---
title: "Hummer H1 Rebuilt from the Ground Up"
description: "For just over 200 Grand, Mil-Spec Automotive can turn the old army truck into a luxury off-roader."
date: "2018-06-13"
modified: "2018-06-13"
authors:
  - name: "Talon Homer"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/talon-homer"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/21468/hummer-h1-rebuilt-from-the-ground-up"
categories:
  - "GMC News"
  - "News"
  - "News by Brand"
tags:
  - "4x4"
  - "Custom Cars"
  - "Hummer"
  - "Humvee"
  - "Offroad"
  - "trucks"
---

# Hummer H1 Rebuilt from the Ground Up

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2018/06/page13_1-e1528897588961.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

Based on the AM General Humvee, which has been the U.S. Military's workhorse for more than 30 years, the Hummer H1 was a capable production off-roader made with a ton of compromise. Underneath a shiny coat of paint, there was little difference between the military and civilian versions, and that made the H1 [hard to handle on public roads](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/4435/that-time-i-traded-an-audi-s4-for-a-hummer-h1-and-a-hummer-h1-for-a-mini>). It was also powered by an outdated Detroit Diesel engine. It wasn't until [the 2006 model](<https://www.edmunds.com/hummer/h1-alpha/>) that the Hummer received a modern Duramax turbo-diesel, and that was just before production shut down. Despite these issues, the H1 continues to have fans, and [Mil-Spec Automotive](<https://www.milspecauto.com/>) out of Wichita, Kansas, is looking to cater to them.

The Mil-Spec Auto "Launch Edition" truck is a ground-up rebuild of the original Hummer, with a focus on making the vehicle more livable, according to Mil-Spec. MSA starts by stripping the H1 to its bare metal body and frame. The frame then receives a fresh powder coat, and the body is treated with layers of insulation that shield the cabin from heat and noise. The outer body panels also get kevlar-infused paint to protect from scratches.

![message-editor%2F1528897811250-page25\_2.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1528897811250-page25_2.jpg>)
*Mil-Spec*

![message-editor%2F1528897832879-page23\_1.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1528897832879-page23_1.jpg>)
*Mil-Spec*

![message-editor%2F1528897867940-page27\_1.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1528897867940-page27_1.jpg>)
*Mil-Spec*

![message-editor%2F1528897882429-finished\_milspec\_h1\_launch\_36.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1528897882429-finished_milspec_h1_launch_36.jpg>)
*Mil-Spec*

The H1's originally spartan interior is then adorned with luxury accouterments, like water-resistant sport seats, an upgraded sound system, and a Momo Prototipo steering wheel. The crown jewel of MSA's build, however, is underneath the hood. This Hummer is powered by a freshly rebuilt Duramax 6.6 liter V8 that the shop claims to make 500 horsepower, and 1,000 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to a six-speed Allison automatic gearbox, then to a drivetrain upgraded to handle all that extra torque.

![message-editor%2F1528895967635-finished\_milspec\_h1\_launch\_2.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1528895967635-finished_milspec_h1_launch_2.jpg>)
*Mil-Spec*

![message-editor%2F1528895974457-finished\_milspec\_h1\_launch\_46.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1528895974457-finished_milspec_h1_launch_46.jpg>)
*Mil-Spec*

![message-editor%2F1528895984525-finished\_milspec\_h1\_launch\_45.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1528895984525-finished_milspec_h1_launch_45.jpg>)
*Mil-Spec*

The Launch Edition's base model is a soft-top, and that runs $218,499. For an additional cost, MSA will also build the H1 with a hard-top, as a four-door pickup, or as a two-door longbed truck. There's also bevy of options including suspension upgrades, interior packages, and body kits, that can push the Hummer's price even higher. If high-dollar restoration shops like [Singer](<https://www.thedrive.com/article/16082/singers-500-horsepower-porsche-911-is-a-dream-come-true>) and [Icon](<https://www.thedrive.com/new-cars/20513/icon-jeep-wagoneer-reformer-review-driving-a-time-traveling-woodgrain-masterpiece-of-an-off-roader>) are anything to go by, then Mil-Spec should have little trouble finding prospective buyers.

![message-editor%2F1528894148383-specs.jpg](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/message-editor/1528894148383-specs.jpg>)
**Mil-Spec Automotive**

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