At the 2024 Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Danton Arts Kustoms' custom 6x6 Humvee stole the show. Originally an AM General military Humvee, this vehicle was transformed into a six-wheeled behemoth equipped with a 6.2-litre Hellcat V8, producing an astonishing 717 horsepower. Fitted with an aircraft-inspired rear wing, rugged off-road tyres, and a military-grade suspension, this Humvee is as much a work of art as it is a powerful machine.

From France to America, Danto Arts Kustoms makes waves

This isn't Alex's first rodeo into a—what others may consider—a wild custom build. His reputation for creating outlandish, jaw-dropping vehicles is well-established. Back in 2019, we had the pleasure of meeting him with two of his early standout builds: a matt red Porsche 911 Targa Hot Rod, designed in collaboration with Hot Wheels for their 50th anniversary in Paris, and the 1970 Jeepster Commando Hot Rod, a modern take on a classic off-roader.

Inside, the attention to detail continues with a custom interior that bridges the gap between rugged functionality and luxury. It’s the kind of vehicle that can dominate the desert or cruise through a city, drawing crowds wherever it goes. The hammer came down at an impressive price at Barrett-Jackson, though the precise sale amount reflected not just the car's build quality but also the ingenuity behind it.

We’ve been lucky enough to witness Danton’s genius up close, and Tony, being fluent in French, was able to connect with him on a deeper level during our meeting in 2019. Danton’s passion for pushing the boundaries of automotive design is infectious, and his workshop in Lyon is a playground for car enthusiasts who dare to dream big.

The 6x6 Hellcat Humvee isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a statement. It represents the boldness and innovation that Alexandre Danton brings to every project. Whether dominating the auction block or inspiring a new generation of custom builders, Danton Arts Kustoms continues to lead the way in the world of bespoke automotive design.

Danton Arts Kustoms 2009 AM General Humvee Custom 6x6

• Engine: 6.2L Hellcat V8 producing 717 hp

• Transmission: Automatic

• Drivetrain: Custom 6x6 layout with three powered axles

• Suspension: Upgraded military-grade setup

• Wheels/Tires: Custom off-road tires mounted on bespoke wheels

• Exterior Features:

  • Aircraft-inspired rear wing

  • Extended custom bodywork

  • Matte black paint with contrasting accents

  • Enlarged fender flares

• Interior Features:

  • Simplified utilitarian cabin

  • Upgraded seating and controls

• Performance Enhancements:

  • Modified drivetrain to accommodate six-wheel-drive power delivery

  • Custom exhaust system for enhanced engine acoustics

His portfolio is brimming with creations that redefine the limits of automotive design. Take, for instance, his sinister Lamborghini Espada Hot Rod, which strips the iconic Italian sports car down to its essentials while adding a menacing twist, or the jaw-dropping six-wheeled Rolls-Royce Phantom – a £4.3 million masterpiece that combines opulence and madness. You'd be mistaken to think it that this creation would have been an afront to Lamborghini as Stefano Domenicali, the CEO of Lamborghini at the time, himself signed the creation.

This act added a significant stamp of approval and recognition from the iconic Italian automaker, highlighting the uniqueness of the build. It reflects Lamborghini’s own willingness to embrace bold customisations that honour their heritage while pushing creative boundaries.

From Lyon to the World: A Personal Connection

A Beast Unleashed in Scottsdale

For those lucky enough to witness his creations, whether in the USA or in Europe, or elsewhere, they serve as a reminder of what’s possible when imagination meets engineering. We can’t wait to see what Alexandre dreams up next. What makes Alexandre’s story even more remarkable is his ability to transcend language barriers. Barriers Tony doesn't have to face (lucky us!) since Tony is French as well.

Speaking only a few words of English, and those with a charmingly thick French accent, Alexandre relied on the support of collaborators who share his passion. His friend Nicolas Pulver of Frenchy Export LLC played a vital role in import from France to the US and of course, translations, while the connection to the Scottsdale auction at Barrett-Jackson was made possible by none other than John Claye Wolfe, Founder and President of GIVE ME THE VIN, and Richard Rawlings of Gas Monkey Garage. 

Alexandre Danton: Pushing Boundaries

Alexandre’s creations, whether it’s the Hellcat Humvee, the Jeepster Commando, or the Rolls-Royce Phantom, are a testament to his philosophy: cars are more than just machines – they are art in motion. With each build, he challenges conventional ideas, combining engineering precision with wild creativity.

In Summary:

For a closer look at this beast and Danton’s other wild rides, check out this video from the Barrett-Jackson auction

The Humvee was the star of the auction, commanding a staggering $750,000 hammer price, which rose to $825,000 with fees. Its global impact was equally jaw-dropping, garnering over 100 million views on YouTube and cementing Alexandre’s reputation as a visionary in the custom car world.

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