The 1986 Lamborghini LM002 Diomante Wagon stands as a towering testament to automotive extravagance and custom coachbuilding. Only 301 examples of the original LM002 were produced, making any LM002 a rare sight. This specific truck, chassis KLA12162, transcends rarity; it is a unique, one-off creation commissioned by the Sultan of Brunei in 1989. The Sultan hired Autocostruzioni Salvatore Diomante to transform the LM002, known as the “Rambo Lambo,” into a true limousine-style wagon. Ultimately, this unusual vehicle became a high-profile luxury transport with a fascinating history that includes a former automotive CEO and, later, even a school run vehicle in Sweden. It is a stunning blend of Lamborghini aggression and royal opulence.
The Rambo Lambo’s Royal Beginnings
The LM002’s roots trace back to Lamborghini’s early attempts to develop off-road vehicles, starting with the Cheetah military prototype in 1977. This lineage established the company’s capability for creating robust, all-terrain machines. The production LM002 debuted in 1986, positioning a powerful V12 engine at the front, a stark contrast to earlier rear-engine concepts. It provided a luxurious cabin for four passengers and featured a pick-up style open rear bed with jump seats.
Diomante’s Custom Coachwork Conversion
To fulfill the Sultan’s unique vision, Diomante enclosed the rear bodywork of this 1986 Lamborghini LM002 Diomante Wagon. This modification included a high-profile fixed roof and a rear transom window, dramatically changing the truck’s silhouette. The truck, originally finished in black, now wears older silver paintwork that exhibits various imperfections, like bubbling and scratches, reflecting its colorful life. Exterior features remain true to the LM002’s uncompromising look, including its prominent hexagonal wheel arches and mesh grille behind a brush guard.
Interior Opulence and Features
The cabin is a true showcase of custom luxury, trimmed extensively in black leather. This material covers both the front bucket seats and the special U-configuration wrap-around bench seating added to the rear compartment. Color-keyed carpeting is present throughout the vehicle’s floor space. Notably, this 1986 Lamborghini LM002 Diomante Wagon includes a middle-row console housing a Pioneer CRT television and a DVD player, although the TV unit is currently non-functional. Furthermore, a CD player is mounted in the front overhead console, adding to the entertainment options.
Specific Luxury and Functional Details
Custom luxury touches include dome lights and a power-operated sliding/tilting sunroof located over the middle-row seats. Standard amenities like power windows and air conditioning are also part of the specification. The front of the cabin features a wood-rimmed steering wheel positioned ahead of a matching wood instrument bezel. The instrumentation includes a 220-km/h speedometer and a tachometer with a 6,500-rpm redline, alongside standard monitoring gauges. The six-digit odometer currently displays 11k kilometers, equivalent to approximately 6,700 miles.
Engineering and Performance of the LM002
Powering this extraordinary 1986 Lamborghini LM002 Diomante Wagon is a 5.2-liter V12 engine, famously shared with the contemporary Countach supercar. The engine boasts a 60° angle between its cylinder banks and incorporates dual overhead camshafts on each side. Additionally, it features four valves per cylinder and draws air through six Weber carburetors, which sit protected in a casing with heavy-duty air filters. This formidable setup was factory rated to produce 455 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque. The power is managed by a ZF five-speed manual transmission and routed through a dual-range transfer case and three self-locking differentials, ensuring superior off-road capability.
Chassis and Mechanical History
The vehicle features a four-wheel independent suspension system utilizing double wishbones and coilover shock absorbers for a commanding yet adaptable ride. Servo-assisted brakes handle stopping duties, incorporating vented front discs with two calipers per wheel and finned rear drums. Silver-painted 17×11” eight-lug wheels are wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires. This LM002 has a documented history, including a 2004 inspection by the Registro Lamborghini and maintenance like a 2006 transmission rebuild and clutch replacement. The carburetors were most recently rebuilt in 2024.
Summary of the LM002 Diomante Wagon
The 1986 Lamborghini LM002 Diomante Wagon is more than just a historical 4×4; it represents a unique chapter in Lamborghini’s history, combining raw power with bespoke limousine luxury. This specific example, with its documented provenance from the Sultan of Brunei, former automotive CEO ownership, and its Certificato di Iscrizione from the Registro Lamborghini, stands as a distinctive piece of automotive history. Its custom high-profile wagon bodywork and Countach-derived V12 make it an undeniable conversation piece, whether in a collection or on the road.
Disclaimer: Content on this site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Details, analyses, and opinions reflect current trends and personal views, not professional or financial advice. Always verify information with official sources before making any decisions.
Source: bringatrailer.com
