When you think of Lamborghini, the classic supercars of the past invariably spring to mind. The Italian marque is perhaps best known for its stellar lineup of Countach, Aventador and Huracan models, all of which are predicated on superior performance in a sleek silhouette, but a forgotten gem is finally getting its just desserts.
The LM002, a thrilling albeit short-lived foray into the realm of off-road vehicles, has become somewhat of a cult classic among Lamborghini collectors in recent years. Released in the mid-1980s, the vehicle’s broad and brutish stance starkly opposed the Lamborghini ideals of the time and when it was finally discontinued in 1993, only the most ardent of fans shed a tear. Who could have predicted that 30 years later, a near-mint condition example would have auto-fanatics a little hot under the collar?
A 1991 Lamborghini LM002 model has surfaced on auction site Bring a Trailer, complete with the original driver’s handbook, a workshop manual, and even a spare parts book. The listing represents one of the most comprehensive LM002 sales ever offered, with extensive details about the vehicle’s history and maintenance available to the lucky new buyer, but that’s far from the car’s key talking point.
One of just 300 examples built between 1986 and 1993, this 1991 LM002 features the same Lamborghini fuel-injected 5.2L quad-cam V12 that powered the Countach. This iconic motor is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and a locking centre differential. Importantly, this model features eight-lug 17″ OZ alloy wheels mounted with 345/60 Pirelli Scorpion tires, indicating that was likely part of the special edition LM/American releases that were only sold in the United States.
Inside, the cabin boasts front and rear bucket seats upholstered in red leather, along with Lamborghini-logo carpeted floor mats, woodgrain trim, air conditioning, power windows, a ceiling-mounted stereo system, and a rear centre console. As the official listing points out, the 5.2L 48-valve V12 was rated at 444 horsepower when new, a fact that is alluded to in the 220-km/h speedometer and 6,500-rpm redline tachometer.
As Lamborghini fans will note, the LM002 was the evolution of the marque’s previous efforts to develop an all-terrain military vehicle, the Cheetah and the LM001. First unveiled at the 1986 Brussels Auto Show, the LM002 featured a tubular steel frame and sharp, rigid bodywork constructed from aluminium and fibreglass. While it did cause a stir at the time, Lamborghini never quite worked out the production process for the LM002, prompting the automaker to cease production in 1992, despite laying claim to around 800 orders.
This unique model was acquired by the current owner in 2001 and shows only 24,000 km on the odometer. That being said, there has been some work completed on the car, including a new paint job in 2022. The 1991 Lamborghini LM002 is currently open for bids until Wednesday 3 January, with the bid at the time of writing sitting at USD$238,888.
