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History : First Footsteps Off the Tarmac

The Lamborghini Cheetah stands as one of the most unusual vehicles ever to bear the raging bull emblem. Unlike the brand’s renowned exotic sports cars,
the Cheetah was an attempt to enter the world of off-road military vehicles. Designed in response to a U.S. military contract, it marked Lamborghini’s
first foray into four-wheel-drive territory, a move that would eventually influence the development of the LM002.

In the mid-1970s, the U.S. military sought a high-mobility tactical vehicle, leading to interest from several manufacturers. Lamborghini, collaborating with
the American defense company Mobility Technology International (MTI), developed the Cheetah in 1977. The concept was simple: a rugged, all-terrain vehicle with
military-grade durability.
The Cheetah was powered by a rear-mounted 5.9-liter Chrysler LA V8 engine producing 180 horsepower, coupled with a three-speed automatic transmission. The
fiberglass body was mounted on a tubular steel frame, and despite its large size, it was designed to be agile in off-road conditions. However, the decision
to place the engine at the rear made handling challenging, as it negatively affected weight distribution and balance on rough terrain.
Unfortunately, the Cheetah never went into production. During testing, it failed to meet the U.S. Army’s requirements, and its performance was underwhelming
compared to other contenders. The project also suffered from legal complications, as the design bore similarities to the FMC XR311, leading to allegations of
copyright infringement. Ultimately, the Cheetah was scrapped, and Lamborghini faced financial losses from the project. Only one prototype was ever built, making
it an ultra-rare piece of Lamborghini’s history.

Design : Built for Battle, Styled for Survival

The Lamborghini Cheetah broke away from the brand’s traditional design language of sleek, low-slung sports cars, instead embracing the utilitarian and rugged
aesthetic demanded by military applications. The prototype featured a wide, angular fiberglass body with flat surfaces and minimal ornamentation—focused more
on function than form. Its boxy silhouette, long wheelbase, and high ground clearance gave it an imposing presence suited to rough terrain, while its mid-engine
layout gave it a somewhat unconventional proportion for an off-road vehicle.

The bodywork was designed to offer visibility and durability in hostile environments. Large windows provided clear sightlines, while the roof and doors were removable
to allow for flexible configurations. The front end was fitted with simple rectangular headlights and a flat grille, giving the Cheetah a purposeful and stripped-back
appearance. Although the design bore similarities to other military prototypes of the era, it retained a certain Italian flair in its proportions and stance.

Inside, the cabin was sparse and utilitarian, with room for four occupants. Controls were basic, reflecting the vehicle’s intended use in combat or rough-field operations.
Despite Lamborghini’s pedigree in luxury and performance design, the Cheetah’s styling was dictated almost entirely by its mission brief—utility first, aesthetics second.

While the Cheetah never reached production, its design laid the foundation for Lamborghini’s future off-road concepts. Elements of its platform and overall configuration
would influence the LM001 and the production-ready LM002, proving that even a short-lived prototype could have a lasting impact on the brand’s identity.

Driving Experience : Driven by Ambition, Hindered by Design

Driving the Lamborghini Cheetah was an experience unlike any other Lamborghini. Unlike the brand’s signature low-slung supercars, the Cheetah was a massive, upright
machine built for rough terrain rather than high-speed cornering.
The 180-horsepower Chrysler V8 offered decent torque, but the vehicle’s weight of over two tons meant acceleration was sluggish. The rear-mounted engine made the
Cheetah prone to oversteer, particularly on uneven surfaces, making it difficult to handle in tight maneuvers. The automatic transmission was functional but not
particularly engaging, feeling more at home in a truck than a performance machine. Despite its shortcomings, the Cheetah’s off-road capability showed promise, and
had the design been refined, it could have been a more competitive military vehicle.

Fun Facts

The Lamborghini Cheetah directly influenced the design of the Lamborghini LM002, which successfully brought Lamborghini into the off-road segment in the 1980s.
The prototype still exists today and has been displayed at various automotive events, making it one of the rarest Lamborghinis in existence.
The Cheetah was one of the few Lamborghinis not designed in Italy; much of its engineering came from the United States due to the partnership with MTI.

Legacy

Though the Lamborghini Cheetah was a commercial failure, it remains an intriguing part of Lamborghini’s history. It was an ambitious yet flawed attempt to break into
military-grade off-road vehicles, a stark contrast to the elegant and high-performance machines Lamborghini is known for. Despite its failure, the Cheetah paved the
way for the LM002, proving that even missteps can lead to future successes. Today, the lone surviving Cheetah serves as a reminder of Lamborghini’s willingness to
experiment and push boundaries, even in unexpected directions.

LM Series Explained: The Confusing Model Numbers

Lamborghini’s LM series can be confusing, as the numbering doesn’t follow a simple pattern. Here’s a quick breakdown:

 Cheetah (1977) – The original off-road concept, developed for the U.S. military with a rear-mounted Chrysler V8. It failed, and the prototype was destroyed.
 LM001 (1981) – A revised version with a rear-mounted AMC V8, but handling issues led to its cancellation.
 LMA002 (1982) – The first LM with a front-mounted engine (a Countach V12), serving as the real foundation for the LM002.
 LM003 Diesel (1983, prototype only) – A one-off test vehicle with a VM Motori diesel engine, quickly abandoned due to poor performance.
 LM004 (1983, prototype only) – A special version with an even bigger 7.2L V12 from powerboats. Only one was made.
 LM002 (1986-1993) – The production model with a Countach V12, becoming the legendary "Rambo Lambo."
 LM003 Borneo (1996) - Prototype by MegaTech.