Skip to main content

Whether you’re an enthusiast or an alarmist doomsday prepper, you’ve probably considered the merits of owning a military vehicle. Well, you can buy surplus military vehicles at government auction sites and take home your very own mobile militaria. Better yet, there are a few popular vehicles you can buy from a surplus auction. But you might want to think twice.

From the famed Humvee to the iconic Willys MB, you can own (and drive) a bit of military history

The United States Government commissions and operates millions of vehicles, from federal service vehicles to rough-and-tumble military rigs. However, nothing lasts forever. Consequently, the government will offload its retired trucks, SUVs, cars, and heavy equipment after their service. And some options are popular, badass rides. 

  • HMMWV
  • M1161 “Growler”
  • BMY 6×6 5-Ton
  • Willys MB

I know, HMMWV looks like a crazy moniker. But it’s an acronym for the military’s most common workhorse: the High-mobility multi-purpose wheeled vehicle, or “Humvee.” Since its service started in 1985, the United States Military has purchased over 300,000 of these dependable rigs. As a result, they’re routinely up for sale on government auction sites like GovPlanet.

Beyond the Humvee, military surplus fans can buy an M1161 “Growler” or a good ol’ 5-Ton truck. Like the Humvee, I had the pleasure (or displeasure) of experience with both vehicles during my time in service. Today, both the little, helicopter-transportable Growler and the 5-Ton are popular purchases on auction sites. It also doesn’t hurt that the “Growler” looks like a diminutive derivation of a wartime Jeep.

Finally, history buffs may skew toward a military classic. And there’s nothing more classic than the Willys MB. It was the go-anywhere, do-anything ride of the United States Military during World War II and the years that followed. Today, it’s a popular sight at car shows and parades. 

However, just because you’re thinking of misnomers like “military-grade,” doesn’t mean a surplus vehicle is a drama-free, dependable purchase. These military and government vehicles tend to live a hard life. Rain, snow, mud, salt, wind, and high waters don’t often stop these vehicles from their objectives. As such, the Humvee you’re so excited to buy might have unseen issues. Unless you’re ready to wrench, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Best in Tips, Tricks & Trends
Avatar photo
Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).