1991 Lamborghini LM002

The 1991 Lamborghini LM002 is a beast of a machine, and one of the most unique vehicles to have ever rolled into CURATED. Nicknamed the "Rambo Lambo," it’s a rare and fascinating creation that predates the luxury SUV craze. Lamborghini produced only 328 LM002s between 1986 and 1993, each packed with the power and luxury synonymous with the Italian marque.

This particular LM002 (#2204) has an intriguing history, having made its way through several parts of the world, including Saudi Arabia, Japan, and the Netherlands, before arriving at CURATED's Miami showroom. This truck still feels fresh, a well-preserved relic of a time when Lamborghini decided to take its iconic V12 engine—originally from the Countach—and plant it into a 6,780-pound off-roader. The 48-valve, 5.2-liter engine churns out 444 horsepower, allowing the LM002 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.7 seconds, an impressive feat for a vehicle of its size. Top speed? 118 mph—a staggering figure considering its military roots.

Originally designed for the Italian army, the LM002 evolved from earlier prototypes, including the Cheetah and LM001. Lamborghini reworked the design, placing the engine up front to fix handling issues, and by 1986, the LM002 made its debut at the Brussels Auto Show, immediately earning the "Rambo Lambo" nickname. While it never saw action in the military, it became a civilian luxury truck with full leather interiors, air conditioning, and even roof-mounted premium audio controls.

This example boasts a champagne leather interior accented with wood trims and basic push-button controls for cabin comfort. It's rugged but refined. The back features a tailgate, jump seats, and a locking trunk, though it's more suited for small passengers or additional storage.
Interestingly, Lamborghini had aspirations of entering the LM002 in the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1988, with plans to lighten the vehicle and reinforce the suspension for endurance racing. While funding for the project ran out, the LM002 still saw action in other desert races, proving its toughness in punishing conditions.

Among its many eccentricities, the LM002 features massive 345/60 R17 Pirelli Scorpion tires—custom-designed for both off-road and mixed-use driving. These tires were crucial for handling the desert terrain and even boasted run-flat technology.

With a 72-gallon fuel tank, a thirsty engine that averages just 8 miles per gallon, and nearly 7,000 pounds of weight, this Lamborghini is anything but fuel-efficient. But practicality is hardly the point. The LM002 is a celebration of excess, a pioneering forerunner to modern luxury SUVs, and an unmistakable statement vehicle wherever it goes.

As a collectible, the LM002 has all the right elements: rarity, hand-built craftsmanship, a legendary V12 engine, and an undeniable presence that paved the way for today’s high-performance luxury SUVs. For those who see beyond conventional vehicles, the LM002 stands as a bold and captivating piece of automotive history.