Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The AM General M998 is the real thing, the military HMMWV that inspired the civilian Hummer, and this 1989 example is titled and road-legal. Finished in gray with an extensive overland build, it rides on genuine portal axles and runs a diesel V8. It sits on Cars and Bids at $12,345 with seven days to go.1989 AM General M998 HMMWVCars & BidsWhat it's worth right nowSurplus Humvees span a broad market depending on whether they are street-legal. According to Classic.com and recent listings and auction results, titled, road-legal M998s generally trade close to $18,000 to $30,000, while off-road-only surplus trucks start nearer government-auction money.AdvertisementAdvertisementFair value for a titled, extensively built example like this sits close to $18,000 to $30,000, most likely close to $22,000 to $26,000, with the comprehensive street-friendly build and clean title supporting the figure and the notes below tempering it. At $12,345 with seven days remaining, the bidding should climb into that range.1989 AM General M998 HMMWVCars & BidsCondition and detailsThe truck is a thoroughly modified, street-ready build. Finished in a Tuff Coat gray coating, it runs a 6.5-liter diesel V8 backed by a 4L80E four-speed automatic with a Black Dog Customs standalone controller, driving all four wheels through a two-speed transfer case and portal axles.1989 AM General M998 HMMWVCars & BidsThe build is extensive and genuinely usable, with Plan B Trucks Signature X-doors and cab kit, aftermarket bucket seats, a roof-mounted 12,000 BTU RV air conditioner, Speedhut gauges, a rearview camera, and a swing-away tire carrier, among much else. It carries a clean Pennsylvania title. Several points deserve attention. An aftermarket odometer shows 8,500 miles, but the chassis reportedly had 42,183 miles when it was fitted and the true mileage is unknown, so treat it as shown, and note the tachometer is not connected.1989 AM General M998 HMMWVCars & BidsAs an extensively modified truck, it should be valued on the finished product, since modifications narrow the buyer pool and rarely recoup their cost. The seller notes it may not pass emissions or inspection in some states, so confirm registration where the buyer lives. There are 2019-date tires to replace, some interior wear, and corrosion on exterior and underbody components, and the recent fluid services are undocumented. A pre-purchase inspection is worthwhile.1989 AM General M998 HMMWVCars & BidsAdvertisementAdvertisementThe offerSpecificationDetailMakeAM GeneralModelM998 HMMWVYear1989Mileage8,500 miles shownEngine6.5-liter diesel V8PowerNot specified by the sellerTransmission4-speed automaticDrive typeFour-wheel drive with two-speed transfer caseExterior colorGrayInterior colorBlackCurrent bid$12,345, with seven days leftInterested in this 1989 AM General M998 HMMWV? View the listing here.What makes the M998 uniqueThe M998 HMMWV is one of the most recognizable military vehicles ever built, developed by AM General for the United States military and pressed into service beginning in the mid-1980s. Its low, wide stance, prodigious ground clearance, and portal axles gave it extraordinary off-road capability, and its role in the Gulf War made it a household name. The truck's popularity with the public, famously championed by Arnold Schwarzenegger, convinced AM General to build the civilian Hummer H1, but the genuine military M998 remains the purest expression of the design.1989 AM General M998 HMMWVCars & BidsOwning the real thing carries a presence and authenticity that the civilian version cannot quite match, and a diesel-powered, portal-axle M998 is as capable off-road as almost anything on wheels. The catch has always been road legality, since many surplus trucks were never titled for street use. A version like this, already titled and built for usable street and overland duty, removes that hurdle and delivers the iconic hardware ready to drive.My takeThis one is for the buyer who wants the genuine military article with the paperwork already sorted and a build oriented toward actually using it. The clean Pennsylvania title removes the biggest headache of Humvee ownership, the diesel and portal axles deliver real capability, and the thoughtful street-and-overland build, right down to the roof-mounted RV air conditioner, makes it far more livable than a stripped surplus truck.AdvertisementAdvertisementFair value sits close to $18,000 to $30,000, most likely close to $22,000 to $26,000, reflecting the titled, built condition against the unknown mileage and the items to address. Before bidding, confirm registration in the buyer's home state, treat the mileage as shown, and budget for fresh tires and the corrosion. Go in understanding what it is, a slow, characterful, capability-first machine rather than a fast one, and this is one of the most iconic road-legal military vehicles a buyer can own.Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 1, 2026, where it first appeared. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.