Meet TOMCAR: A Military UTV Provider Gone Recreational

There’s a good chance if you’re an American ATV/ UTV enthusiast the name TOMCAR doesn’t hold a whole bunch of meaning for you. We have seen one pop up in classified ads every now and again but by and large, they are pretty few and far between in the US.

Hopefully that won’t be the case for long, and a look at the company’s history is all the proof one needs of that.

Military Applications

The origin of TOMCAR dates back to 1967. That was when a specialized unit of airborne commandos were dropped into enemy territory – along with half a dozen Willy’s MB Jeeps – to carry out a top-secret mission. The unit was stranded behind enemy lines when all six Jeeps were destroyed upon landing. Fortunately, the unit’s commanding officer was able to piece together two running vehicles from the wreckage, allowing the commandos to successfully complete their mission.

Two decades later, that same soldier built the first TOMCAR, a durable but versatile all-terrain vehicle designed to be parachuted out of a plane for use in military operations. All of the vehicle’s parts are readily accessible and easy to repair and replace in the field. The major components of the vehicle are symmetrical and interchangeable, reducing the necessary stock on hand, streamlining repairs and simplifying maintenance.

TOMCARs are also known to be extremely tough – boasting strongest vehicle in its class, with a fully welded steel safety cell that is integral to the frame, not just bolted in place. This level of structural integrity and safety is simply unmatched by any other utility vehicle on the market today. And it is this commitment to quality that really sets TOMCAR apart from the competition.

TOMCAR has now been in continual active development for over twenty years, and successfully serves numerous military forces in conflict zones across the world. It is currently in use by the Israeli military to patrol its borders and carry out various military missions. It is also used by the US Customs and Border Patrol, by the US National Guard and by the British Army in Afghanistan.

TOMCAR’s unique credentials as an ultra-durable and highly functional off-road vehicle have also been endorsed by commercial users working in a wide range of demanding industries. A popular vehicle in military, commercial and now making the move into consumer markets.

Consumer Versions

A rich heritage of military use speaks volumes about the brand’s reputation and durability but doesn’t do the average consumer much good. Fortunately The TOMCAR has become available to the public for both commercial and recreational use since 2005.

The TOMCAR currently comes in a two-seater version known as the TM-2, a four-seater version called the TM-4, a utility two-seater version called a TM-5 and a 6-seater called the TM-6.

Interestingly, there was once a single-seater version, known as the TM-1 (think Polaris Sportsman ACE) that has been discontinued.

Any of the models offered can be powered by either gasoline, diesel and now in electric configurations. They all use a CVT transmission system and a chain final drive, giving the vehicles a ground clearance of 15″.

If a chain final drive on so utility-based a machine seems odd to you, think about a sport/ performance quad for just a moment. A chain-driven swingarm out back allows the vehicle an above average ground clearance while controlling the amount of suspension articulation (anti-squat) created by acceleration.

Dual Purpose

Where things really get interesting when compared to UTVs from many other brands is that the TOMCAR’s come equipped to be road-legal in most places. These machines find themselves in the same league as Jeep and other SUV manufacturers. Unfortunately pricing reflects this reality. Prices for the TM series begin at $19,450 and go up to $46,500.

US Distributor

Whereas once the only way to own one of these rare machines was to try and have one shipped to the United States from Australia, the brand now has legit US distribution through TOMCAR LLC out of Phoenix, AZ.

Give their impressive site a look by clicking here.