1988 Lamborghini LM002 SUV

Lamborghini has a history that is built upon a legacy of exotic, mid-engine supercars. In the 1980s, the firm tested the luxury, all-terrain vehicle market and the potential to apply it to military-grade applications. The idea was pioneered in 1977 with the Lamborghini Cheetah prototype with the hopes of securing a US Army contract. The rear-engined, one-off prototype showed promise but it was too exotic for the American military.

In 1981, at the Geneva Motor Show, Lamborghini unveiled a further design study based on the Cheetah, the LM001. The LM001 also had a rear-engine placement, and consequently suffered in handling and rear interior space. Lamborghini's principal, Patrick Mimran, assigned ex-Maserati engineer Giulio Alfieri to design a new concept that would address these short-comings. The result of his work made its debut in 1982. It was coded with serial number LM0002 and utilized the same V-12 engine from the Countach. With a front-engined layout, it had better handling and weight distribution, and allowed the rear cabin to be properly trimmed for six passengers. It rode on specially designed Pirelli Scorpion run-flat tires and was fitted with an early GPS navigation system.

The LM002 was officially introduced in production form at the Brussels Motor Show. It was a rugged SUV fitted with a broad array of luxuries, including leather interior, tinted windows, a high-fidelity sound system, and air-conditioning. Production continued through 1993 with just 328 examples produced.

This particular LM002 has seen limited use during its existence. It has been well maintained by a New York-based Lamborghini collector over the past seven years prior to acquisition by the current caretaker. It has its original Acapulco Blue paint and gray leather interior with wood accents. In 2011, Valentino Balboni signed the car's dashboard.

This SUV has is factory-optioned toolbox, tonneau, and owner's manual. Power is from a 5167cc dual overhead cam V-12 engine fitted with six Weber carburetors. The 455 horsepower produced by the engine is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. At all four corners are ventilated disc brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2015