The 1987 Lamborghini LM002 represents one of the most unusual moves from a brand known for exotic sports cars. This vehicle took supercar engineering and placed it inside a boxy SUV body. The result was both controversial and unforgettable.
The origins of the 1987 Lamborghini LM002
Lamborghini developed the LM002 after experimenting with military vehicle prototypes. By the mid-1980s, the brand shifted the concept toward a luxury SUV with uncompromising presence. Its angular lines and massive stance gave it an identity unlike anything else on the road.
Design and character of the LM002
The LM002 combined sharp edges with exaggerated proportions. It carried a commanding presence with flared wheel arches and aggressive geometry. Interiors leaned toward luxury, featuring leather seats and high-end trim. Yet the SUV never hid its off-road intentions, with a high ride height and rugged stance.
Power and performance of the LM002
At the heart of the 1987 Lamborghini LM002 sat a 5.2-liter V12 derived from the Countach. This naturally aspirated engine produced around 450 horsepower, channeled through a five-speed manual transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. Despite its 6,600-pound weight, the LM002 accelerated with surprising urgency, reaching 60 mph in about 7.7 seconds. Its top speed exceeded 120 mph, placing it in rare territory for SUVs of its era.
Off-road capability
Performance extended beyond paved roads. The LM002 featured a reinforced chassis and a suspension designed to handle demanding terrains. It rode on massive Pirelli Scorpion tires created specifically for the model, capable of tackling sand, dirt, and rocky ground. This balance of brute force and off-road skill gave it a reputation as both impractical and fascinating.
Legacy of the 1987 Lamborghini LM002
Production numbers remained low, with only about 300 examples built between 1986 and 1993. Its rarity and boldness made it an enduring symbol of Lamborghini’s willingness to take risks. Collectors now view it as a milestone that anticipated today’s trend of high-performance luxury SUVs.
Summary
The 1987 Lamborghini LM002 stands as a one-of-a-kind experiment, merging a Countach engine with a military-inspired SUV body. With its combination of outrageous design, V12 performance, and off-road toughness, it remains one of the most distinctive and unconventional vehicles in Lamborghini’s history.
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Source & Details: bringatrailer.com
