Mike Ward
Creative director and car guy, I design unique auto show boards and t-shirts inspired by vintage car ads.
Developed for militaries around the world these vehicles have transformed into civilian icons. They had to be built rugged and tough, be able to go anywhere and be simple to fix. These are a few of the coolest vehicles that began their life in the military.
1 → Willys MB / Jeep Wrangler
From military use, to early ads, to the latest advertising the image of a Jeep hasn’t changed one bit. Almost everyone is aware that Jeep's most reliable off-roader has its origins in the well-liked Willys-Overland MB from WWII. The US military needed a lightweight military truck that could manage any terrain. It needed to be tough enough to endure bullets and explosions, as well as harsh conditions. Just before WW2 the endlessly versatile Jeep was born and assisted in creating an entirely new class of vehicles when Willys started selling them to the public at the end of the war in 1945 as a practical machine that drivers could use for numerous things, from farming, to towing and plowing.
The four-wheel drive, light utility truck was a simple machine, yet it was incredibly tough and dependable. It got its power from a diminutive 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine producing just 60 HP. Also, it used a simple four-wheel-drive layout, which was an innovative concept for the 1940s. But despite being a military vehicle, the unique concept of a rugged, compact, and extremely capable off-road machine evolved into the Jeep brand. Nowadays, the Wrangler still takes its styling cues from the original and serves as a halo vehicle for the brand.
2 → Mercedes G-Class
Conceived as a military truck, the G-Class has evolved from a barebones off-roader to a 563-horsepower luxury SUV with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8. Evidence of its evolution is its boxy design, sturdy mechanics and stance, but everything else is modern and luxurious.
Designed jointly by Mercedes and Austrian military vehicle manufacturer Steyr Daimler Puch, this all-terrain vehicle debuted in 1979 and has been in service with over 50 armed forces and NATO since. It was also always available as a civilian version. Simple at first, Mercedes has added more and more luxury equipment in recent years. Unlike the Jeep Wrangler, the G-Class lost its a lot off-road capabilities, and sadly, is only a status symbol these days.
3 → HMMWV / Hummer
The go-anywhere vehicle that started the Hummer brand, the Humvee, is one of the first SUVs that comes to mind when thinking of military trucks adapted for civilian use. In the mid-80s, the U.S. Military started using the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, or HMMWV, which affectionately became known as the Humvee. After its service in the Persian Gulf War, the Humvee gained widespread recognition. There were very few cosmetic changes made to the Humvee when it was released to civilian duty, and this massive truck’s tall, wide stance set it apart from other vehicles on the road. Though criticized for its six-figure price tag, huge fuel consumption, and uncomfortable interior, the Humvee was a highly capable off-roader that helped establish the high-profile Hummer brand.
The civilian Hummer was almost indistinguishable from the military version, featuring the same technology and engine. Power came from a 6.2-liter diesel V8 with just 165 HP, but it had loads of torque. The only real difference between the military and civilian Hummer was the interior with air conditioning, leather upholstery and a premium audio system. However, the Hummer H1 was expensive and terrible to drive. And it was impractical since it was as big as a house. However, it was popular with those customers who wanted something different and opulent. The successive versions H2 and H3 from GMC have seen this beast shrink and become more street-able but never sold well. The fourth attempt at popularity is the new EV version and sale now.
4 → Dodge / Ram Power Wagon
Few people know that Dodge is one of the pioneers of off-road vehicles and trucks in the American market. Dodge Power Wagon is a direct descendant of the four-wheel-drive military trucks that Dodge started manufacturing in 1934. With a solid foundation and a durable 4.0 liter straight-six engine with around 90 hp, it was one of the first closed off-road vehicles to transport vital military personnel.
After World War II, due to high demand, the Power Wagon was sold to the general public. The civilian version of the Power Wagon was unashamedly utilitarian, with a 1939 cab, his bunk bed made out of wood and simple open fenders that resisted mud contamination. It was more of a farm implement than a truck, but it helped Dodge make a name for itself in the pickup truck segment. The current Ram 2500 Power Wagon pays homage to this classic truck.
5 → Volkswagen Kubelwagen / Type 181 / "The Thing"
Germany’s Kubelwagen was based on the Volkswagen Beetle and designed by Ferdinand Porsche. Though it was similar to America’s Jeep, Kubelwagens were mainly used as staff cars and reconnaissance vehicles near the front lines during WWII. The basic and tough machines were built with a simple, geometric form for ease of construction. The air-cooled engine performed well in both hot and cold weather and had no radiator, making it less susceptible to gunfire or shrapnel damage. The cars also had a flat underbody, allowing it to “sled” over mud, snow, and sand rather than bogging down.
After the war, VW kept building these for military and civilian use until 1983. The image changed drastically from military go-anywhere vehicle to a simple beach-going ‘thing’. While it was never very popular in the US, it has a big following and can often be seen at bigger cruise nights and car shows.
As we've explored in this post, the rugged military trucks that once dominated the battlefields have been transformed into civilian icons, ready to conquer the open road and beyond. From their humble beginnings as rugged workhorses to their current status as coveted adventure vehicles, these five military trucks have proven that their durability and versatility. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, an off-road enthusiast, or someone who wishes they were, these vehicles are sure to ignite your sense of adventure. Which of these military-turned-civilian trucks will you choose to take on your next epic journey?
Developed for militaries around the world these vehicles have transformed into civilian icons. They had to be built rugged and tough, be able to go anywhere and be simple to fix. These are a few of the coolest vehicles that began their life in the military.
1 → Willys MB / Jeep Wrangler
From military use, to early ads, to the latest advertising the image of a Jeep hasn’t changed one bit. Almost everyone is aware that Jeep's most reliable off-roader has its origins in the well-liked Willys-Overland MB from WWII. The US military needed a lightweight military truck that could manage any terrain. It needed to be tough enough to endure bullets and explosions, as well as harsh conditions. Just before WW2 the endlessly versatile Jeep was born and assisted in creating an entirely new class of vehicles when Willys started selling them to the public at the end of the war in 1945 as a practical machine that drivers could use for numerous things, from farming, to towing and plowing.
The four-wheel drive, light utility truck was a simple machine, yet it was incredibly tough and dependable. It got its power from a diminutive 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine producing just 60 HP. Also, it used a simple four-wheel-drive layout, which was an innovative concept for the 1940s. But despite being a military vehicle, the unique concept of a rugged, compact, and extremely capable off-road machine evolved into the Jeep brand. Nowadays, the Wrangler still takes its styling cues from the original and serves as a halo vehicle for the brand.
2 → Mercedes G-Class
Conceived as a military truck, the G-Class has evolved from a barebones off-roader to a 563-horsepower luxury SUV with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8. Evidence of its evolution is its boxy design, sturdy mechanics and stance, but everything else is modern and luxurious.
Designed jointly by Mercedes and Austrian military vehicle manufacturer Steyr Daimler Puch, this all-terrain vehicle debuted in 1979 and has been in service with over 50 armed forces and NATO since. It was also always available as a civilian version. Simple at first, Mercedes has added more and more luxury equipment in recent years. Unlike the Jeep Wrangler, the G-Class lost its a lot off-road capabilities, and sadly, is only a status symbol these days.
3 → HMMWV / Hummer
The go-anywhere vehicle that started the Hummer brand, the Humvee, is one of the first SUVs that comes to mind when thinking of military trucks adapted for civilian use. In the mid-80s, the U.S. Military started using the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, or HMMWV, which affectionately became known as the Humvee. After its service in the Persian Gulf War, the Humvee gained widespread recognition. There were very few cosmetic changes made to the Humvee when it was released to civilian duty, and this massive truck’s tall, wide stance set it apart from other vehicles on the road. Though criticized for its six-figure price tag, huge fuel consumption, and uncomfortable interior, the Humvee was a highly capable off-roader that helped establish the high-profile Hummer brand.
The civilian Hummer was almost indistinguishable from the military version, featuring the same technology and engine. Power came from a 6.2-liter diesel V8 with just 165 HP, but it had loads of torque. The only real difference between the military and civilian Hummer was the interior with air conditioning, leather upholstery and a premium audio system. However, the Hummer H1 was expensive and terrible to drive. And it was impractical since it was as big as a house. However, it was popular with those customers who wanted something different and opulent. The successive versions H2 and H3 from GMC have seen this beast shrink and become more street-able but never sold well. The fourth attempt at popularity is the new EV version and sale now.
4 → Dodge / Ram Power Wagon
Few people know that Dodge is one of the pioneers of off-road vehicles and trucks in the American market. Dodge Power Wagon is a direct descendant of the four-wheel-drive military trucks that Dodge started manufacturing in 1934. With a solid foundation and a durable 4.0 liter straight-six engine with around 90 hp, it was one of the first closed off-road vehicles to transport vital military personnel.
After World War II, due to high demand, the Power Wagon was sold to the general public. The civilian version of the Power Wagon was unashamedly utilitarian, with a 1939 cab, his bunk bed made out of wood and simple open fenders that resisted mud contamination. It was more of a farm implement than a truck, but it helped Dodge make a name for itself in the pickup truck segment. The current Ram 2500 Power Wagon pays homage to this classic truck.
5 → Volkswagen Kubelwagen / Type 181 / "The Thing"
Germany’s Kubelwagen was based on the Volkswagen Beetle and designed by Ferdinand Porsche. Though it was similar to America’s Jeep, Kubelwagens were mainly used as staff cars and reconnaissance vehicles near the front lines during WWII. The basic and tough machines were built with a simple, geometric form for ease of construction. The air-cooled engine performed well in both hot and cold weather and had no radiator, making it less susceptible to gunfire or shrapnel damage. The cars also had a flat underbody, allowing it to “sled” over mud, snow, and sand rather than bogging down.
After the war, VW kept building these for military and civilian use until 1983. The image changed drastically from military go-anywhere vehicle to a simple beach-going ‘thing’. While it was never very popular in the US, it has a big following and can often be seen at bigger cruise nights and car shows.
As we've explored in this post, the rugged military trucks that once dominated the battlefields have been transformed into civilian icons, ready to conquer the open road and beyond. From their humble beginnings as rugged workhorses to their current status as coveted adventure vehicles, these five military trucks have proven that their durability and versatility. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, an off-road enthusiast, or someone who wishes they were, these vehicles are sure to ignite your sense of adventure. Which of these military-turned-civilian trucks will you choose to take on your next epic journey?
