---
title: "Buy This Rare Teledyne Cheetah Prototype That Inspired the Rambo Lambo"
description: "Ever wondered who lost the HMMWV competition to AM General? Two vehicles, including this one from Teledyne, lost out."
date: "2022-12-14"
modified: "2022-12-14"
authors:
  - name: "Peter Holderith"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/peter-holderith"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/buy-this-rare-teledyne-cheetah-prototype-that-inspired-the-rambo-lambo"
categories:
  - "News"
  - "Trucks"
---

# Buy This Rare Teledyne Cheetah Prototype That Inspired the Rambo Lambo

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/14/teledyne-hmmwv-for-sale-lead.jpg>)
*\<em\>Mecum\</em\>*

When the U.S. Army finally tested finalists competing for its lucrative [HMMWV](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/43105/hummer-ev-based-military-vehicle-prototype-in-development-for-2022>) contract in the early 1980s, only three contenders had made the cut. An entry from Chrysler, another from AM General—that would eventually win—and a third from Teledyne, known as the Cheetah. The history of the latter vehicle is very interesting, but few prototypes survive. Now, one has [popped up for sale](<https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0123-539108/1981-teledyne-continental-cheetah/>).

The Cheetah was originally designed by a California company called Mobility Technology International. The basic design was produced by more than just Teledyne, though. Versions of the Cheetah were later built by, of all companies, [Lamborghini](<https://www.thedrive.com/category/lamborghini-news>). It would eventually inspire the now-famous [V12-powered LM002](<https://www.thedrive.com/news/44373/check-out-a-rare-1987-lamborghini-lm002-at-the-miami-concours>) "Rambo Lambo." The example for sale today is not quite as exotic. It's powered by a 6.9-liter diesel V8 from International that sends power to all four wheels through a GM-sourced three-speed automatic.

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/14/teledyne-hmmwv-for-sale-inline-A.jpg>)

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/14/teledyne-hmmwv-for-sale-inline-B.jpg>)

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/14/teledyne-hmmwv-for-sale-inline-C.jpg>)

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/14/teledyne-hmmwv-for-sale-inline-D.jpg>)

While its underpinnings may be more conventional, it's still exceedingly rare and capable. According to the listing on [Mecum](<https://www.mecum.com/lots/FL0123-539108/1981-teledyne-continental-cheetah/>), only a handful still exist. Its pedestrian running gear is likewise disguised by bodywork that's anything but run of the mill. The [Cheetah](<https://www.twz.com/26613/lamborghini-tried-to-break-into-the-military-market-with-its-g-i-joe-toy-looking-cheetah>) has a unique, low-slung aluminum body as well as a canvas roof and doors. Its diesel engine can likewise propel it to impressive speeds.

Below is a testing clip of what appears to be the fiberglass-bodied Lamborghini version of the vehicle. It attempts to make up for its lack of ground clearance with a massive steel skid plate under the body. This allows it to slide over obstacles. The eventual winner, the HMMWV, is much more capable off-road.

https://youtu.be/3BZ810XCMns

Despite being rare, interesting, and at least remotely aesthetically pleasing, Mecum estimates this particular example's hammer price to be in the range of just $15,000-$20,000. The vehicle is, after all, a prototype that is probably not legal for road use. A prospective owner would only be able to drive it off the beaten path, which is not really ideal for a one-off prototype.

That being said, the Cheetah is an interesting part of history just for the Lamborghini and Humvee connection. If you're looking to buy a unique piece of history for a collection, well, this may be a good opportunity.

*Got tips? Send 'em over to tips@thedrive.com*

## Author
Peter Holderith is a former staff writer for The Drive. He enjoys covering the regular news cycle, writing reviews, and hunting down long features on obscure pieces of automotive history.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-h-5ba447192/>)  
[Twitter](<https://twitter.com/_baldtires>)