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1986 Lamborghini LM002

The Lamborghini LM002 is an SUV that was built by the Lamborghini automobile company between 1986 and 1993.

Approximately 300 vehicles are thought to have been built. This was an unusual departure for Lamborghini who, until that point was primarily known for high-performance grand tourers and supercars.

The project originally began in 1977 with a prototype vehicle codenamed the “Cheetah” which Lamborghini had designed in hopes of selling it to the US military. The original Cheetah prototype had a rear-mounted Chrysler V8 engine. The prototype was destroyed during testing by the US military.

This led Lamborghini to develop the LM001, which was very similar to the Cheetah, but had an AMC V8 engine.

It was finally determined that the engine being mounted in the rear caused too many unfavorable handling characteristics in an offroad vehicle, and the LMA002 was built with an entirely new chassis, moving the engine (now the V12 out of the Countach) to the front.

After much testing and altering of the prototype, it was finally given a serial number and became the first LM002.

Lovingly dubbed the “Rambo-Lambo”, its aggressive styling and powerful engine made it a success for Lamborghini.

Civilian models were outfitted with a full luxury package, including full leather trim, tinted power windows, air conditioning, and a premium stereo mounted in a roof console. In order to meet the vehicle’s tire needs, Lamborghini commissioned Pirelli to make two custom, run-flat, tread designs.

Trivia:

• Libyan leader Muammar al-Qaddafi reportedly ordered 100 of them for the use of Libya’s military.

• Writer Hunter S. Thompson had one, and wrote about driving it on California freeways.

• Musician Eddie Van Halen supposedly owned a black LM002 during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

• Indian Actor Amitabh Bachchan has one in his car collection, it was purchased in the 1980’s.

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