Although extravagantly specified, prestige-badged and high performance SUVs have become commonplace in recent years, remarkably it has been some 35 years since Lamborghini—always a manufacturer of which the unexpected could be expected—introduced their herculean LM002.

Featuring a predictably substantial tubular steel chassis derived from the company’s ill-fated Cheetah military vehicle, the LM002 was powered by the same magnificent 48-valve, 5.2-litre V-12 engine as the mighty Countach and featured a five-speed ZF gearbox, switchable two- and four-wheel drive, a luxurious full leather interior and air conditioning.

Originally ordered in the attractive colour combination of Argento Metallico with grey leather, chassis “12110” was delivered to its first owner, prominent Italian industrialist Sergio Tontarelli of Ancona, on 29 April 1988.

Remarkably, it would remain in his ownership for the next 28 years, during which time it covered only a modest mileage.

Indeed, at the time of cata...