Is there a military vehicle release database?

[77charger]

Is there anyplace someone could find how a military vehicle was released ,or if it is possibly stolen?
Does the government document sales and thefts ? Reason I'm asking trying to get history on hmmwv before purchase.

 

[Chief_919]

First question- does it have a valid title that matches the VIN on the data plate?

If so, you are likely legit.

No title means a boatload of problems in most cases, even if it isn't stolen.

 

[emmado22]

Post some details and pics. That sort of stuff can be an indicator, as they say in the intell world...

 

[hndrsonj]

I would say the odds are better that it was pieced together from parts than stolen. From what I understand there were only 2 big auctions in 86-87 where they were actually released and titled. I guess that would also be an indication of a possible problem if it is titled newer than an 87.

 

[Chief_919]

I would say the odds are better that it was pieced together from parts than stolen. From what I understand there were only 2 big auctions in 86-87 where they were actually released and titled. I guess that would also be an indication of a possible problem if it is titled newer than an 87.

The sale was more like 96-98 time frame actually.

 

[quickfarms]

Is it registered in your state or the sellers state?

If so then check to make sure the numbers match.

In some states you can get a title from a bill of sale.

 

[doghead]

Is there anyplace someone could find how a military vehicle was released ,or if it is possibly stolen?
Does the government document sales and thefts ? Reason I'm asking trying to get history on hmmwv before purchase.

Nope, just a handshake, exchange of cash, and no paperwork...

 

[hndrsonj]

The sale was more like 96-98 time frame actually.

Found my info: The HMMWV's sold were mostly 85/86/87's and were all Marine versions. The big auction was on Aug 11, 1999 outside Atlanta GA. There were 548 sold. 498 were sold to dealers 50 went to collectors. The auction firm was Manheim Bishop Brothers Auction Company. The info was in an article in Military Vehicles Magazine issue #75 from Sep/Oct 1999. An interesting note is that ALL the bill of sales were marked "For Off-road Use Only" according to the article.

 

[marsman]

If you know a local police, they can check the vin # for you.

 

[armytruck63]

Found my info: The HMMWV's sold were mostly 85/86/87's and were all Marine versions. The big auction was on Aug 11, 1999 outside Atlanta GA. There were 548 sold. 498 were sold to dealers 50 went to collectors. The auction firm was Manheim Bishop Brothers Auction Company. The info was in an article in Military Vehicles Magazine issue #75 from Sep/Oct 1999. An interesting note is that ALL the bill of sales were marked "For Off-road Use Only" according to the article.

There were also several auctions in Riverside, CA. I went there twice to help friends look at some HMMWV's (all I could afford to do was look). You also had to be a dealer to buy at the auction.

All the HMMWV's were Marine vehicles. We found that the nicest ones had the early engines and exhaust tips - no fording kit meant no deep salt water fording. I think the preferred alternator was the 100 Amp version with radio suppression. This is all going from memory from about 12 years ago.

Somewhere I have pictures...

 

[3dAngus]

Anyone know the average cost during those two auctions?

 

[armytruck63]

If I remember correctly, runners were going for about $17,000 and non-runners were $13,000.

 

[hndrsonj]

Anyone know the average cost during those two auctions?

By googling the auction company and HMMWV, you can find more info. It seems there were several smaller auctions around the same time for a total of somewhere around 1500 vehicles total sold.

 

[papabear]

Is there anyplace someone could find how a military vehicle was released ,or if it is possibly stolen?
Does the government document sales and thefts ? Reason I'm asking trying to get history on hmmwv before purchase.

Here's some advice from an old worry wart:

Agree with a purchase price with the seller...but DEMAND that he or she produce a clear, matching serial number title for THAT vehicle...or RUN FOREST!! RUN!!

 

[Bob USNR]

I could be misinformed... but I understand the military hummers were not legal to be used on any public roadway. No one is going to try to stop an in service US military vehicle.
However once "We the people" gain ownership "batten down the hatches and standby for foul weather"!!

I was told they had to be "federalized" before you could get them registered. There is not much to it but it has to be done by a federalizing specialist.
There are companies that specialize in doing the modifications.
It is basically the same mods you have to get for any vehicle that was built for use outside the USA and subsequently imported into the USA. These are referred to as "grey market cars".

E

 

[Bob USNR]

I use papabear's idea. Always ask for a clear title in the seller's name.
No money changes hands until you have examined the title!

E