Let’s talk about wheeled veterans for a moment. As the saying goes, the worst of times usually brings out the best in men and the same goes for conflict of business. This is because for the most part, it results in outstanding machinery. Most military vehicles usually find way into the private lives of people for civilian use once peace returns right after the dust settles. These vehicles put their talent to good use just like the war heroes did.
It’s no wonder that most decommissioned military vehicles make their way to the private sector. This is because the same qualities that makes these trucks and cars attractive draw the armed forces and civilian alike. These vehicles are uniquely designed to provide long-lasting durability under any circumstance, are equally rugged and easy to service.
Most of these vehicles came into the limelight after the Second World War when soldiers were returning home. These returning soldiers had experience with different military vehicles such as the Jeep and this made them look for other peacetime models with similar qualities. In this case, factories that were tooled up to manufacture wartime trucks could effortlessly convert them for civilian use to meet the market demand. Others carried on as a simple evolution that saw the development of great designs.
These vehicles have seen better days since they were first made. Here are some of the best military style civilian vehicles still plying the streets:
1. Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Suburban is one of the longest served nameplate from General Motors. It was introduced in the market as a truck, produced in 1934, exclusively for Civilian Conservation and National Guard corps. It was uniquely designed with a truck frame and a station wagon body, ideal for carrying a maximum of eight passengers. The original Chevrolet Suburban model has been dully serving its purpose over the years.
There’s a second-generation Chevrolet Suburban that was in service during the Second World War as well. It’s one of the best civilian vehicles originally designed for military use but retains a higher towing capacity and a sturdy and durable truck design frame.
2. Dodge Power Wagon
Dodge started producing four-wheel drive military vehicles in 1934 and the Dodge Power Wagon is one of the many in that line of production. Dodge Power Wagon was available for civilian use after the Second World War in 1946 since it was on high demand. The Power Wagon civilian version was utilitarian with open fenders that could withstand mud clogging, a cab and a wood-plank bed.
Dodge Power Wagon was less of a truck and more of an agricultural tool. Most people liked it as it helped made a mark on the company’s truck segment. There’s a current version on the market that typically pays homage to the Dodge Power Wagon.
3. Hummer H1
Hummer H1 is one of the best military style civilian vehicles. It’s one of the first military vehicle SUVs to be converted for civilian use. It was uniquely designed as a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Military Vehicles and AM General made it available for civilian use in 1992 or thereabout.
Hummer H1 gained world traction after serving in the Persian Gulf War. Hummer H1, just like the Dodge Power Wagon saw little to no cosmetic changes when the manufacturer was transferring it to peacetime duty. It has a wide and tall stance that made it stand out both on and offroad in different terrains. Most people find the interior uncomfortable, has a high fuel consumption rate and is equally expensive. However, it a perfect off-roader.
4. Jeep Wrangler
Jeep Wrangler is one of the best offroad military vehicles for civilian use. It draws its roots from the Willys Overland MB known from the Second World War where it derives its styling cues from. It’s versatile hence saw the creation of a new generation of military vehicles when they were open for sale to civilians towards the end of the cold war in 1945. It saw the evolution of several civilian version military vehicles and other new generations.
Currently, the Jeep Wrangler almost resembles a classic military Jeep. Plus, it serves as the brand’s halo vehicle which makes it the best military style civilian vehicle.
5. Mercedes G-Class
Some Mercedes G-Class vehicles still actively serve the military donning the United Nations livery. This vehicle is specially designed as a combined effort project between the Austrian and Mercedes military vehicle manufacturer. It hit the market in 1979 and has been in use over the years by different army branches and NATO.
Mercedes G-Class is available in both versions that’s why it serves the military and civilians alike. First, it was utilitarian and piled on different luxury equipment to create a vehicle which is luxurious and paradoxically crude simultaneously.
