A rare example of Lamborghini's first SUV, with Countach V12 engine, is up for auction

Long before luxury brands jumped on the SUV bandwagon, Lamborghini had already paved the way. Yes, long before the Urus! In 1986, the Sant'Agata Bolognese firm surprised the world by unveiling the LM002, a monumental machine that would go down in history under the evocative nickname of "Rambo Lambo". With its tank-like appearance and V12 engine borrowed from the Countach, this Italian colossus remains an absolute rarity today: just 301 examples were produced between 1986 and 1993. And one of them has just appeared on the American market, auctioned on the Bring a Trailer platform.

A busy life across Europe

This 1987 model underwent a veritable odyssey before landing in the United States. Delivered new in Germany, it was then driven in Spain, the UK and the Netherlands, before recently being imported into Florida. Despite this long journey, its odometer reads just 20,000 km (12,000 miles), proof of its moderate use.

The bodywork, now in silver, has had several lives, including military camouflage and deep black in its early years. Today, it sports a more sober look, resting on imposing 17-inch wheels shod with Pirelli Scorpion BK tires, specially designed at the time for this behemoth.

Supercar luxury in a military 4×4

Inside, the ambience contrasts with the brutality of the exterior. The interior is entirely clad in beige leather, from the dashboard to the doors and the huge center console. The omnipresent varnished wood adds an unexpected touch of refinement.

A three-spoke Nardi steering wheel, a prominent gearshift lever and, on the ceiling, a vintage cassette radio recall the eccentric luxury of the '80s. At the rear, the metal-plate-covered tipper even accommodates four additional seats.

The heart of the Countach under the hood

But what makes the LM002 so legendary is above all what it hides under its huge hood: a naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V12 directly derived from the Countach. Fed by six Weber carburetors, it develops 455 hp and 500 Nm of torque, transmitted to all four wheels by a ZF 5-speed manual gearbox. Three self-locking differentials and a four-wheel independent suspension complete the package, which is worthy of a military vehicle, while guaranteeing breathtaking off-road capabilities.

At a time when the SUV was only a marginal concept, Lamborghini dared to create a rolling monster which, even today, seems oversized in the face of modern behemoths. By comparison, the Urus looks almost delicate.

Auction

This LM002 is already attracting the attention of collectors. The auction has quickly passed the $290,000 mark, and there are still a few days to go before it closes.