When most people think of a Humvee, they picture the military truck escorting soldiers across deserts and into battle. But this one-of-a-kind AM General HMMWV—sold at the 2024 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction for a staggering $825,000—looks nothing like the original.
The crew at Danton Arts Kustoms and Frenchy Export completely transformed the truck into a 6×6 behemoth that looks straight out of a sci-fi blockbuster. Click the Custom Humvee to learn more.
The Humvee is one of the most iconic military vehicles ever made. Affectionately known by the nickname Hummer, this four-wheel-drive vehicle is a testament to the American manufacturing industry’s ability to produce powerful yet rugged workhorses. Designed by AM General, the Humvee (officially known as HMMWV, High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) has taken over many roles traditionally performed by other light military vehicles, such as the Willys Jeep and the Vietnam War-era M151 Jeep.
The HMMWV’s unique design allows it to ride higher than most other vehicles without becoming too tall. Its lowered undercarriage also reduces the amount of space needed to maneuver in tight spaces.
Aside from being incredibly versatile, the Humvee is also extremely rugged and capable of withstanding tough conditions and harsh weather. Its independent suspension and portal axles are equipped with disc brakes to provide superior control and traction, making it the perfect vehicle for off-road adventures.
As with any other automotive vehicle, there are many ways to upgrade and customize a Humvee to suit the driver’s lifestyle and needs. From exterior enhancements like black rhino wheels and durable soft tops to interior luxuries such as seat upgrades and a redesigned dashboard, Humvee customization is an exciting process that combines style with functionality.
For a truly spectacular Humvee, look no further than this one created by the team at Milwaukee-based custom shop Danton Arts Kustoms USA and Frenchy Export. Powered by a 6.6L Duramax GM turbo diesel engine, this one-of-a-kind vehicle is capable of producing an estimated 500 horsepower and 850 lb.-ft of torque. This incredible power is channeled through an AirDog dual filter lift pump, a performance radiator, and an AirLift intercooler, giving it the kind of horsepower that would make it a formidable off-road beast.
The Humvee’s interior is where it really shines, however. This is where the BYOH program really shines, as it allows you to customize your vehicle for both comfort and style. From luxurious perks such as high back seating and a redesigned dashboard to practical additions like advanced navigation systems, this is where you can truly create the Humvee of your dreams.
The Customization Process
The customization process is a critical element in ensuring that the final product meets the customer’s needs. This is because it allows the development of a detailed description of what will be delivered to the end user. The specification also helps in establishing a clear line of communication between the client and the consultant.
Once the needs analysis is complete, the next step is to create a configuration specification. This document will describe what the system is to do and how it is to look. The specification will be used to determine what changes can be made without affecting the functionality of the system. It will also help in assigning responsibility for tasks. The specification will also define what data-entry work, such as facility reference drawings, should be performed before the system goes into production.
While the Humvee has been a staple in the military for years, it’s not immune to the whims of civilians. For example, this customized HMMWV from the crew at Blackdog Customs is more than just a truck. From the lowered stance to the new grill and front bumper, this vehicle looks ready to take on anything.
One of the benefits of having a personalized Humvee is that it can add to its resale value. This is especially true if the company doing the customization uses high-quality materials. In addition, many companies offer custom interiors for a number of different vehicles.
Another benefit of the HMMWV is that it can be fitted with a variety of weapons. In addition to the standard armament, it can be equipped with a Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station, which slaves the gunner’s machine gun to controls in the back seat, and the Boomerang anti-sniper system. The AH-64 Apache attack helicopter can also be fitted to the vehicle.
The HMMWV is used by the military in a variety of missions around the world, including in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is not as mobile as a jeep or Land Rover, however. Its size makes it difficult to navigate the smallest roads and is too large for air transport, which limits its effectiveness in some situations. To address these limitations, the Army has up-armored select models and replaced some frontline units with MRAPs.
The Final Touches
The Humvee is one of the world’s most recognizable vehicles. It’s also arguably the most versatile. Originally designed for the U.S. Military in 1979, the M998 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle – or Humvee for short – was used as an ambulance, gun truck, guided missile platform, and more. In the 33 years that followed, AM General produced 281,000 of the remarkable trucks and transported countless soldiers across battlefields around the globe.
While it’s hard to imagine any military machine being more capable than a Humvee, that doesn’t mean the vehicle can’t be improved upon. For the team at Danton Arts Kustoms and Frenchy Export, that meant taking this particular Humvee and making it a true beast. The results speak for themselves.
Stripped down to its bare bones, this one-of-a-kind Humvee looks like it could be straight out of a sci-fi blockbuster. From the lowered stance to the reworked grille and front bumper, there’s no mistaking that this isn’t your average Hummer. But it’s what’s under the hood that really sets this vehicle apart from others. The supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat engine delivers a jaw-dropping 717 horsepower. Paired with a heavy-duty 4L80E automatic transmission, the vehicle’s incredible power is matched with exceptional control and safety.
With a custom LCD cluster replacing the original gauges, this unique AM General 6×6 HMMWV is not only a sight to behold, it’s also a technological marvel. The vehicle can even be operated remotely via a smartphone app, allowing the owner to fire up the engine, turn on the lights and horn, and more from anywhere in the world.
A one-of-a-kind build, this custom Humvee sold for $825,000 at the 2024 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction, setting a new benchmark for military vehicles repurposed for civilian use. It’s the kind of impressive result that highlights the growing popularity of these vehicles and the ingenuity that goes into their creation. This is the kind of project that demonstrates why people love to work on cars, and it should inspire others to follow their own automotive dreams. Check out the full listing here.
The Sale
The HMMWV, or Humvee, is a military vehicle that has been at the forefront of combat for decades. Originally designed to meet the Army’s strict requirements for a new generation of multipurpose wheeled vehicles, it quickly captured the public’s imagination and became the symbol of modern military might. But not all Humvees are created equal. Some are used in warzones and other dangerous areas, while others have been the subject of extreme customizations that push the limits of automotive engineering.
The latter was the case with this one-of-a-kind 2009 AM General Military Humvee, which was turned into a 6×6 behemoth by the creative minds at Danton Arts Kustoms and Frenchy Export. The result is a military-grade machine with an attitude that’s impossible to ignore, powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat engine that delivers an astonishing 717 horsepower. This powerhouse is connected to a 4L80E automatic transmission, providing enough grunt for even the most demanding drivers.
Despite its formidable size and powerful engine, the custom Humvee manages to retain the original factory-correct bodywork and is finished in a matte Military Green paint with modern touches like a contemporary LCD cluster. Its front end is also emblazoned with a modified aircraft wing that adds a unique and intimidating touch to this already aggressive vehicle.
The custom Humvee is now for sale at the 2024 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction, and it’s expected to fetch a hefty price given its uniqueness. But you don’t need to be a millionaire to purchase this bad boy; cash, credit card, and cryptocurrency payments are accepted.