The Hummer, re-invented as a luxe off-road truck

By Colin Windell

 

 

Boasting 372 kW of power and 1 355 Nm or torque, the dramatic revisioning of the Hummer H1 by a company called Mil-Spec Automotive (MSA), produces an eye-catchingly brutal beast of a machine on offer at around R2,8-million.

The Hummer, originally produced by General Motors as a military transport solution, gained enough public traction for it to be put into production as a road vehicle. Never pretty to look at, it was designed to be able to take on anything short of a vertical wall climb.

Now MSA, the brainchild of Adam Mitchell, Chris Van Scyoc and Ian Broekman, have a well-thought-out and mature vision of what the iconic AM General Hummer H1 should be like. Their re-envisioned rendition epitomises “the new era of adventure” and focuses on execution by design, attention to detail, and integrity in craft, according to MSA’s website.

The result is one wild, ultra-luxurious, status-screaming SUV designed in Detroit and built in Wichita that retains only the frame rails and body from the original, which are, of course, heavily restored and treated.

The Launch Edition series, the company’s first creation that utilises donor 1996-2001 AM General Hummer H1s, was recently introduced after years of design and development.

The engine is a 6,6-litre V-8 Duramax LBZ, mated to an Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission, with an estimated 312 kW and 1 355 Nm. Four-wheel independent suspension, exclusive of MSA, contributes to improved on- and off-road ride quality.

The Launch Edition accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6,8 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 170 km/h.

According to MSA: “The original H1 Hummer’s interior was a misuse of space. Our design team focused on creating a minimal, functional and beautiful interior design that fully utilises the space and creates a driver focused experience. The interior is built completely out of aluminium by our craftsmen in-house. It is then wrapped in the best materials sourced in the USA.”

The electrical system is 12V, with modernised functionality and quick disconnect conveniences. An ARB air compressor aids in inflating the Nitto Ridge Grappler tires. Textured exterior body coatings, powder-coated components, and ceramic under-body coatings keep the machine protected and insulated.

One mean machine indeed.