Real Apocalypse-proof Vehicles You Can Buy
People everywhere are preparing for the end of the world — just in case. Perhaps you’ve even thought about what you might do if an apocalypse were to come. Many people believe that the best way to survive is to get as far away from major cities as possible.
However, your everyday car is probably not the best mode of transportation for this situation. You’ll need something sturdy and ready to take on anything. Fortunately, there are plenty of apocalypse-proof vehicles available — like these options.
M3A1 Scout Car
The M3A1 Scout Car is a lightly armored vehicle from WWII that can fit up to eight passengers. It has a 110-horsepower in-line six-cylinder gasoline-powered engine that allows the vehicle to travel up to 50 miles per hour. The 30-gallon gas tank gives you the ability to travel for about 250 miles before refueling.
It’s a unique vehicle because it has an open-top design. So, you can shoot at potential zombies with a personal weapon. Plus, this car looks mean and gives the impression that you’re not playing around. You can own your very own M3A1 Scout for approximately $40,000.
M35 Series 2 1/2 Ton 6×6 Cargo Truck
Known as a “deuce and a half,” this military vehicle is available to the public, and you can typically find them on military surplus sites or from online auctions. This truck is highly customizable. It comes with a continental multi-fuel engine, which is great for the apocalypse, considering gas probably won’t be easy to come by.
Another plus? It’s great for carrying a lot of gear, with a load capacity of 5,000 to 10,000 lbs depending on where you take it. You can also cover the flatbed with a canvas canopy and comfortably sleep in the back.
Paramount Marauder
The Paramount Marauder is a beast. It carries up to 10 people with gear, and if it’s not big enough for you, you can get it in a stretched version, too. The Marauder is armored to protect against TNT and kinetic attacks. It even has blast-proof seats to protect passengers if the vehicle rolls over a landmine.
Take it off-road or drive it on the street — it’s extremely agile on any terrain. All of this comes with a pretty hefty price tag of over $450,000, but it’s worth it for the top-notch protection.
Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6
The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6 is one of the most luxurious apocalyptic vehicles you can own. It’s tough enough to take on nearly anything you throw at it. A performance Mercedes AMG 5.5-liter V8 bi-turbo engine supplies the G63 with plenty of power to climb up rocks and through water or sand. You can also change the tire pressure to give it a smooth ride on any surface.
This vehicle isn’t all business, though. It’s visually impressive and made to command attention. Inside it has leather seats, plenty of room and bells and whistles like navigation and temperature-control seats. Buyer beware, though; this truck could cost you a cool million dollars or more.
Supacat LRV 400
The Supacat LRV 400, manufactured by the British-run SC Group, is an off-road, high-performance vehicle. Special forces use this vehicle for rapid-intervention operations and border patrol. The 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine has the ability to reach speeds of up to 100 mph and features a range of around 500 miles.
It’s built to carry three to four people comfortably. The versatility and long travel distance of the LRV 400 make it a great option for getting out of populated areas quickly. Plus, at around $25,000, it’s more affordable than some other options.
AM General M998 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle
The AM General M998 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, or HMMWV, is a powerful 4WD truck. The United States military has been using these vehicles, which you might also know as Humvees, for decades.
These come in several variations, including a 6.5-liter V8 turbo diesel and a gasoline-powered 6.3-liter engine. The top speed when carrying a light load is up to 70 mph. The HMMWV has undergone testing in water 60 inches deep, in snow, on sand and on rocky terrain. So, you know you can bug out with peace of mind — for around $30,000.
DUKW Amphibious Vehicle
The DUKW amphibious vehicle is an affordable option for use on land and sea. It’s a 2.5-ton six-wheel vehicle capable of carrying up to 25 people or 5,000 lbs. Also known as a “duck,” this vehicle reaches top speeds of 50 mph on land and 5 knots on water.
The military has been using these vehicles since WWII, so there are plenty of them available to buy. In fact, they’re often used for land and water tours in cities across the U.S. You can pile in a bunch of people and make your way to safety for around $20,000.
BMY M929A2 Dump Truck
The BMY M929A2 is a 5-ton 6×6 dump truck. Yes, it’s a dump truck, but it’s extremely versatile. It has a huge 8.3-liter turbocharged V6 Cummins diesel engine and a five-speed automatic Allison transmission, making it fairly easy to drive. It’s capable of carrying everything you own and reaching highway speeds of about 60 mph.
The large 48-inch tires are rugged, and air brakes make the ride relatively smooth. Plus, this option is great for cold weather because it’s equipped with a heater. You can purchase one in running condition for around $22,000.
Lamborghini LM002
The Lamborghini LM002 was put into production in 1986, and it was the first true off-road vehicle made by the company. However, it’s still impressive by today’s standards. This V12 AWD vehicle is able to reach speeds of up to 130 mph and goes from zero to 60 in 7.8 seconds.
Lamborghini constructed the body using aluminum and fiberglass. The interior offers luxury options like leather seats and air conditioning, which is extremely rare in military-grade vehicles from this time. You can definitely enjoy the apocalypse in this luxury SUV, but it’ll cost you around $400,000.
Land Rover Defender 110 Station Wagon
The Land Rover Defender 110 is a great vehicle for fleeing from zombies, and you can own one for as little as $35,000. It comes equipped with a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder diesel engine and a manual five-speed transmission.
But that’s not what makes this vehicle impressive — it’s all the accessories these SUVs are outfitted with. Most Defenders come with a snorkel, a fifth wheel, a roof rack and a panorama roof. You can also find them with winches, LED lights and external cameras for around $65,000. Additionally, the interior has plenty of space.
Oshkosh MTVR
The Oshkosh Medium Tactical Vehicle Replacement (MTVR) is an all-terrain vehicle that’s capable of carrying over 15 tons on the highway and 7.1 tons when driven off-road. It’s a massive beast that’s extremely versatile and durable.
You can drive it in temperatures from -50 degrees Fahrenheit to 125 degrees Fahrenheit for as many as 300 off-road miles. Plus, it has the ability to power through several feet of water. It comes in both six-wheel and eight-wheel configurations, and you can purchase one for around $30,000.
Tucker Sno-Cat
The Tucker Sno-Cat is the perfect apocalypse vehicle if you’re in an area with a lot of wintertime precipitation. This vehicle is able to get through thick snow effectively thanks to the large tracks it glides on. Original models were made with steel tracks, but more recent models feature rubber belts and a set of wheels.
These vehicles are also available in a smaller size known as the Tucker Kitten if that’s more your style. Although these vehicles are no longer in production, you can still purchase one starting at around $15,000 for an older model.
Dodge WC
The Dodge WC is a half-ton government truck produced in 1941 and 1942. In total, more than 79,000 were made. The WC is a military weapons-carrier vehicle with an open style. It’s usually covered with a canvas top and comes equipped with a shovel, pick, rifle side support and additional gasoline tank storage.
With all these tools, the WC is a worthy apocalypse vehicle, despite its age. It also offers 4WD and a six-cylinder engine. You can get your hands on one of these tried-and-true vehicles for between $5,000 and $35,000, depending on its condition.
Supacat ATMP
The Supacat All-Terrain Mobility Platform (ATMP) is a highly customizable 6×6 off-road vehicle. These vehicles are great for traveling long distances, with a range of over 500 miles. However, they only go about 37 mph. But, one person in your escape party can drive as the other fights off whatever comes your way thanks to the convenient platform.
Additionally, the flat platform is able to accommodate a large amount of equipment for a vehicle of its size, and it makes a great place to rest when you get tired. You can own one of these vehicles for between $10,000 and $60,000.
Mercedes-Benz Unimog
Mercedes has been manufacturing the Unimog since the 1950s, and it’s still in production today in countries around the world. It’s available in a number of configurations; you can find them with platform backs and double cabs.
The Unimog is used by government agencies and militaries for a number of purposes. So, there are plenty out there to choose from. Plus, these vehicles are rugged and dependable on-road and off-road. You’re sure to find a newer one that’s perfect for fighting off the masses during the apocalypse, but it’ll cost around $200,000.
Avtoros Shaman
The Avtoros Shaman is an eight-wheeled all-terrain vehicle made in Russia. It’s a truly versatile off-road truck capable of tackling almost any obstacle on land, and it also has the ability to drive in water.
The Shaman fits up to 10 people comfortably, and when equipped correctly, the bench seats in the back can fold into a bed that sleeps four adults. You can also customize yours with extras like a gun safe and a powered winch. For everything this vehicle has to offer, it’s unsurprisingly not that affordable at around $215,000.
Land Rover Cuthbertson
The Cuthbertson is a unique vehicle with tracks made by Land Rover. This vehicle design makes it capable of going through thick snow, marshland and deep mud. It’s lighter than tanks but less rugged, and it only goes about 20 mph on concrete.
This might not be the most roadworthy option during the apocalypse, but what it lacks in practicality it makes up for with a fierce look. No one will want to mess with you when you’re driving this thing. After all, you could just drive over them. You can own a Cuthbertson for around $60,000.
Torsus Praetorian
Created by Ukranian company Torsus, the Praetorian 4×4 bus is capable of carrying up to 35 people. It’s already commonly useful for a variety of applications in industries like oil and gas, mining, forestry and emergency response. The Praetorian has a 15-inch ground clearance, making it a favorite among safari operators and ski resorts.
Consider this your home away from home — it’s almost perfect for life off the grid. You can even buy one that’s built out with a kitchen, bathroom, sleeping space and living room. These vehicles are available to civilians and are made to order starting at around $350,000, but you can find a used one for significantly less.
Armored BMW X5
The armored BMW X5 is a worthy vehicle for the apocalypse. BMW has created armored cars since 1978, and it definitely applies its knowledge and expertise when making the bulletproof X5. This vehicle can protect occupants from AK-47 and armor-piercing rounds. But, it doesn’t stop there. This X5 also protects occupants from hand grenades.
The interior is just as impressive, with quad-zone climate control, leather seats and automatic soft-close doors. And, unlike some of the other vehicles listed, the X5 is extremely sporty, going from zero to 60 in just 4.1 seconds thanks to a 523-horsepower engine that produces 553 foot pounds of torque.
Knight XV
The Knight XV is one of the most luxurious apocalypse-ready vehicles you can own. It features a 6.8-liter V10 engine that gives it plenty of power. With six seats, there’s room for your whole family. It also features amenities like night vision cameras and is fully armored. It weighs a staggering 8.8 tons and has a price tag of $285,000.
This beast features full armoring to keep you and your occupants safe. Plus, you won’t have to worry about running over a nail in your Knight XV; the run-flat tires allow you to drive for up to 80 miles after a puncture.
Gibbs Quadski
The Gibbs Quadski is part ATV, part jetski. The extreme versatility makes this vehicle a great option for getting out of a disastrous situation unscathed. The Quadski has a 15-gallon gas tank, four-wheel disk brakes and a four-cylinder gasoline-powered engine. Trail and marine lighting make for easy navigation when you get out of the city.
It features a jet propulsion engine that allows you to reach speeds of up to 45 mph on land and water. Making the transition from land to water is extremely seamless, too. The best part? Owning this vehicle will only cost you about $40,000.
Sportsmobile Van
Sportsmobile makes customized Mercedes and Ford E150 vans that are off-road ready. You can find a used one for around $60,000. The interior is large enough to be a home away from home, and the vans are typically customized for this purpose.
The features they have vary depending on the way they’re designed and built. However, they commonly have Baja tires and 4WD for driving on the beach or off-road. Most have luggage racks, and the interiors are built to make living in them comfortable. This is far from a minivan.
Ford GPA Amphibious Jeep
The Ford GPA is a quarter-ton 4×4 jeep that’s the smaller version of the DUKW. It was created for use on land and in water. It’s not as dependable on land or in water as the DUKW, and it doesn’t hold as many people. But if you’re by yourself and have a life jacket, this could be a workable option.
What the Ford GPA lacks in dependability, it makes up for in price. You might be able to get your hands on one of these amphibious vehicles for around $3,000.
M24 Chaffee
The United States used the M24 Chaffee tank during WWII. These vehicles are found throughout the country, and there are even some that are abandoned. Despite this, adding one to your fleet of apocalypse-ready vehicles will cost around $350,000.
The M24 Chaffee is a light tank. It has a top speed of around 35 mph thanks to two V8 engines. A 100-gallon gas tank gives this vehicle a range of 175 miles. As far as tanks go, the M24 has the ability to go faster and farther than most, which makes it an excellent option for getting away from the chaos.
Mercedes-Benz S500 Guard
The Mercedes-Benz S500 Guard was the first factory-armored car available to civilians in the United States. It offers superior protection, comfort and speed. You can get from zero to 60 in 7.3 seconds and travel at a top speed of 130 mph.
Aside from being a reasonably fast armored car, it has run-flat tires to ensure you can get safely out of town before having to stop for a change. If you bought one of these when Mercedes released the model in 2001, you would’ve paid around $150,000, but today you can get one with reasonably low miles for approximately $20,000.
WWII Sherman Tank
If you want to escape zombies and looters in a historic military icon, look no further. The Sherman Tank is one of the most famous war machines ever made. The mass production of this tank resulted in about 50,000 units.
This tank weighs an impressive 66,800 lbs. It’ll accommodate you and four others comfortably, and you can travel at about 29 mph for 100 to 150 miles before refueling. Purchasing one of these war machines will cost you anywhere from $20,000 to $250,000, depending on the condition.
Chieftain MK 10
You and three friends can hit the road in a Chieftain MK 10 for between $20,000 and $80,000. These tanks are leftovers from the Cold War and were used by the British army from 1966 to 1995. Despite their age, they’re still worthy vehicles when you don’t want anything to stand in your way.
You can go for 310 miles at 30 mph on the road in your Chieftain. It’s not all that fast, but the vehicle has an impressive ground clearance of 22 inches. Plus, it’s a tank, making it one of the most intimidating things you can drive down the road.
Oshkosh M-ATV
If you have $250,000 to spend on a vehicle to escape the apocalypse, the Oshkosh M-ATV is an excellent option. The durable drivetrain can handle sand, snow, mud and water with ease. Sixteen inches of ground clearance and massive tires give it the ability to roll over obstacles without issue.
Plus, the M-ATV is fully armored with blast seats for the driver and all of the occupants. It also has advanced navigation, situation awareness, exportable power and weapons-system technology. When you’re driving this thing, no human or zombie will be able to stand in your way.
OT-64-SKOT
The OT-64-SKOT is one of the absolute best vehicles for escaping the apocalypse. It’s massive and can drive on land and in water. Unlike other amphibious vehicles, this one has eight wheels and extreme off-road capability, along with a top speed on the ground of nearly 60 mph.
Two controllable front axles give it the ability to handle tough terrain. This armored personnel carrier also has a central tire inflation system, so you don’t have to get out to fill up the tires. You can purchase one in the Czech Republic for around $15,000.
Tatra 813
The Tatra 813 is an eight-wheel AWD vehicle, and it’s one of the most powerful available. The engine is a 17.6-liter air-cooled multi-fuel diesel, capable of producing 350 horsepower. Each of the eight wheels moves independently, making the ride incredibly smooth considering the vehicle’s size.
You can fit up to five of your closest family members and friends in the cab and pretty much everyone else you know in the back. The Tatra 813 has a flatbed, but these often come equipped with a canopy to protect whatever you’re hauling. You can get all of this for around $10,000 — not such a bad deal.
