's Brussels salon. The
Countach-sourced motor cranked out a staggering 450 horsepower, a
figure nearly triple that of the only real competitors it had --
the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and the Land Rover Range Rover. Of
course, that power meant thirst, but Lamborghini's engineers were
ready with a hefty 45-gallon fuel tank. The five-speed manual
gearbox and two-speed transfer case shuffle power to all four
corners to help extract the LM002 from any situation, whether it's
a paved boulevard or a dune in the desert far from
civilization.
Lamborghini even enlisted Pirelli to develop special run-flat tires
intended to keep the truck going over any sort of terrain. Though
it could climb over just about anything, the LM002 was hardly a
tractor in disguise. Its interior was awash in fine leather and
glossy wood trim, which do their best to hide the massive tunnel
running between the seats.
Lamborghini built 328 examples before the last one rolled out the
door in 1993, and they have helped fuel enthusiasm for high-end
four-by-fours.
This 1989 Lamborghini LM002 was the recent recipient of a full
repaint and interior re-dying in its original color combination of
olive green over creme. The wheels are finished in black and wear
useful TSL Super Swamper tires, including the rear-mounted spare.
The interior features wood trim, electric windows, electric door
locks, and climate control. Tasteful modifications include useful
diamond plate trim in the bed paired with seat pads, as well as a
suede headliner. The original owner was the founder of Bally Total
Fitness and the current owner acquired it from his estate, making
it a two-owner example. It is accompanied by a clean CARFAX
report.
Invoices from recent work including service and refurbishment from
Fast Cars Ltd. totals over $90,000, making this LM002 an appealing
balance between originality and modern refinement.
Please note that due to California emissions, this vehicle must be
sold to a dealer or out-of-state resident.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo20.