Among the garages belonging to the wealthiest individuals worldwide, none is as intriguing as that of the Sultan of Brunei. At its height, his collection reportedly included between 3,000 and 7,000 cars, featuring an extraordinary array of 1980s and 90s classics, such as 11 Ferrari F40s and 10 McLaren F1s. The specific details and current state of this collection remain largely unknown, drawing endless speculation. The little information available stems from photos and accounts from others, along with a handful of vehicles that have made it into the public eye, including a unique 1986 Lamborghini LM002 SUV, which is set to be auctioned for the first time by SBX Cars this August.
Manufactured between 1986 and 1993 on a chassis originally designed for military use and powered by the 5.2L V12 engine from the Countach, the LM002 is often recognized as Lamborghini’s first-ever SUV, especially by Urus owners. However, it resembles a pickup truck more than a traditional SUV. This did not suit Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who commissioned coachbuilder Salvatore Diomante to modify his LM002 into a closed wagon style with a raised roof, making it the first genuine Lamborghini SUV. Reports suggest only three such modifications were made, and the whereabouts of the other two models remain a mystery, ensuring that the new owner will stand out at events like Cars & Coffee. Notably, this is claimed to be the only conversion officially endorsed by Lamborghini, which adds to its value.
The LM002 exemplifies the extravagant spirit of the 1980s. It represents sheer excess with features that transform a rejected military concept into a luxury vehicle flaunting a leather and wood interior, a supercar V12 engine, a manual transmission, and a claimed top speed of 130 mph. With 444 horsepower, it ranked among the top five most powerful production cars of its time, despite its heavy weight of over 6,700 pounds.
This particular model is heavier due to the SUV conversion, but it boasts a larger, more functional interior. The second row features an upgraded center console that includes a TV, VCR, and DVD player, added later for entertainment. The cargo area is furnished with a U-shaped bench and basic sound system. The listing notes some wear on the leather seats, but overall, the vehicle remains in good condition. The exterior has been repainted in Argento Metallizzato and shows minor imperfections like scuffs and bubbles. The vehicle is reported to be fully functional and comes with a detailed service history, though it still rides on its original 345-width tires, each costing thousands to replace. A new set is reportedly included.
One particularly heartbreaking aspect of the Sultan’s collection is the reported decline in its condition over the years. Following a financial crisis in the late 1990s, the Sultanate struggled to maintain its massive fleet, leading to tales of neglected Ferraris and Bugattis left to deteriorate. Fortunately, the LM002 has fared better, primarily due to the Sultan only using it for about a thousand miles before selling it to Bernd Pischetsrieder, a former BMW and Volkswagen CEO, who then sold it to its current owner in 2009—a Swedish woman who reportedly drove her children to school in it. Just a typical use for such an extraordinary vehicle.
The Sultan’s former SUV is scheduled to go up for auction on August 7.
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