Perhaps this is the most desirable classic Lambo. Except for the Miura. And the Countach. And the 400 GT.
As early as the 1970s, Lamborghini was looking for new sources of income. The company Mobility Technology International (MTI) was commissioned by the US military to look for an off-road vehicle. So Lambo built the Cheetah as a precursor to the Lamborghini LM 002, in 1977. This was a semi-open all-terrain vehicle based on the XR311 model. from FMC. That was an army vehicle supplier who immediately filed a lawsuit. We don’t know who won. That Cheetah was built in San Jose, California, to be “outdated” in the Lamborghini factories. But Lamborghini did not get the final order. That went to AM General, from which the Humvee, the military predecessor of the Hummer, would emerge. Lambo made a new attempt in 1981 with the LM 001. That also failed.
Back to the predecessors of the LM 002. The Cheetah had a 180 hp 5.9-liter V8 from Chrysler. The LM 001 was based on a 180 hp V8 from AMC, with the intention of later adding a V12 from Lamborghini itself. The LM 001 was shown at Geneva in 1981 and would foreshadow the LM 002, which only saw the light at the 1986 Brussels Motor Show.
Countach V12 block for the LM 002
The Cheetah and LM 001 still had the engine in the back, the LM 002 got the V12 from the Countach. In the front, which permanently powered four wheels. The device, also known as the Rambo Lambo, is considered the founder of today’s super-SUV. Of course because of the engine that gave the thing crazy performance, for a car of 2,700 kilos.
Although Lamborghini also claims that it had a top speed of 210 km/h, it only reaches 188 km/h. Only later modified versions are likely to have surpassed 200 at some point. It is said that if you didn’t think the engine was big enough, you could also order one with a 420 horsepower 7,257 cc V12. A block that Lamborghini used in powerboats. This is probably also confused with a prototype that Lamborghini built under the name LM 004, in which that engine was located. That LM 004 was equipped with a telephone, refrigerator and more luxurious frills. However, he was much too heavy, so he did not drive for a meter and ended up in the cemetery.
In the end, 301 copies of the LM 002 were sold. Although some sources speak of 328. The first was delivered to the king of Morocco. The last one (copy 301) counts only slightly because it was assembled from leftover parts, and was built in 1993 for a wealthy Briton. Also, two examples, one by the factory and one by a Swiss racing team, were modified to compete in rallies, including Paris-Dakar. Another kind of station wagon was built for the Sultan of Brunei.
Oh yes, and such a V12 beast drinks petrol like water, so the standard gas tank is 169 liters. Just enough for your commute, we estimate. Do you want an LM 002 now – and we can’t think of any reason why not? Then you have to think of starting prices of 175,000 euros, rising to about four tons for perfect copies.
What does LM 002 stand for?
The designation LM stands for Lamborghini Militaria, or military vehicles from Lamborghini. The 002 is no more or less than the next number on 001, the designation of the prototype. We can’t make it more beautiful.
Production Quantity
301 (or 328)
Production period
1986-1993
Specifications Lamborghini LM 002
5.167cc V12
444 hp
0-100 km/h in 7.8 sec
top 188 km/h
Models
Cheetah (prototype, 1977, Chrysler V8 in the back, 180 hp, 1 piece)
LM 001 (prototype, 1981, AMC V8 in the back, 180 hp, 1 piece)
LMA 002 (prototype, 1982, V12 ‘Anterior’ [voorin], 337 hp, 1 piece)
LM 002 (301)
LM 003 (prototype, 3.590 cc five-cylinder turbo diesel, 150 hp, 1 piece)
LM 004 (prototype, 7,257 cc V12, 420 hp, 1 piece)
