Despite being retired from military service, this rugged beast is still ready to conquer any terrain. This 2009 AM General Humvee has a Hellcat-powered 717-horsepower engine connected to a 4L80E automatic transmission. This custom 6×6 creation by Danton Arts Kustoms and Frenchy Export features a handcrafted aluminum and metal body, including chopping the roof and a shortened rear section. Click the Custom Humvee to learn more.

Few military vehicles have been as iconic as the HMMWV or, more colloquially, “Humvee.” Since its first appearance in 1983, the armored utility vehicle has been the backbone of the US military’s light weapon carrier fleet. It has served in every theater of operation and dozens of missions, including the Persian Gulf War, the war on terror, and even the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

It seemed indestructible when the Humvee was a hot-rodded 4×4 that steamrolled Iraqi defenses and crushed miles of desert with ease. But once the mission changed from conquering a nation’s open desert to whisking soldiers into dangerous urban neighborhoods, its aluminum body became as vulnerable as tissue paper in the face of roadside improvised explosive devices and rocket-propelled grenades.

In order to survive in this new world, the Humvee had to evolve. So, while it maintained its military-grade capabilities and military-grade power, it also had to add comforts and accoutrements that would make it more useful to civilian drivers as well.

This custom Humvee is the result of that effort. It was built by a group of French custom garages known as Danton Arts Kustoms for the Barrett-Jackson auction currently taking place in Scottsdale, Arizona. While it may look like a typical Humvee from the front, the lowered stance and reworked grill and bumper of this customized vehicle make it obvious that there’s more to it than meets the eye.

Among the many upgrades this custom humvee features are high-back seating and a durable soft top that elevate the interior while still maintaining a rugged exterior. It also boasts a smartphone-controlled remote start, lights, horn and turn signals to give this bad boy some contemporary functionality. And to complete the package, it was given a distinctive spoiler wing that’s designed to be reminiscent of a real aircraft wing.

The goal of a custom Humvee is to give drivers a powerful, off-road capable SUV with a sleek interior design that blends modern conveniences and military-grade capability without compromising on style. With its impressive list of upgrades and options, the Humvee from Street Legal Exports exemplifies this ideal perfectly.

Performance Tuning

When it came to slamming through miles of desert, the Humvee was in its element. The big bruiser could crush terrain, evade detection, and slam through enemy fire with ease. However, when it was tasked with whisking soldiers and Marines through the streets of Iraq’s most dangerous neighborhoods, things changed. Roadside improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and rocket-propelled grenades turned the Humvee into little more than a rolling coffin.

While adding armor and bulletproof windows offered some security, it also added weight that compromised the vehicle’s agility and lowered its fuel economy. Furthermore, the added armor placed increased stress on the engine, transmission, and drivetrain—accelerating wear and introducing a slew of mechanical failures. To combat these issues, the military began replacing the HMMWV with a more modern model called the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).

Street Legal Exports offers an array of customization options that blend durability and urban style to elevate your custom humvee. From a Duramax or Cummins engine to a rugged ARV or Black Rhino bumper, our long-term upgrades will deliver both superior off-road prowess and head-turning looks.

Performance tuning is a popular option for Hummer and HMMWV owners because it’s the easiest way to increase horsepower, torque, and MPG. A simple plug-and-play installation creates a more efficient fuel map, altering air/fuel mixtures to improve timing while maintaining the manufacturer’s warranty.

Whether you’re interested in a one-off modification or an entire build, our professional team is here to help. Our extensive experience in restoration, parts engineering and development, fabrication, and manufacturing allows us to handle every aspect of the customization process. We’re proud to have built a reputation for unmatched quality, and we take pride in our work.

Turn your Humvee into the urban beast of your dreams. With our advanced performance modifications, military-grade capabilities, and contemporary urban appeal, you’ll be turning heads on the streets of your city. Contact Street Legal Exports today to learn more about how we can transform your HumveeHumvee into a slick city cruiser. Our services are backed by over 20 years of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction.

Interior Upgrades

The Humvee is an imposing machine. It has conquered sand, rocks, snow and ice. It has hauled trailers down highways, evaded detection in desert environments, and jumped entire continents with Marine Expeditionary Units. It has straddled the hull of CH-53 helicopters and ridden inside the belly of CH-47s. It has pulled service members out of the mud and into life-saving helicopter rescues.

The military Humvee has fought in every battle from the Persian Gulf War to the Iraqi Insurgency and everywhere in between. As a result, it is one tough off-roader, but when it comes to urban streets, the Humvee struggles.

This is where a customized HMMWV can excel, thanks to a process of transformation that turns it from a rough military machine into a street-legal urban beast. The process includes advanced performance tuning, a selection of interior upgrades that features high back seating and durable soft tops, and a range of exterior enhancements that boost durability and urban style. All the while, each vehicle is subject to rigorous multipoint inspections.

When it comes to a Humvee’s interior, utility meets sophistication seamlessly with customizable options that include dashboard upgrades and personalized steering wheels. These features elevate the ride experience, allowing the driver to feel more at home in their bespoke Humvee.

High-back seating offers support during long drives, while a redesigned dashboard provides a sleek aesthetic that complements the Humvee’s rugged design. In addition, customizable rear curtains and a durable soft top provide protection from the elements while still allowing the occupants to enjoy the outdoor air.

The military-style Humvee’s aluminum body allows for more off-road flexibility and decreases maintenance requirements compared to steel vehicles. Its robust suspension also improves handling and control in a variety of terrain conditions.

The Humvee’s impressive off-road capabilities have inspired civilian versions, including the popular Hummer, which debuted in 1992. Its aggressive look and capabilities have been a huge hit, and the vehicle continues to make a mark on the automotive industry.

Long-Term Benefits

For those that aren’t interested in purchasing an armored Humvee, converting a decommissioned military vehicle into a civilian workhorse is a great way to get the best of both worlds. With the right modifications, a custom Humvee can be as comfortable and luxurious as a traditional passenger car, while maintaining the off-road prowess of a military grade truck. The resulting vehicle is the perfect combination of rugged reliability and head-turning style.

These vehicles aren’t as expensive as one might think either. In fact, you can pick up a used military Humvee on a GovPlanet auction for as little as $5K-$8K. Of course, these vehicles are not street-legal. To make a Humvee street-legal, the owner will need to add turn signals, brake lights, a horn, seat belts, and much more. Luckily, most parts for these vehicles are still available at a fraction of the cost of new ones.

The HMMWV is an iconic vehicle with a massive presence. It first came into prominence during the Gulf War, with rolling 24-hour news coverage often including footage of the vehicle navigating harsh desert terrain. Since then, it’s become an icon both on and off the battlefield. Its muscular – almost steroidal – proportions and unique silhouette are instantly recognizable to anyone who’s seen it in action.

If you want to take your Humvee’s off-road capabilities and road handling to the next level, a suspension lift is the way to go. This modification raises the suspension of the vehicle, which improves ground clearance and allows you to take on even the most challenging off-road trails without worry. The improved ride quality also makes for a smoother, more comfortable driving experience.

While civilian adaptations of the HMMWV have tried to bring it more into the 21st century, nothing beats an original Humvee when it comes to off-road capability and durability. The battle-tested engineering has stood the test of time, and with the right customizations, your vehicle will continue to be a top-of-the-line workhorse that’s as durable as it is stylish.