A UNIQUE Lamborghini “wagon” designed for the Sultan of Brunei is set to sell for a massive price.
The Sultan, who is among the world’s wealthiest men, had the super-luxury motor specially crafted for him in 1986.
10This Lamborghini belonged to the Sultan of Brunei and is now up for auctionCredit: mediadrumimages
10The model was developed in conjunction with the US militaryCredit: mediadrumimages
10Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is one of the world’s richest men and amongst the last absolute monarchsCredit: Getty – Contributor
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has an estimated net worth of over £23 billion and rules one of the last remaining absolute monarchies in the world, acting as both monarch and prime minister of the Asian nation.
Brunei has technically been under martial law since 1962 and all members of its parliament are appointed by the Sultan without elections.
Most of the Sultan’s immense wealth is generated from the country’s rich oil and gas fields, which is apt as plenty of the cash is invested back into cars, with the monarch being a notorious petrolhead.
Now his 1986 Lamborghini LM002 has gone up for auction.
The car is a heavily converted version of the original LM200 SUV, which was produced by the Italian brand between 1986 and 1993.
The LM002 was undoubtedly left field for a manufacturer that produced sleek sports cars.
SBX Cars
The model was developed in conjunction with the US military as a rugged off-roader.
This example features a vast 5.2litre V12 from the Countach producing 450 horsepower and has just 6,451 miles on the clock.
That’s an average of just around 170 miles a year.
It also comes with a fresh set of high-end Pirelli tyres and has a top speed of 130mph.
The combination of its immense power, off-road capability and army-style bodywork led to it being dubbed the “Rambo Lambo” by fans.
Inside, it boasts a matte metallic finish over plush Cuoio Nero leather as well as a range of luxury features that would have been the height of modernity in the ’80s.
These include a mini TV set in a vanished wood centre console and spacious leather sofas, although there do not appear to be any seatbelts.
The Sultan’s LM002 is being auctioned through SBX Cars.
The listing adds: “The LM002 was undoubtedly left field for a manufacturer that produced sleek sports cars.
10He specially commissioned the motor in 1986Credit: mediadrumimages
10It was converted from a pick up to a unique ‘wagon’Credit: mediadrumimages
10It includes a range of luxury features like this mini TVCredit: mediadrumimages
“This, combined with its rarity, makes it a collectable classic.
“All 300 built were pickups, but when the Sultan of Brunei took delivery of this 1986 LM002 from Singapore Lamborghini, he opted to have it converted to a ‘Wagon’ by Salvatore Diomante in 1989.
“In total, three LM002 ‘Wagons’ were made, but only this one has been sanctioned by Lamborghini.”
It is believed that the Sultan only racked up 1,100 miles on the bizarre car before it was sold to Bernd Pischetsrieder, the former VW CEO, in Germany.
After that, it was sold on to a Swedish mum who, amazingly, used it for the school run.
Now it has gone up for auction and, while no price has been set, similar cars have sold for upwards of £385,000.
The sale comes after McLaren unveiled its latest £1.8 million supercar dubbed “the new F1” model, which can hit 60mph in just 2.7 seconds.
10The seats are plush leather sofasCredit: mediadrumimages
10With 450 horsepower, the hefty SUV can hit 130mphCredit: mediadrumimages
10In recent years it has been owned by a Swedish mum who used it on the school runCredit: mediadrumimages
10The unusual design is officially sanctioned by LamboCredit: mediadrumimages
