Premium automakers have increasingly flirted with the SUV segment, prompting brands like Rolls-Royce, Bentley, and Ferrari to enter the market. Yet the story starts much earlier. In 1981, Lamborghini showcased an SUV prototype called LM001, a model derived from the Cheetah project first pursued in the late 1970s with the aim of supplying the United States military. When the army declined to buy, Lamborghini pivoted, converting the military concept into a civilian vehicle and presenting it at the Geneva Motor Show in 1981. Although the LM001 never reached production, its existence set the stage for a more refined model.
A few years later, in 1986, Lamborghini unveiled the LM002 at the Brussels Motor Show. The public and press reception was strong, and the vehicle soon entered limited production. Today, LM002 units are highly coveted among collectors, and auctions frequently feature them with prices reflecting their rarity and historic significance. Current estimates for a well-preserved example typically fall in the range of 200,000 to 250,000 USD, underscoring the model’s enduring appeal and investment value.
One notable LM002 is chassis number 279, built in June 1991. The present owner acquired it in early 2014 and has kept mileage remarkably low, with just 56 kilometers added since that purchase. In other words, the odometer reads a total of 8,931 kilometers. The car underwent a repaint in 2014, taking on its current red hue, while the clutch and flywheel were replaced in March 2020 to ensure smooth operation. Inside, the ivory leather upholstery complements brown carpeting, both of which remain in excellent condition given the car’s age and preservation.
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