LMA002 - the STORY

The LMA-002 (with the 'A' for Antiore) was the logical follow up of the LM-001, because on the latter one, the engine was in the back, its road holding was terrible, but on the LMA-002 the engine was moved to the front.

This time it was a Lamborghini V-12, very much like the unit used in the Countach LP 500S. Because the engine was moved to the front, the entire chassis had to be redesigned; now becoming a multi-tubular steel space frame.

In the rear, space was free now for six more passengers, together with the four seats inside the vehicle this added up to ten people.

The suspension and the tires needed further development over those used for the LM-001, mainly because the LMA-002 was about 500 Kg heavier and could carry six more people. A very special naval type navigation system was installed, which used satellite references to locate the car, since it was intended to sell the car to customers who travel in the vast North African and Middle Eastern desserts. Because the engine was in front the steering became rather heavy, but this was cured by installing power steering, on the inside the LMA-002 was finished very basically, with four simple seats and a small dashboard.

On this LMA-002, which remained a unique prototype, the four-wheel drive was not permanent, it was possible to transfer the power to the rear wheels only, and a 'real' five-speed ZF gearbox was installed, replacing the automatic transmission used in the LM-001.

The bodywork still used many flat panels, again to make the armoring easier; the complete roof could be opened, so the passengers could stand up. The LMA-002 was given a serial number, making it the first production LM-002 which appeared in 1982. An LM-003 was also built; in fact, it was an LM-002 with a turbo charged diesel engine (HR/692-HT) installed in it, because the military required diesel propulsion. This engine, supplied by VM of Cento, with 3590 cc displacement producing 150 bhp at 4200 rpm and connected to a ZF five-speed gearbox was too underpowered for the heavy vehicle, and the project was abandoned.

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