Mike Tyson’s journey from an ambitious young fighter to a global boxing legend is etched in sports history. With a meteoric rise that saw him become the youngest heavyweight champion ever, Tyson’s fame transcended the ring and found expression in his lifestyle, including his taste in luxury cars. One vehicle that epitomizes Tyson’s lavish preferences is the iconic Lamborghini LM002, a powerful off-road machine that offered a glimpse into his world of extravagance.
With the superstar status came some massive paydays as well. As many boxers do, Mike Tyson added several expensive automobiles to his collection when the purses began coming in. One of his most significant purchases of Mike Tyson was the famed Lamborghini LM002 SUV. First released in 1986, the luxury vehicle was meant as an off-roader.
Lamborghini LM002: The ‘Rambo Lambo’
The Lamborghini LM002, dubbed the ‘Rambo Lambo,’ was all the rage in the 80s and early 90s, even though only 328 copies were manufactured between 1986 to 1993. Lamborghini LM002 cost $120,000 at the time of its manufacturing. Mike Tyson was among a handful of public figures who owned the vehicle then, along with Sylvester Stallone, Tina Turner, Pablo Escobar, and Colonel Gaddafi.
Lamborghini initially aimed the U.S. military to be the target market for the vehicle when it was first manufactured under the moniker’ Cheetah.’ However, Lamborghini needed help to get the specifics right for a car suited for battlefields, which led the Italian automobile company to focus on a more civilian-worthy version.
The V-12-powered LM002 came with a 48-valve, 4,500 rpm engine, 5-speed manual transmission, and 118 mph top speed. This was no ordinary off-roader; it was a beast that combined luxury with raw power.
Mike Tyson’s Lamborghini LM002: The ‘Rambo Lambo’
Lamborghini had previously created two similar off-road vehicles, the Cheetah and the LM001. However, they both paled in comparison to Mike Tyson’s LM002.
The four-door utility truck was mighty for its time but also featured other vital features. Dubbed the ‘Rambo Lambo,’ the car had a complete luxury package, including leather-trim seats, tinted windows, air conditioning, a stereo, and more. While many of those features are standard in cars today, it’s important to remember that the vehicle was released in the 80s. After all, if it’s good enough for Mike Tyson, it’s probably good enough for most.
Why ‘Iron Mike’ Bought the Vehicle
Mike Tyson knew that when he saw the Lamborghini LM002, he dreamt of buying it. During the previous edition of his ‘Hotboxin’ Podcast, Mike Tyson explained why he purchased the expensive truck, revealing that he first saw the car as a 21-year-old meeting Malcolm Forbes.
Forbes magazine’s owner, also a millionaire, was in his car when he encountered the boxer. Tyson recounted on his podcast that whenever he saw the vehicle belonging to Forbes, he fantasized about owning it. He expressed:
“So I was a young kid, probably 21, and I moved to this place called Bernardsville, New Jersey. The people that live there are very eminent… one day, I had just moved in Bernardsville, and who comes visit me? Malcolm Forbes. And what was he driving? A green LM002! A Lamborghini truck. And I was like ‘What is that!’ As soon as I found out how to get one, I got one man.”
Initially designed for military use, the car eventually became a civilian product. While unintentional, it only makes sense that ‘Iron Mike’ bought a vehicle originally made for violence.
Other Lamborghini Models That Mike Tyson Owned
Mike Tyson’s Lamborghini Diablo
image source: youtubeBesides the Lamborghini LM002, Legendary Mike Tyson also owned a couple of other Lamborghini models. Mike Tyson owned a yellow Lamborghini Diablo. He reportedly bought this in 1996 after defeating Bruce Seldon in a Las Vegas match.
Mike Tyson’s Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster
The yellow Lamborghini Diablo wasn’t the only one he owned, as a few years later, he also bought a 2000 Lamborghini Diablo VT Roadster.
Mike Tyson’s Lamborghini LM002 tells a story that’s much more than just a car purchase. It’s a symbol of his journey, his success, his taste, and his relentless pursuit of his desires. It serves as a reflection of the era, the man, and the legend that is Mike Tyson. Whether in the ring or on the road, ‘Iron Mike always knew how to make a statement.
Mike Tyson Lamborghini Truck and Car Collection Gallery
