“Ultra-Rare Lamborghini Owned by the Sultan of Brunei Hits Auction Block: V12 Engine, Manual Transmission, 10-Seat Configuration, One-of-a-Kind Masterpiece”

The one-of-a-kind Lamborghini LM002 Wagon, custom-built exclusively for the Sultan of Brunei, has ignited a frenzy upon its re-emergence on the international auction stage.

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The Lamborghini LM002 Wagon, once part of the Brunei Sultan’s collection, is now up for auction on Bring A Trailer. Photo: Bring A Trailer

In today’s SUV market, finding a 10-seater vehicle equipped with a V12 engine and a manual transmission is a rarity. However, the Lamborghini LM002 Wagon, a unique specimen from the Brunei Sultan’s collection, embodies all these features. This exceptional vehicle has already garnered significant attention at auction, with bids reaching $256,000 (approximately 6.7 billion VND) just days after opening, and there are still seven days left until the auction closes.

The LM002 was Lamborghini’s first off-road SUV, launched in the 1980s to compete with the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Only about 300 units were produced worldwide, and among them, just one was converted into the Wagon variant currently up for auction.

The only Wagon variant among the 300 units produced globally. Photo: Bring A Trailer

In 1989, the Sultan of Brunei purchased a standard LM002 and sent it to Autocostruzioni Salvatore Diomante in Italy for customization. Diomante, a renowned engineer who had worked on extending the bodies of Maserati Quattroporte and Rolls-Royce vehicles, modified the LM002 without altering its wheelbase. He replaced the rear cargo area with a longer, taller roof, adding three rows of bench seats to accommodate a total of 10 passengers.

The interior of the LM002 Wagon is upholstered entirely in black leather. It features a ceiling-mounted CD player and a CRT screen on the center console, though the TV is currently non-functional. Additionally, a sunroof above the middle row enhances the cabin’s airiness.

The expanded cabin features three rows of bench seats. Photo: Bring A Trailer

Under the hood lies a 5.2-liter V12 engine producing 455 horsepower and 368 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed ZF manual transmission, auxiliary gearbox, and three locking differentials. This setup ensures the LM002 Wagon delivers authentic off-road SUV performance while maintaining a comfortable ride suitable for family trips.

Currently, only the Ferrari Purosangue and Rolls-Royce Cullinan continue to produce V12-powered SUVs, making the LM002 Wagon a rare gem in the market.

The 5.2-liter V12 engine, identical to the original LM002. Photo: Bring A Trailer

After leaving Brunei, the LM002 Wagon was acquired by Bernd Pischetsrieder, former chairman of BMW and Volkswagen. During his ownership, the vehicle was inspected and certified by Registro Lamborghini. In 2012, it was sold to a Swedish owner who used it as a family car, even for daily school runs.

The vehicle remains in Sweden and is being auctioned through a local dealer. It comes with complete documentation, including a 2004 inspection and test drive report by Valentino Balboni, Lamborghini’s veteran test driver.

The LM002 Wagon was used as a family car in Sweden. Photo: Bring A Trailer

Given its configuration and features, many consider the LM002 Wagon one of the most unique vehicles ever produced. As a V12-powered SUV with a manual transmission, seating for 10, and only four seatbelts, its distinctiveness captivates collectors and enthusiasts alike.

While many high-performance wagons have outpaced sports cars, the LM002 Wagon takes a different approach. It combines luxury with a bold, individualistic style, appealing to those seeking something truly unique in the automotive world.

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