Description
To be offered by Silverstone Auctions as part of the 'Silverstone Classic Live Online Sale' on Friday 31st July. Please see our website for full listings and to find out more on how to register for bidding.
Lot No. 358 - 1987 Lamborghini LM002
Estimate: £160, 000 - £180, 000
Buyers Premium 12. 5% + VAT
-One of the most exciting and exclusive off-road vehicles ever conceived
-The marriage of the Countach SV supercar's 5. 2-litre V12 to a functionally, some might say, brutally-styled 4x4
-Scintillating performance and a top speed in the region of 125mph (200km/ h)
-Five-speed ZF heavy-duty transmission and two-speed reduction gearbox offering a choice of ten speeds and two or four-wheel drive
-Recent Service, Fuel system overhaul, rebuild rear brake cylinders, fresh MOT (30/ 06/ 2020 @ 24, 008km)
-Only 24, 000 km (14, 925 miles) from new and finished in Ice Blue over blue leather
-The accompanying paperwork includes sundry invoices, the current MOT Certificate and V5c
The LM002’s birth process began when the factory designed a military vehicle prototype in 1977, codenamed "Cheetah", which featured a rear-mounted Chrysler V8. No interest was garnered, and the prototype was then sold to Teledyne Continental Motors. Following this Lamborghini designed the LM001, which was a more road-focused iteration of the Cheetah still featuring the same rear-mounted V8.
It was then decided that the rear-mounted engine created a number of handling characteristics that were unfavourable in an off-road focused vehicle, resulting in the LMA002 which featured an entirely new chassis as well as a front-mounted V12 straight from the Lamborghini Countach.
Eventually, this prototype was given a serial number and saw the creation of the first example of the LM002. Unveiled at the 1986 Brussels Auto Show, the production version featured a luxurious interior complete with leather trim, power windows, air-con and a roof-mounted stereo unit. During the 1986-1993 production run, a mere 328 examples were produced.
The incredible example we are thrilled to offer for sale was produced in 1987 and delivered new to Italian racing driver Mario Ricci where it would join his collection of other Lamborghinis including a Diablo and a Senna inspired LM002, which he had commissioned for use in his South African game reserve. After Ricci’s death in 2001, the two LM002s were purchased by a family friend and Lamborghini collector, although the South African authorities would not agree to export the cars until 2006.
The car is finished in Ice Blue over a stunning blue leather and wood interior. It has been used sparingly during its 32 years and is showing less than 15, 000 miles from new. It's supplied with its original driver’s handbook as well as a large amount of history including sundry invoices and MOTs. The car took part in the 1990 Monte Carlo Lamborghini Rally with the original invitation and commemorative badge being kept to this day.
Some very recent attention (30/ 06/ 2020) included a Fuel System overhaul, rebuilt rear brake cylinders, full service and a fresh MOT at 24, 008 km (£6, 250)
With its aggressive styling, impressive power plant, and luxurious interior, it is safe to say the LM002 remains a highly sought-after classic. One of only 328 produced, this sparingly driven example would be a fantastic addition to any Lamborghini collector’s garage.
