8 Street Legal Military Vehicles That Will Make You 100% Bad-Ass!

Ever wondered what it feels like to command the road with the same gusto as a battlefield general? Well, for those with a penchant for power and a taste for the extraordinary, we've got a treat for you. Today, we're diving into the world of military vehicles that have crossed over to the civilian side. Buckle up; this is not your average Sunday drive.

1. Oshkosh L-ATV: From Humdrum to Humvee Slayer

Civilian Counterpart: Think of this as the beefed-up, adrenaline-pumped cousin of the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Lifestyle & Activities: Perfect for those who consider a traffic jam a mere 'tactical delay'. Ideal for off-road adventures where the only traffic you'll encounter are bewildered squirrels.

Description: The Oshkosh L-ATV replaces the venerable Humvee with a modern twist. Featuring a 6.6 liter Duramax engine, this beast doesn't just conquer terrains; it makes them surrender. Imagine swapping your Grand Cherokee for this behemoth – every grocery run turns into a covert operation.

• Mass/Gross Vehicle Weight: 22,500 lb (10,200 kg).

• Dimensions:

  • Length: 20.5 ft (6.2 m) (nominal).

  • Width: 8.2 ft (2.5 m) (nominal).

  • Height: 8.5 ft (2.6 m) (nominal).

• Crew Capacity: Can accommodate 1 driver and 3 passengers in individual seats, with an optional gunner (I + 1; M1279 Utility).

• Armor: Classified (A-kit/B-kit configuration).

• Main Armament: Capable of being fitted with a variety of light and medium caliber weapons.

• Engine: Gale Banks Engineering 866T, 6.6-liter diesel (based on GM Duramax architecture) producing 340 hp.

• Transmission: Allison 2500SP 6-speed automatic.

• Suspension: Oshkosh TAK-4i independent suspension.

• Operational Range: 300 miles (480 km).

• Maximum Speed:

  • Road: 70 mph (110 km/h).

  • Off-road: Varies.

  • Reverse: 8 mph (13 km/h).

These specifications highlight the L-ATV's robustness and capability, making it a formidable military-grade vehicle that can now be owned by civilians.

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2. Renault Sherpa 2: The French Connection

Civilian Counterpart: The upgrade for someone who finds the Hummer a bit too pedestrian.

Lifestyle & Activities: Suited for the weekend warrior whose idea of camping involves navigating uncharted forests while discussing French philosophy.

Description: The Sherpa 2, with its ballistic armor and Euro 5 engine, is not just a vehicle; it's a statement. It says, 'I can survive a zombie apocalypse and still make it to my 5-star hotel reservation'.

• Mass: Ranges from 7.7 to 9.8 tons.

• Dimensions:

  • Length: 5,900 mm (232.3 in).

  • Width: 2,200 mm (86.6 in).

  • Height: 2,100 mm (82.7 in).

• Crew Capacity: Can accommodate 4 or 5 people.

• Armor: Compliant with CEN 1063 and STANAG 4569 standards.

• Main Armament: Capable of being equipped with up to a 12.7 mm machine gun and 40mm grenade launcher.

• Engine: Available with Euro 3 or Euro 5 engines, producing 215 hp (160 kW).

• Suspension: Features rigid axles.

• Operational Range: Between 800 to 900 km.

• Maximum Speed: 110 to 120 km/h (68–75 mph).

The Renault Sherpa 2 stands out with its balance of robustness and agility, suitable for a variety of tactical missions and now available for civilian use.

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3. GAZ Tigr: The Russian Rumble

Civilian Counterpart: A step up from the rugged Toyota Tacoma.

Lifestyle & Activities: Ideal for those who find the idea of a 'scenic drive' too tame and prefer 'tactical excursions'.

Description: Russian engineering meets off-road capability in the GAZ Tigr. With a Cummins 5.9 L engine, it's more than ready to turn a mundane trip to the mall into an episode of a survival reality show.

• Mass: 7,200 kg (15,900 lb).

• Dimensions:

  • Length: Ranges from 5.67 m (18.6 ft) to 5.7 m (19 ft) depending on the variant.

  • Width: Between 2.2 m (7.2 ft) and 2.33 m (7.6 ft) depending on the variant.

  • Height: Ranges from 2.0 m (6.6 ft) to 2.4 m (7.9 ft) depending on the variant.

• Crew Capacity: Accommodates 2 + 9, 10, or 11 people depending on the variant; 6 people in the Tigr-6A SPV variant.

• Armor: Varies by model. The SPM-1 has 5 mm armor, and the SPM-2 has 7 mm armor.

• Main Armament: Options include a 7.62mm PKP "Pecheneg" machine gun, a Kord-12.7mm heavy machine gun, a .50 Cal M2HB machine gun, or a 30mm AGS-17 grenade launcher.

• Engine: Several options, including a variety of Cummins diesel engines ranging from 180 hp to 385 hp and a Yuchai YC V6 six-cylinder diesel engine producing 300 hp.

• Transmission: Options include Allison LCT-1000 automatic, Chrysler 545RFE automatic, and a 5-speed manual for some variants.

• Operational Range: 1,000 km (620 mi).

• Maximum Speed: 140 km/h (87 mph) on road, 80 km/h (50 mph) off-road.

The GAZ Tigr is known for its ruggedness and versatility, making it a popular choice among military forces and now, for those civilians seeking a robust, multipurpose vehicle.

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4. Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6: Luxury Meets Brawn

Civilian Counterpart: For those who think a standard Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon is merely cute.

Lifestyle & Activities: Tailor-made for the affluent rebel who chooses to make a grand entrance at opera nights in something that can scale a mountain.

Description: The G63 AMG 6x6 is what happens when military utility marries high-end luxury. High ground clearance, an advanced automatic transmission, and a design that demands attention – it's the vehicle equivalent of a Bond villain.

• Mass/Weight: 4,105 kg (9,050 lb).

• Dimensions:

  • Length: 5,875 mm (231.3 in).

  • Width: 2,110 mm (83.1 in).

  • Height: 2,210 mm (87.0 in).

  • Ground Clearance: 460 mm (18.1 in).

  • Fording Depth: 1,000 mm (39.4 in).

• Engine: 5.5L, 536-hp, 561-lb-ft twin-turbo DOHC 32-valve V-8 AMG engine.

• Transmission: Mercedes' 7G-tronic seven-speed automatic transmission; transfer case with a 0.87:1 high-range ratio for on-road driving and 2.16:1 low-range ratio for off-road conditions, delivering power to all six wheels in a 30:40:30 split.

• Suspension: Includes portal axles, similar to those on Unimog vehicles.

• Operational Range and Speed:

  • Acceleration: 0–60 mph in 7.8 seconds.

  • Top Speed: Limited to 100 mph (161 km/h).

• Additional Features:

  • Differential Locks: Five electronic differential locks capable of 100% lockup of all six wheels, controlled by dashboard switches.

  • Tire Pressure System: Compressor for adjusting tire pressure to adapt to different driving surfaces.

  • Wheelbase: 4,196 mm (165.2 in) from the front axle to the rearmost axle.

  • Installed with 18 in beadlock wheels and 37 in tires.

• Production and Exclusivity: Launched in early 2013, with sales stopped in early 2015 to maintain exclusivity. Limited right-hand drive versions were also produced for specific markets.

This vehicle stands as a remarkable example of a high-performance, luxury military-style vehicle adapted for civilian use, combining robust off-road capabilities with the opulence expected of the Mercedes-Benz brand.

5. Paramount Marauder: The African Behemoth

Civilian Counterpart: An audacious leap from the Chevrolet Suburban.

Lifestyle & Activities: Picture attending your family reunion, not just with a vehicle, but with an entrance that says, 'I've just returned from a peacekeeping mission.'

Description: The Marauder is a fortress on wheels. With a double-skinned monocoque hull and the ability to carry a crew of ten, this is for those who believe a carpool means bringing the entire squad.

• Mass/Payload Capacity: 6,000 kg (13,227 lb).

• Dimensions: Not specified in the provided details.

• Crew Capacity: Not explicitly mentioned, but designed for reconnaissance and peacekeeping missions, indicating a capacity for multiple crew members.

• Armor:

  • Features a double monocoque hull providing protection against projectiles up to STANAG 4569 Level III for the crew compartment.

• Main Armament:

  • The vehicle's payload capacity allows for the fitting of various defense and weapons systems, including light and medium-caliber machine guns, cannon weapon installations, and missile launchers.

• Engine Options:

  • Cummins ISBe4-300 Diesel: Produces 221 kW (300 hp) at 2500 rpm and 1100 Nm of torque at 1200-1800 rpm.

  • MAN D0836LOH Diesel: Delivers 176 kW (240 hp) at 2300 rpm and 925 Nm of torque at 1200-1800 rpm.

• Suspension: Available in both 4x4 or 6x6 wheeled configurations.

• Operational Range: Approximately 700 km (435 mi).

• Maximum Speed: 100–120 km/h (62–75 mph), depending on the tire configuration.

• Additional Features:

  • Ground Clearance: 420 mm.

  • Can be equipped with command-surveillance-control systems.

  • Can be configured to fire mortars from the payload platform.

  • Smaller in size and weight compared to the Matador, a similarly armored vehicle.

The Marauder is a highly versatile and robust vehicle designed for a range of military applications and now available for civilian use, offering significant protection and capability in various environments.

6. Polaris MV 850: The Off-Road Maverick

Civilian Counterpart: The adventurous cousin of the Honda ATV.

Lifestyle & Activities: Perfect for the thrill-seeker who views a weekend trip as a chance to reenact an action movie chase scene.

Description: This isn't your average ATV; it's a military-grade, off-road powerhouse. Non-pneumatic tires, night vision-compatible lighting – the Polaris MV 850 turns a leisurely ride into a mission.

• Mass: The curb weight of the vehicle is 978 lb.

• Dimensions:

  • Length: 94.5 in.

  • Width: 47.3 in.

  • Height: 60 in (not explicitly mentioned but inferred from provided dimensions).

• Crew Capacity: Accommodates one person onboard.

• Armor: Not specifically mentioned, but designed for rugged military use.

• Main Armament: Not applicable as it is primarily a transport and reconnaissance vehicle.

• Engine: Features a 77HP four-stroke single overhead cam (SOHC) twin-cylinder type engine with 850cc displacement.

• Suspension: Equipped with dual A-arm suspension with heavy-duty shocks.

• Operational Range: Not explicitly stated, but the fuel capacity of the vehicle is 11.75 gal (44.5 l), including a 24.6 l reserve, which suggests a significant range.

• Maximum Speed: Not specified in the provided details.

• Additional Features:

  • Payload Capacity: 850 lb.

  • Towing Capacity: 1,500 lb.

  • Box Capacity: 600 lb.

  • Ground Clearance: 11.25 in.

  • Wheelbase: 57 in.

  • Includes features like keyless ignition, blackout drive with IR capability, optional litter mount, all-wheel drive (AWD) electronic power steering.

  • Equipped with a 3,000 lb winch, rugged racks and bumper, full underbody skid plate, and front bumper for durability on rough terrain.

  • Integrated with tie-down points and fitted with cargo nets, fender bag, and infrared (IR) lighting.

The Polaris MV 850 stands out as a highly versatile and capable ATV, designed for military applications but also suitable for civilian use, especially for those seeking a rugged, all-terrain vehicle with significant payload and towing capacity.

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7. Supacat LRV 400: British Stealth and Speed

Civilian Counterpart: Imagine trading in your Land Rover Defender for this furious beast.

Lifestyle & Activities: For those who want to add 'covert operations' to their daily commute.

Description: The Supacat LRV 400 is the embodiment of versatility and speed. Whether it's a rapid deployment or a quick dash to the grocery store, this vehicle does it with an air of Special Forces chic.

• Mass:

  • Gross Weight: 3,500 kg.

  • Kerb Weight: 2,100 kg.

• Dimensions:

  • Length: 4.3 m.

  • Width: 1.8 m.

  • Height: 1.8 m.

• Crew Capacity: Designed to be manned by three crew members (commander, driver, and gunner).

• Armor: Fitted with low-weight armor solutions, can be hinged with add-on armor for increased protection, and is equipped with ballistic crew seats and ballistic armor.

• Main Armament: The vehicle can be fitted with various equipment and systems, such as smoke grenade launchers, a remote weapons station, and weapon mounts.

• Engine: Powered by a 3.2L Ford diesel engine generating 236 hp and 550 Nm torque, or a V8 petrol engine producing 430 to 640 hp of power.

• Suspension: Features include a beam-type axle with 300 mm travel race derived hydraulic shock absorbers.

• Operational Range: Capable of a maximum load range of 1,000 km.

• Maximum Speed: Can achieve a maximum speed of 170 km/h.

• Additional Features:

  • Self-recovery winch.

  • Infrared (IR) lights.

  • Differential front and rear air locking system.

  • 24V DC electrical system.

  • Forward and rear-facing IR cameras.

  • Lengthened wheelbase.

  • LED hi-mount T16 driving lights and rear work lights.

  • Capability to ford a depth of 1.0 m.

  • Gradient and side slopes of the vehicle are 45° and 40° respectively.

The Supacat LRV 400 is a high-speed and high-mobility off-road vehicle developed for missions like border patrol, reconnaissance, rapid intervention, and light strike, now available for civilian use.

[Sources: 1]

8. Terradyne Gurkha: The Canadian Tank

Civilian Counterpart: A hulking upgrade from the Ford F-150.

Lifestyle & Activities: Designed for the individual whose idea of a 'road trip' involves carving new paths through the wilderness.

Description: The Gurkha is a showstopper – literally. With the ability to transport a small army, it's for those who believe in making every entrance memorable, preferably by causing a slight tremor.

• Mass: 19,500 lb (8.8 t).

• Dimensions:

  • Length: 250.5 in (6.36 m).

  • Width: 101 in (2.6 m).

  • Height: 102 in (2.6 m).

• Crew Capacity: 2 crew members with up to 12 passengers.

• Armor: Advanced ballistic and blast protection, details unspecified.

• Main Armament: Includes gun ports, roof-mounted weapon stations, and a remote-controlled weapons system, specific armaments unspecified.

• Engine: 6.7L V8 turbo diesel engine, producing 330 hp and 825 lb-ft of torque.

• Transmission: 10-speed automatic.

• Ground Clearance: 11.5 in (0.29 m) ground to bottom of rear differential case.

• Fuel Capacity: 40 US gal (150 L; 33 imp gal).

• Operational Range: 600 km.

• Maximum Speed: 128 km/h (80 mph)

The Terradyne Gurkha, built on a robust Ford F550 chassis, is a versatile and formidable armored vehicle designed for military and law enforcement operations. It excels in off-road conditions, thanks to its advanced suspension system, reinforced axles, and heavy-duty tires. In addition to its superior defensive capabilities, the Gurkha is equipped with advanced armament options, including gun ports and roof-mounted weapon stations. Inside, it offers a comfortable and well-equipped environment, ensuring both protection and operational efficiency for its occupants.

So, there you have it – a glimpse into a world where power, luxury, and a dash of audacity blend seamlessly. These vehicles aren't just modes of transport; they're rolling declarations of independence. Whether it's the Russian ruggedness of the GAZ Tiger or the luxurious might of the Mercedes G63 AMG, each of these machines is a testament to the extraordinary. For those ready to elevate their driving experience to the level of legend, welcome to the elite club of street-legal military might.