The Hummer brand arose in 1992 with the civilian version of AM General’s High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or Humvee) in 1992. Designated Hummer H1, that vehicle was built on the same m998 platform as its military counterparts and featured the same off road capabilities and durability while offering a more appealing interior to owners. In December 1999, AM General sold the brand name, marketing rights and distribution responsibilities to General Motors while continuing to manufacture the vehicles. To broaden appeal at dealerships, General Motors later developed the H2 and contracted AM General for the construction in a brand new, state of the art facility in Mishawaka, Indiana. The new design, while unique, utilized many existing GM parts, like a modified 2500 utility frame for the front with upgraded sections from a 1500 frame in the rear, and GM’s 6.0-liter gasoline V-8 engines.

The standard Hummer H2 loudly speaks excess, in automobile and light truck terms, but for some customers that’s not enough. Stretched Hummers are fairly common, making a statement that the Lincoln Town Car is paltry, and custom Hummers, such as this one, take it to a new level.

Custom-built by advanced concept impresario Manny de Encio when he was at CTL Motorsports in Westminster, California, it was inspired by the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team. When the Lakers failed to win the championship, Manny disassembled the truck and built it up to his own recipe. The frame is powder coated. A Bullet Proof suspension kit gives it a 14-inch lift. With 44-inch tires it has 30-inch ride height. The chrome-plated suspension is controlled by nitrogen-charged Fox Racing Shox. The H2 runs with a 366-cid, 325-hp OHV V-8 engine, four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission, torsion bar independent front suspension, five-link coil spring rear suspension, and four-wheel anti-lock power hydraulic disc brakes on a chassis with a 122.8-inch wheelbase.

The interior is amazing. It has a custom audio-video system by Precision Auto Sound, comprising Crossfire mids, woofers and tweeters, amps and crossovers, controlled by a Panasonic Ghost Face head unit. An Eiger Vision DVD player feeds five 10-1/2 inch flip-down screens, while a second player allows individual movies or games on four headrest-mounted LCD monitors. Gomez Custom Upholstery did the black suede interior.

The engine has also benefited from some tweaks. It has a Volant cool air intake and mass airflow sensor, a Nology Hot Wire ignition set and Beru spark plugs. The stainless cat-back exhaust system is from MagnaFlow. The drivelines have been reworked by J.E. Reed and Power Slot rotors up-rate the brakes.

Body modifications include Kodiak Sidewinder electric steps, an American Outfitters stainless steel wraparound front bumper to replace the plastic factory piece, Hummer H2 Bi-Xenon projector headlights with stage-two bulbs from HIDS-4Less, an electric billet gas cap door from Profit, and an array of LED lighting with controllers by Varad. The carbon-fiber hood scoop and hood caps are from Kasad.

It seems almost anticlimactic to learn that the yellow paint is a factory color, with new components painted to match. In any case, this is a Hummer on steroids, the perfect vehicle for those who feel that too much is not enough.