Iconic War Machines Transformed into Street-Legal Rides

by Marnus Hattingh

Since the beginning of the previous century, as the motorized vehicle became part of our everyday life, the military world has also started to dedicate a lot of time, money and effort to producing specialized military vehicles. Tanks, trucks and amphibious vehicles, yes. But also all kinds of off-road models, including light tactical vehicles, reconnaissance cars and ATVs. The classic Jeep that morphed into the modern Jeep Wrangler is a good example.

Along the way, the military vehicle industry has crossed paths with the civilian one, as light modes of transport are needed. An obvious example is the classic Jeep, born in the Second World War. But there are many more similar examples. Vehicles that are good enough to be driven on the open road, and which are actually desirable. So, read on to learn about 10 military vehicles you can buy and drive on the streets today.

Note

We've cast our net wide to include both local and international military vehicles which have been produced over the years, and which have been either formally transformed into civilian vehicles, or which can be bought outright from their suppliers to be used by the public.

10

Jeep Wrangler

Production Years: 1987 - Present

When the US Army asked for a light military vehicle capable of going over any terrain, and durable enough to withstand bullets and explosions, as well as harsh conditions, it received the little off-roader which today is so iconic in films and TV shows. Production of the original Jeep started in 1942 as the U.S. entered the war, and by 1945 more than 600,000 were produced and shipped all over the world.

But instead of being canned when the war ended, its original manufacturer, Willys, turned the small 4x4 into a civilian version, the Jeep CJ-2A (Civilian Jeep). Boasting a capable 4x4-drivetrain built on a ladder-frame chassis, removable doors with flip-forward windscreen, a light body and go-anywhere attitude, the civilian Jeep was immediately a massive success. The Jeep name was trademarked, and the off-roader has been sold in various iterations since then. In 1987, Jeep changed the small 4x4's name to Wrangler, a name it uses up to today.

9

Hummer H1

Production Years: 1992–2006

No Steven Seagall movie is complete without the bad guys arriving on the scene in a black Humvee. The iconic, big Hummer H1 fits the part, as it was originally designed as a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) for the US Military, or Humvee for short. The big, heavy military truck was capable of running over anything, including landmines.

Constant requests for a street-legal version, though, made AM General (manufacturer of the Hummer) think about entering the lucrative civilian market. Finally, in 1992, they presented a civilian version, dubbed the Hummer H1, which was powered by a 6.2-liter GM diesel V8 engine. While the exterior was virtually unchanged, the interior gained more creature comforts with air conditioning, leather upholstery and a premium audio system. Opulent and unpractical, it was the ultimate statement of brashness in the automotive world.

8

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Production Years: 1979 - Present

A favorite among rap stars and the entertainment industry, the venerable "G-Wagen" from Mercedes-Benz actually has its roots in the military. The vehicle was conceived in the 1970s as a light personnel carrier, and offered to the Argentinian military in 1981. A civilian version, the W460, came to market in 1979, and since then various models, including a long and short-wheelbase version, have been introduced to the public.

Among its strongest selling points were its rigorous off-road capabilities. With three differential locks, a ladder-frame chassis, a low-range transfer case and 4x4-drive, the Geländewagen (or G-Class, as it is known today) was one of the best when it came to driving off the beaten track. A notable special model made its appearance in 1980 when a G-Wagen with an open-top, but fitted with a glass screen, was offered to the Pope. The pure white "Papamobile", as it has become known since, is today to be viewed in Mercedes' museum in Stuttgart.

7

Volkswagen Thing

Production Years: 1968–1983

When the West German Army in the 1960s asked for a light vehicle, Wolfsburg answered the call with a flat-sided, four-door car based on its Beetle chassis, labeled the Type 181. At the same time, a civilian version was sold to the public, going by the name of the Kurierwagen in Germany, the Trekker in the UK, and the Thing in the US. Although it visually reminded a lot of the Kübelwagen of Nazi Germany in the Second World War, Volkswagen's modern Type 181 was much more refined and practical.

All four doors were removable and interchangeable, the windshield folded flat, and the convertible roof could be removed for al fresco driving. The spartan interior featured vinyl-covered bucket seats, painted sheet metal, drain holes and perforated rubber mats. A fiberglass hardtop and trunk-mounted auxiliary heater were optional. For the 1960s and 1970s, this was the serious man's beach buggy thanks to its flat-sided body panels and German heritage.

6

Renault Sherpa

Production Years: 2006 - Present

Looking for Europe’s answer to the Humvee? The Renault Sherpa, in its original format, is a big, 4x4 armored vehicle built by French firm Renault Trucks Defense, for use in tactical missions such as scouting and patrol. It's a rugged, armor-plated vehicle able to carry eight occupants, and is widely used by special forces.

The civilian version is called the Sherpa 2 (later renamed the Sherpa Light), of which many examples can be found on the market today. The Sherpa 2 was unveiled in 2006, and remains in production to this day. We're not sure why you'd want a landmine-proof truck as a personal vehicle, but maybe if your next overland trip includes a drive through a landmine-infested wasteland, then the Sherpa's your go-to truck. The big offroader will set you back around $250,000.

5

Paramount Marauder

Production Years: 2008 - Present

Originally designed as a crew carrier of up to ten people (driver and co-pilot included), for use in urban peacekeeping settings, the big Paramount Marauder is the perfect vehicle for, well, when you just want to have peace while on your drive to the mall. It's available with either a 4x4 or 4x6 drivetrain, and can cruise at a comfortable 75 mph. Range, the South African manufacturer says, is around 430 miles.

At just under 22,000 pounds, without a crew or combat systems on the roof, the Marauder isn't a small toy, though. But once fitted with said systems, no-one either is going to jump in front of you on the highway, we surmise. Bonus point: the Marauder has a working climate control system. A limited number have been built since production started in 2008, but you can order one as an individual.

4

Chevrolet K30 Military

Production Years: 1984–1987

In the 1970s, the US Army started with a program it called the Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle program, which was intended to repurpose civilian trucks into light utility vehicles for the Army. Using everyday trucks, these vehicles didn't receive any extra protection against handguns or artillery. They were mostly used to perform background roles, such as transporting cargo and troops.

Initially, in the 1970s, the Dodge D series trucks were used as base models, but later in the 1980s the Chevrolet C/K trucks replaced them. Ever since the Humvee came onto the scene to fulfill these roles, the Chev K30s have become virtually obsolete, with many of them ending up in civilian hands after military surplus sales. With their rugged appearance and off-road demeanor, they make an excellent option as a base model for an overland build.

3

Toyota Mega Cruiser

Production Years: 1995–2002

One could say the Toyota Mega Cruiser is the Japanese equivalent to the American Humvee. Not too dissimilar in looks, the big Mega Cruiser is Toyota's biggest 4x4 yet. It was primarily designed for use by the Japanese military as a general transport vehicle, but is also used by the fire-and-rescue departments, as well as some local police forces.

Production began in 1995, but was soon halted in 2002 when 3,000 units were sold. Interestingly, 133 units were sold to the public, which makes them readily available on the used car market today. Powered by a big 4.1-liter turbodiesel inline-4, and using only a four-speed automatic, the Mega Cruiser is more focused on getting you there safely, than getting you there quickly.

2
Land Rover Defender

Production Years: 1948–2016

The British Army has used Land Rovers, in various guises, since the 1950s. Originally going by the names of Series I, II and III, after which it was replaced by the Defender nameplate in 1985, the offroader was primarily used as a light utility vehicle for the British Army. That said, the Army has, over the years, also commissioned several purpose-specific models, such as trucks, troop carriers and mine sweepers.

Of course, you could buy a civilian version right from the get-go, which means you get to enjoy the original ruggedness of the short 90, medium length 110 and the 130 double cab pick-up. The vehicle's rugged, lightweight construction, 4x4-drive and good ground clearance mean it is very capable off-road. And the Landie's stepped roof profile is said to be one of the most recognizable on the African continent.

1
Pinzgauer 710

Production Years: 1971–2007

Not a sight too unfamiliar on overland forums, especially in Europe, the Magna-Steyr Pinzgauer 710 is a somewhat left-field choice for hardcore off-roaders who'd like to put a cabin on the back of the Austrian vehicle's chassis, and head east to the Steppe. Despite its rugged looks, the big 4x4 truck was originally designed as a troop carrier rather than for combat or reconnaissance roles. Its unprotected shell left it vulnerable to mines and other explosives in war zones, making it obsolete since the turn of the century.

Throughout its history, the Pinzgauer was available to the public to purchase, in 4x4 and 6x6 versions. Thanks to its good off-road capabilities courtesy of 4x4 drive, good ground clearance and a 435-mile range with the optional extra tanks fitted, it quickly became a favorite as an overland-build base model.

Sources: Jeep, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Land Rover

This article originally appeared on CarBuzz and is republished here with permission.