Today SUV's being produced by luxury car manufacturers are a major feature of the modern car market and equally important to these companies' revenues. Not through any great strategy, Lamborghini managed to beat most of these manufacturers to the concept of a luxury SUV by over 25 years with the Cheetah and LM001 projects, which were originally intended for military and oil production applications. Lamborghini then decided to benefit from their research and development by creating the LM002 for their more regular customers. Using the iconic Bizzarrini-designed V-12, which was now produced for the Countach QV, the LM002 became one of the most unique cars ever to reach production. Despite weighing an incredible 2,700 kg, the LM002 could still accelerate to 100 km/h in an astonishing 7.7 seconds. Equally impressive was its presence, which allowed it to tower over all other vehicles and naturally usher traffic out of the way.

This example is one of 301 LM002's produced but has one of the more unusual histories. A desirable carburettor example with larger bonnet humps to clear the airbox, it was delivered to its first owner in Lausanne, Switzerland as confirmed with Lamborghini Polo Storico. For its first service, it returned to the Lamborghini factory in Sant’Agata.

In 1997 the vehicle was sourced and imported to the UK for the Drambuie whisky company as part of their private car collection and kept in Scotland where it has several MOT certificates carried out locally. When the Drambuie whisky company then sold off their assets in 2002, the LM002 was then sold through the Scottish Ferrari dealer Glenvaragill to a specialist in Cheshire who carried out a full service.

In September 2003, the owner took his vehicle to a UK Lamborghini event where he met Valentino Balboni, who after an inspection issued it with a Technical Inspection Declaration on behalf of the Registro Lamborghini technical committee, marking the car as Eccellente. In October 2003, the owner was invited to bring the car to the Top Gear film studio who were filming a Lamborghini special. The LM002 was then lent to the racing driver (Ben Collins) otherwise known as the Stig, who took the car for a filmed lap around the Dunsfold circuit. The lap which can be viewed by watching episode 4 of series 3 top gear shows the vehicles capabilities and superb road holding performance for such a large vehicle and brings out the vehicle’s military origins. After its exploits on Top Gear, it was taken to Lamborghini service agent HR Owen London for a full check over, minor service and small remedial works.

Later in 2008 after some minor use, the LM002 returned to HR Owen for a more thorough service, suspension overhaul with new springs and shocks, and other remedial works. During the service, the last NOS winch at the factory was sourced and fitted. The Lamborghini was then stored until last year when a complete cosmetic recommissioning and overhaul was commenced.

The work was carried out by Bell Sport and Classic included a complete respray and interior detailing, an engine overhaul with all ancillary items sent away and rebuilt, fuel tank and brake overhauls, and new original exhaust components to name but a few items. A detailed photographic file is available of the works carried out. In all over £50,000 was spent to make this one of the finest LM002 with the original unmolested interior and a beautiful exterior, all to its original factory specification. Today this Lamborghini shows less than 13,800 km from new and has received more attention than most other LM002's have during their entire existence and as a result it is presented in fantastic condition with virtually unused tyres, rear factory storage box and rear compartment cover. Additionally, a set of bull bars are also included which can be fitted by a future owner if desired.

With all of the recent care and attention that this LM002 has received, it is undoubtedly one of the best examples available, and will give its next custodian with many miles of adventures.

Please note that this lot is currently on display at CARS in Chobham at Alpha 319 Chobham Business Centre, Chertsey Road, Chobham, Surrey, GU24 8JB and can be viewed on appointment on Thursday October 29th and Friday October 30th between 9am and 5pm. Please contact our office at +44 (0) 20 7851 7070 or email Britta Buchmann at bbuchmann@rmsothebys.com to secure your appointment. Should you want more information on this lot, feel free to email jlittle@rmsothebys.com