 |
| The LM002 Estate, by Turin coachbuilder Salvatore Diomante. (Photo: www.lamborghiniregistry.com) |
In its last year of production in 1993, Lamborghini's US importers created a special LM American edition, that included an upgraded interior, aluminum MSW/OZ wheels and chrome bumpers front and rear. Only sixty LM Americans, initially shown at the 1992 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, were built.
Even rarer, a Turin, Italy bodyshop owner, Salvatore Diomante, created estate versions of the LM002. The model's extended wheelbase, wagon-like closed rear section and raised roof contributed to larger interior accommodations, making it the most functional of all LMs.
While you will most likely never find an estate for sale, regular LM002s come on the market fairly often. If common sense gets the best of you, you'll need to watch out for shoddy bodyshell quality. Lamborghini, having outsourced the bodies to a Spanish independent, had to make some adjustments at their Sant'Agat facility prior to assembly. Obviously there was only so much the tiny coachbuilder could do and problems with the vehicle's aluminum and fiberglass panel fit are common.
Unfortunately the LM002 was never updated, but it was instrumental in forging a new ultra-luxury market for sport utility vehicles. It proved that the elite were willing to spend well to acquire the best of the best for their own protection, and enjoyment. This preempted the Hummer H1, and now the Porsche Cayenne Turbo among others.