Military vehicles have long fascinated collectors and enthusiasts for their rugged engineering, historical significance, and sheer presence. From decommissioned tanks to Humvees, many military vehicles are now available for private ownership. Here’s a detailed look at 20 such vehicles, how and where to buy them, their prices, historical importance, and tips for maintaining and using them. Owning a military vehicle is a blend of history and adventure, offering a tangible connection to the past. Whether
Humvee (HMMWV)
Price: $10,000–$40,000 (depending on condition and upgrades).
Historical Importance: Introduced in the 1980s, the Humvee became an icon of the Gulf War and modern military operations.
Where to Buy: Government auctions such as GovPlanet.
Tips: Look for one with a clear title to avoid registration issues, and be ready to invest in basic upgrades like seats and climate control.
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Olivia G. Ortiz/Released
Jeep Willys MB
Price: $15,000–$40,000 (restored models fetch higher prices).
Historical Importance: A symbol of World War II, used extensively by Allied forces.
Where to Buy: Specialized military vehicle dealers, classic car auctions, or private sellers.
Tips: Ensure it has original parts for higher resale value. Restored versions are often more reliable for casual use.
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M35 Deuce and a Half
Price: $5,000–$20,000.
Historical Importance: A staple of U.S. military logistics from the 1950s through the 1980s.
Where to Buy: Surplus auctions and military vehicle shows.
Tips: Ideal for off-road enthusiasts due to its rugged design and high payload capacity.
M151 MUTT
Price: $6,000–$20,000.
Historical Importance: A versatile successor to the Jeep, used during the Vietnam War and beyond.
Where to Buy: Military vehicle dealers or online auctions like eBay.
Tips: Beware of units sold as “off-road only,” as they may not meet modern safety standards for road use.
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M3 Half-Track
Price: $50,000–$150,000.
Historical Importance: Used extensively by Allied forces during World War II for troop transport and combat.
Where to Buy: Private collections or military vehicle auctions.
Tips: These are rare, so prioritize maintenance and sourcing authentic parts.
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Ferret Armored Car
Price: $20,000–$50,000.
Historical Importance: A British reconnaissance vehicle used during the Cold War.
Where to Buy: Military vehicle clubs and specialized auctions.
Tips: Its compact size makes it more manageable than larger armored vehicles, but ensure you have storage space.
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M4 Sherman Tank
Price: $250,000–$500,000 (fully restored).
Historical Importance: The backbone of the U.S. armored forces in World War II.
Where to Buy: High-end military vehicle auctions or private collectors.
Tips: Requires significant storage and maintenance. Consider this only if you’re a serious collector.
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M923 5-Ton Truck
Price: $8,000–$20,000.
Historical Importance: Used by the U.S. military for heavy transport from the 1980s to the 2000s.
Where to Buy: GovPlanet and other military surplus sites.
Tips: Known for reliability and power, but fuel consumption is high.
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Pinzgauer 710M
Price: $15,000–$30,000.
Historical Importance: A Swiss-made all-terrain vehicle used by NATO forces.
Where to Buy: European military surplus or specialized dealers.
Tips: Highly maneuverable and ideal for off-roading. Check import laws if buying internationally.
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M113 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC)
Price: $50,000–$200,000.
Historical Importance: Used in Vietnam and various conflicts since the 1960s.
Where to Buy: Private military vehicle auctions.
Tips: Some countries restrict ownership of armored vehicles, so check local laws.
U.S. Army photo by Spc. Tyler Kingsbury/Released
Kübelwagen
Price: $20,000–$80,000.
Historical Importance: Germany’s equivalent to the Jeep during World War II.
Where to Buy: Classic car dealers or auctions.
Tips: Original versions are rare, and authenticity significantly affects value.
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T-34 Tank
Price: $100,000–$400,000.
Historical Importance: The Soviet Union’s iconic tank during World War II.
Where to Buy: European military auctions or private collections.
Tips: Restoration costs can be enormous, so consider the condition before purchasing.
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M38 Jeep
Price: $10,000–$25,000.
Historical Importance: A post-World War II replacement for the Willys MB.
Where to Buy: Classic car dealers or military surplus shows.
Tips: Easier to maintain than earlier Jeep models due to better availability of parts.
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Land Rover Series II Lightweight
Price: $10,000–$30,000.
Historical Importance: Used by the British military as an air-transportable utility vehicle.
Where to Buy: Land Rover specialty dealers.
Tips: Parts are widely available, making it a practical choice for collectors.
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M998 CUCV (Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle)
Price: $5,000–$15,000.
Historical Importance: A militarized version of Chevrolet trucks used for non-combat roles.
Where to Buy: GovPlanet or surplus dealers.
Tips: Affordable and practical for light-duty use.
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Steyr Puch Haflinger
Price: $10,000–$20,000.
Historical Importance: A small, lightweight Austrian utility vehicle used by European militaries.
Where to Buy: European surplus auctions or private sellers.
Tips: Compact size makes it ideal for collectors with limited storage space.
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FV432 Armored Vehicle
Price: $20,000–$50,000.
Historical Importance: A British armored personnel carrier used during the Cold War.
Where to Buy: U.K.-based military surplus dealers.
Tips: Ensure compliance with local laws regarding armored vehicles.
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M37 Dodge Power Wagon
Price: $10,000–$30,000.
Historical Importance: A reliable workhorse from the post-World War II era.
Where to Buy: Classic car shows or surplus auctions.
Tips: Popular among restorers for its vintage charm and utility.
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Unimog
Price: $15,000–$50,000.
Historical Importance: A German multi-purpose vehicle used by various militaries worldwide.
Where to Buy: European dealers or online marketplaces.
Tips: Known for durability, but parts can be expensive.
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GMC CCKW (Deuce and a Half)
Price: $15,000–$40,000.
Historical Importance: A World War II workhorse that transported troops and supplies.
Where to Buy: Military vehicle clubs or private sales.
Tips: Ideal for history enthusiasts due to its iconic status.
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