Vehicle Description
Many of today's enthusiasts lament the current trend of sports car
manufacturers sacrificing tradition to meet the insatiable demand
for high-end sport-utility vehicles. Porsche proved to the world
that a sports car company could successfully market an off-roader,
and other prestigious brands have since followed suit, with even
Bentley and Rolls-Royce joining the fray. Recently, Lamborghini
announced their new Urus SUV, but before we collectively groan at
the thought of a renowned Italian supercar company selling out for
the sake of a few bucks, we should remember that Lamborghini is
among the only manufacturers of its kind with serious off-road cred
lurking in its back catalog. The outrageous, V12-powered LM002
off-roader debuted in 1986, creating a sensation among enthusiasts
and the motoring press. From Miura to Countach, Lamborghini had a
reputation for shocking audiences, and the LM002 more than lived up
to that tradition. The story of Lamborghini's curious foray into
off-roading began approximately ten years prior, with a prototype
military vehicle called the Cheetah. In the 1970s, Lamborghini
struggled financially and looked to military contracts as a way to
boost the bottom line. Concurrently, the US Military was looking to
replace the venerable Jeep with a single, multi-purpose
light-armored off-roader. Lamborghini, in conjunction with Mobility
Technology International (MTI), designed and built a rear-engine
prototype using a Chrysler V8 and three-speed torque flight
transmission. But the fiberglass body was not suited to combat, and
the bulky, underpowered Chrysler V8 contributed to wayward
handling. Making matters worse, the US Government rejected the
Cheetah not only for its technical shortcomings but for the fact
that it was not built in the USA. Subsequent legal matters related
to MTI infringing on patents further muddied the waters, and the
whole debacle forced Lamborghini into receivership. In 1980, Swiss
brothers Patrick and Jean Claude Mirman purchased Lamborghini and
began revitalizing the lineup for the new decade. They refreshed
the Countach, added the V8 Jalpa to the line, and curiously -
revisited the Cheetah that bankrupted the company. Acting on
unbridled enthusiasm, or perhaps unchecked insanity, they
shoehorned the Countach's 5.2-liter, 444 horsepower V12 into the
front, driving all four wheels through a 5-speed manual gearbox and
robust dual-range transfer case. It was finished off with brash
bodywork and 17-inch wheels with massive, bespoke Pirelli Scorpion
Zero tires designed specifically for this project. The LM002
styling was pure Lamborghini: Brutal, hard-edged, and muscular
without a single apology. In reimagining the Cheetah for civilian
use, the LM002 received a luxuriously trimmed cabin with four
individual leather bucket seats, wood trim, electric windows, air
conditioning, and even an available factory winch. The rear
featured a small but deep bed capable of hauling four
strong-hearted passengers on side-facing bench seats, or just about
anything one could imagine tossed into the back of a 6,780 pound,
444 horsepower Lamborghini pickup truck. Despite its troubled
gestation, the Rambo Lambo (nickname credited to Brock Yates) sold
well, with about 300 units finding buyers around the world between
1986 and 1993. The LM002 has enjoyed a resurgence in
collectability, perhaps spurred on by the new generation of SUVs
that, while interesting, can't hold a candle to the legendary,
utterly outrageous LM002. The 1988 LM002 presented here is a fine
example coming to us from long-term ownership in a significant
private collection. Registry information shows this truck was
delivered new to a buyer in Miami, Florida, and by the 1990s, it
lived in New York before finding its current owner in 2004.
Finished in black over a gray interior, this is an honest and
original example that presents in good overall condition, showing
just over 18,000km. Black is arguably the best color for an LM002,
highlighting the truck's aggressive nature and angular shape. The
paint is glossy and generally sound, with some checking and crazing
noted in several areas. It rides on the factory-original steel
wheels fitted with correct 345/60-R17 Pirelli Scorpion tires,
purchased new from Pirelli and fitted within the last two years.
The sale will include a spare set of extremely valuable sand-only
Scorpions, which were a popular option in the Middle East, where
unsurprisingly, the LM002 sold very well. The interior presents in
good overall condition, with gray leather and matching carpets. The
upholstery and splashes of wood trim belie the truck's military
roots. The seats show some moderate cracking, creasing, and
stiffness in the leather that is consistent for this original,
unrestored truck. Carpets are tidy and in good condition, front and
rear, as are the leather door panels and headlining. The large
center console houses an array of soft-touch switches, with warning
lights for just about every function imaginable. Two levers control
the transfer case and the locking differentials. The rear bed cover
is in excellent condition, as are the jump seats, upholstered in
gray to match the interior. Lamborghini's mighty 5.2-liter V12 is a
beautiful piece of engineering and one of the greatest engines of
the modern era. For duty in the LM002, it received a unique airbox
and auxiliary filters for dusty environments. This example is tidy
and appears well maintained, with evidence of recent service,
including a newer radiator. With nearly 3.5 tons to move around,
performance is not quite up to Countach standards, but the snarling
soundtrack more than makes up for it. In recent years, the LM002
has come into its own as a full-fledged collector vehicle. Big,
brash, and loud, it is literally and figuratively The Lamborghini
of Off-Roaders. This original US market example has relatively low
miles and is ready for enjoyment anywhere it will take you. It can
be enjoyed as-is with minimal preparation, with room for
improvements as desired. With only 300 built worldwide, the LM002
is one of the most fabled 80's era Lamborghinis, and this truck
presents a rare opportunity to acquire a great example of the
incredible Rambo Lambo. Offers welcome and trades considered For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6563-1988-lamborghini-lm002/
