An outrageous and over-the-top Hummer H1? Yes, please!
Mil-Spec Automotive has shown off its latest build. Creatively called the #005, this $250,000 custom creation represents the latest iteration from MSA’s limited Launch Edition series. Featuring myriad engineering improvements for greater performance and special design touches throughout, #005 showcases the high level of refinement for which Mil-Spec is becoming quickly known.
As with all their builds, #005 began with a frame-off disassembly in the company’s workshop. There, a 12-person build team stripped the frame to prepare for mods.
Powertrains are assembled in-house and are inspired by units found in the 2006 factory H1 Alpha. Duramax 6.6L LBZ turbodiesel engines are built, tuned, and tested to reliably produce 500 horsepower and 1,000 lb-ft of torque. The Duramax is mated to an Allison automatic and New Venture Gear 242 t-case.
The original-equipment AM General portal axles with 2.56:1 ring-and-pinion gearing are upgraded by MSA with ARB Air Locker differentials. MSA bins the OE Central Tire Inflation System, famous for being difficult, so aftermarket alloy wheels can be fitted. To compensate, a twin-tank ARB 12-volt air compressor is plumbed to actuate the Air Lockers, provide tire inflation, and offer on-board service air accessed from a rear-mounted quick-disconnect.
The interior of #005 is bonkers. The MSA team added a marine-grade leather theme, complete with diamond-stitched seat inserts and door panels. Contrasting black Nappa leather appears on the upholstered dash and center console.
MSA finished the body in a Moonlight Grey textured polyurethane coating infused with Kevlar. Black powdercoated vents and panels provide contrast and really pop against the light-colored body panels. This H1 rolls on 38×13.50R18 Toyo Open Country M/Ts on 18×9 Pro Comp Series 40 Matte Graphite wheels.
The 4-door H1 also features a new soft-top made from Tough Duck marine canvas. You’ll have by now spotted the offset snorkel, said to improve water-fording capability without adversely compromising the driver’s view. Other bits and bobs include AMP Research Power-step automatic running boards and a roof-mounted 60-inch LED lightbar.