Military Vehicles You Can Buy

If you like making heads turn, you can buy a classic car, one that will awe people with its beauty and history. Or you can buy something a little bit different. A police car perhaps, or if you want something really out of the ordinary, why not buy a military vehicle? While some of them, like the "Duck" amphibious truck, might be difficult to park in the street, others can actually be used every day.

DUKW "Duck" amphibious truck

Owning an amphibious vehicle is every little boy’s dream. But now, you can make the dream come true.

The "Duck" was created during World War II. A 6-wheel drive giant, it was built on the chassis of a military truck, with an added slab-sided boat hull. Although powered by a 92-horsepower 6-cylinder motor, the 7 ton mammoth was certainly not remarkable for its speed but it more than made up for is slowness with its endurance and being bullet-proof. This perhaps explains why so many survived and are still road- and sea-worthy.

Prices vary but you can expect to pay around NZ$110,000.

Jeep Staff Car Concept

Based on the successful Wrangler, this concept car also borrowed some features from other military jeeps. While it sports the open fenders and low-back bench seats of the Wrangler, the B-pillar or doors have been removed. Its power comes from the same engine as its inspiration, a 3.6L 6-cylinder gasoline motor, combined with 6-gear manual transmission, 4-wheel drive and locking axles. Some of the other parts were pulled from the Jeep J8, such as its steel-beam front and rear bumpers.

As a price guideline, Jeep Wrangler can be found for around $60,000.

Renault Sherpa

A powerful military vehicle originally used by NATO and French soldiers, the civilian success of this car came through its appearances in the punishing Dakar Rally. Available to the public by special order in Russia, Africa and the Middle East, it can even be customised depending on its intended use and you can choose to have it fully armoured or unarmoured; as a station wagon or a pickup.

It is powered by a mighty 4.76L 4-cylinder diesel engine and boasts a no less mighty 81.5kgf.m of torque and 215hp. Count about NZ$390,000 for one of them.

GAZ Tigr

From the icy steppes of Russia comes the military GAZ Tigr. A multi-purpose vehicle, it was meant to be able to transport troupes and equipment on and off road quickly and was fitted with a 5.9L diesel engine, a 6-speed manual transmission and permanent 4W -drive. Delivered to the Soviet infantry in 2006, it has been seen in conflicts in Syria and during the annexation of Crimea.

In addition to its military credentials, it inspired a passionate following among the civilian population, leading to the production of ‘softened’ versions with luxuries such as leather seats, air conditioning and audio systems.

Purchasing one is neither easy nor cheap, which makes them even more valuable. You can expect to pay NZ$ 160,000.

Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6

Despite its ancient age (by automobile standards), the Mercedes-Benz Geländewagen or G Class is still going strong. Hardly revised during its 30 years’ existence, it has to be said that it isn’t the most attractive car with its brick-like military design, but its popularity among business tycoons and movie stars – and even the Pope- is unabated.

It is perhaps explained by its impressive mechanical power. Fitted with a twin-turbo 5.5-litre V8 engine, its newest incarnation, the G63 AMG, packs a punch. Fitted with the six-by-six drivetrain from the make’s Zetros truck, it yields 40cm of ground clearance which allows it to cross fords as deep as a meter.

They weren’t produced for the civilian market so are not easy to come by, but if you find one to buy, it will set you back by NZ$750,000.

Paramount Marauder

Built by Paramount in South Africa, this vehicle was designed for reconnaissance and peace keeping. Destined to intervene in urban conflicts, it is smaller than you would expect a military vehicle to be as it needs to be easily manoeuvrable in small streets and built-up areas.

Launched in 2007, it can carry a 10-people crew and protect them against projectiles, bullets and anti-tank mines thanks to its double-skin monocoque hull and can reach a cruising speed of around 100 to 120 km/h.

The Marauder was featured in Top Gear in 2001 and added to the popular video game Rocket League in 2016.

They are not produced for civilian use so if you ever come across one for sale, pounce on it! They are not cheap, though, and you can expect to pay around NZ$700,000.

Polaris MV850 TerrainArmor Edition

This one-seater American ATV comes from the US and is the first military all-terrain vehicle to use non-pneumatic tyres.

Resilient Technologies, the company that produces them, claims that they can withstand shots from a .50-calibre gun and penetration by railroad spikes, even when fully loaded.

The civilian version of the MV850, the WV850 is as tough as its military counterpart, with 77hp, a 850cc 2-cylinder engine, single-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. It is relatively inexpensive at NZ$22,000 and if you fancy driving on the beach in style, definitely the one for you.

Supacat LRV 400

The Supacat LRV 400 is the military variant of the Wildcat, Land Rovers’ cross-country rally car, and stays faithful to its roots with high speeds and all-terrain capabilities. Fitted with a 3.2L, 5-cylinder turbo diesel engine that packs 236hp, it can reach speeds of 170km/h. Add to it a roof-mounted .50-calibre machine gun, armour plates and winches and you have a vehicle that is perfect for the Armed Forces.

If you have set your eye on one of them, they can be purchased for about NZ$360,000.

Boats, cars, trucks, tanks, we ship ‘em all at McCullough! With over two decades’ experience, we count many happy customers. But don’t take our word for it, read their testimonials. Contact us on +64 9 303 0075 to find out more or request an online quote.