4 Minutes
Overview
The USSV Hamba is a one-off, paramilitary-inspired off-roader built on the chassis of a Ford F-150. Equal parts movie-prop and custom build, this compact two-door pickup blends familiar Ford mechanicals with radical, armored styling. Originally created by US Specialty Vehicles — the same shop behind several cars seen in the Fast & Furious films — the Hamba surfaced publicly after a Barrett-Jackson auction and recently reappeared for sale at a Florida dealership. Original images from the source are retained in their placements and formats.
Vehicle specifications
Engine and drivetrain
Under the hood the Hamba uses the tried-and-true 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 found in modern Ford Mustangs, rated at roughly 420 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Power is routed through a 10-speed automatic transmission. While the drivetrain is familiar to gearheads, the heavy custom bodywork and additional structure mean on-paper performance doesn’t translate to sports-car acceleration, though the V8 soundtrack remains a highlight.
Chassis, weight and layout
Despite sharing the F-150 chassis, the Hamba is a smaller two-door pickup in terms of footprint. Custom body panels, oversized window surrounds and unique taillight treatments add curb weight—reportedly exceeding that of a conventional F-150. Interior space is limited in the rear due to the two-door configuration and extensive bespoke modifications.
Design and interior
Exterior styling
The exterior styling is purposefully aggressive and unconventional, drawing visual cues from fighter jets and armored vehicles rather than traditional truck or SUV design language. The bespoke panels give it a compact, squat appearance; some observers find it jarring, while others appreciate its singular character. Compared to boutique armored brands like Rezvani or Dartz, the Hamba’s aesthetic feels rawer and more uncompromising.
Cabin and materials
Inside, much of the underlying F-150 cabin remains intact, but USSV upgraded the upholstery with plush red leather seats, black leather door panels with red contrast stitching, and Alcantara on inner panels and the headliner. An aftermarket Alpine head unit modernizes the infotainment, and the steering wheel has been retrimmed. Notably, the front center console has been removed, further emphasizing the bespoke nature of the build.
Performance and driving impressions
The Hamba’s Mustang-sourced V8 delivers strong low-end and midrange torque, making it sound authoritative on throttle. However, the significant curb weight and unique aerodynamics mean it’s not a performance truck in the traditional sense—expect muscular sound and adequate real-world driveability rather than track-focused speed.
Market positioning and comparisons
The Hamba occupies a niche between movie-prop exotica and boutique armored/off-road builds. Its rarity—only one example is known to exist—positions it as a collectible conversation piece rather than a practical daily driver. When compared with specialist makers like Rezvani and Dartz, the Hamba reads as more experimental and less refined, but arguably more distinctive.
Availability and provenance
This single Hamba changed hands at Barrett-Jackson a few years ago and has since been listed for sale through dealers, including an eBay listing at $79,000 that drew no buyer. Its combination of custom craftsmanship, Mustang V8 mechanicals, and eccentric styling make it a rare find for collectors and enthusiasts who value uniqueness over resale predictability.
Conclusion
The USSV Hamba is not for everyone, but for automotive fans who prize originality, it’s a striking example of creative customization. Its Ford underpinnings and Mustang-derived V8 give it a reliable mechanical core beneath some of the most unusual pickup styling you’ll encounter.
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