Lot 383: 1991 Lamborghini LM 002

One of the most exciting and exclusive off-road vehicles ever conceived, the Lamborghini LM 002 resulted from the marriage of the Countach QV’s 5.2-litre V12 to a functionally - some would say brutally - styled ‘4x4’, the union resulting in scintillating performance and a top speed in the region of 125mph (200km/h). The engine drove through a five-speed ZF heavy-duty transmission and two-speed reduction gearbox offering a choice of ten speeds and two- or four-wheel drive. The distinctive five-door body was hand made in glassfibre (wings, bonnet, roof) and aluminium (doors) and the LM 002 came equipped in a manner one would expect from one of the world’s foremost supercar manufacturers, with sumptuous leather-trimmed interior and air conditioning as standard.
One of a mere 241 LM 002s produced between 1986 and 1992, chassis number ‘12280’ was restored and fully serviced prior to the present owner purchasing it in late 2003 from the main Lamborghini agent in Switzerland, Roland Affolter. The interior restoration included carbon-fibre fascia and trim, re-covered Recaro electric front seats and roof lining replaced with Alcantara. During the restoration it was repainted in gold and had a lockable cover fitted over the rear pick-up area. Security has also been upgraded with a Clifford alarm/immobiliser and Tracker unit.
‘12280’ was imported into Monaco early in 2004. A full service was carried out by Lamborghini Wycombe for £16,000 prior to the 2005 Gumball Rally (receipts available) and subsequently pre/post Gumball 2006, both of which events were completed with no problems. The car was returned to Monaco between events and since then has been professionally stored in the UK. Prior to acquisition it attended the Lamborghini 40th Anniversary celebrations at Sant’Agata in 2003, when the factory - reputedly - wanted to buy it from Roland Affolter because it was better than the one in their museum!
This LM 002 is an American specification vehicle fitted with an early Diablo fuel-injected engine and runs on OZ alloy wheels shod with the latest Pirelli Scorpion P Zero tyres, fitted new for the 2006 Gumball. Prior to the 2005 Gumball a DVD multi-changer and rear LCD screen were fitted, complete with wireless headphones, in addition to a new Alpine stereo head unit/speakers and ‘sat-nav’ rear-view mirror.
Unquestionably one of the best LM 002s in existence, this car featured in the Gumball 2006 Annual and on numerous related TV programmes. Presented in excellent condition, it has covered 28,488 kilometres from new and is currently registered in Monaco, although the Monegasque ‘MoT’ expired earlier this year.