You’ve been playing our favourite Facebook game, Guess The Car, for years haven’t you?
Since I was 10 years old! My best friend and I would sit outside our building every single night and guess the names of cars going past. We became so good that we could recognise almost any model by its headlights alone!
What kinds of cars do it for you?
I love all cars; American muscle, souped-up Japanese sportscars, classics, exotics — anything with wheels really. Bikes too. In fact, I own a Yamaha R6 and I also love planes and had a private pilot licence. I’ve owned a Range Rover Vogue, a BMW 645Ci convertible, a BMW X6, an Aston Martin DB9, a Lamborghini Gallardo, a Bentley GTC Convertible and a Ferrari F355 Spider. My dream car is a Pagani Huayra.
Your current ride, a Lamborghini LM002, is by far the most notable vehicle you’ve owned. How did you come across it?
I first saw it in a book about Lamborghinis when I was a kid and loved the way it looked. I never thought I’d ever see one for real and I didn’t even think about it until I first bought my Gallardo. Then I was really into the brand and remembered the LM. I spent longer than two years looking for the perfect one and found it in the US. I flew out there to drive it and loved it, so I bought the LM and I’ve been enjoying it ever since. A total of 301 were made but how many still exist today is unknown.
Didn’t it belong to someone famous?
Yes, although I can’t disclose his name.
It’s something Arnie or Stallone would drive! It looks indestructible. You must feel very safe in it.
It’s like being in a tank! It’s rock solid and makes me feel safe and I know my kids are enjoying the view from the back seats. It sits higher than other SUVs and has immense power. It has a mean growl too! The first LM002s back in 1986 had a 5.2-litre V12 Lamborghini Countach engine (carburetted) with a five-speed manual.
Then, the last 48 built, called the LM002/America, had a 5.7-litre V12 Diablo fuel-Injected engine, again, with a five-speed manual. Mine is the latter, and it’s a monster with its 455bhp. It also has the full luxury package including a full leather interior, factory tint, premium stereo and special 345/60/R17 Pirelli Scorpion tyres. It’s four-wheel-drive and has a top speed of 200kph in desert terrain. But the less said about its fuel economy, the better…
No! You have to tell us now!
OK… If you must know, it has a 280-litre fuel tank and chugs back 40 litres per 100 kilometres.
Sounds like our kind of motor! It has exceptionally low mileage and we’re guessing that you want to keep it that way?
It has a little more than 6,000 kilometres on the clock at the moment. The first owner drove it sparingly and it had done just 3,000 kilometres in about 12 years. I bought it with 5,000 kilometres on the clock and I only drive it about once a week.
Who services that big V12? Is anyone qualified enough around here?
The only people who can touch it are the agents for Lamborghini — Al Jaziri Motors. Even they find it hard to work on as it is a classic and there are very few mechanics who actually know much about it. The only modification on the car was the sound system — it now has an MP3/USB port, eight speakers, two subwoofers, two amps, a crossover and some very high-end wiring that cost $8,000 (Dh29,000). Originally, it had a special-order Dupont Chameleon paint, but then it was repainted black at some point in 2004.
You must get lots of offers for it — would you ever part with it or is it for keeps?
Only if the offer was reasonable — and by reasonable, I mean that it has to be enough that I can buy another LM and restore it as perfectly as this one.
Not for sale then! It’s been mistaken for other cars, right?
Someone once asked me if it was a Hummer. I politely said no, but the gentleman basically called me a liar and ended up thinking it was some kind of kit car.
Guess The Car isn’t one of his strengths! Audi R8s are great fun and you must have a permanent smile when you’re driving around in yours…
It’s my daily drive and I love it. It’s quick, very comfortable, luxurious and has everything I need in a small package. It has a 5.2-litre V10 engine, borrowed from the Gallardo, and does 0-100kph in 3.9 seconds. I love sportscars and I wanted to try as many out as I could before I committed to putting my money in to one. The R8 was always on my list and when I sold the Ferrari F355, I managed to get a great deal on this Audi R8.
What turns more heads? The LM or the R8?
It’s the R8! A lot of people don’t realise the LM is a Lamborghini, but that just adds to the charm and appeal of it in my opinion. When they see the Lamborghini badge and realise what it is, they almost keel over in shock!
