The M1161 Growler ITV-LSV was created to meet one of the most unusual military vehicle requirements of the modern era: fitting a fully capable tactical vehicle inside the cargo bay of the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft. More than a decade after entering service with the U.S. Marine Corps, one of these rare machines is now being offered to the public as a running project vehicle in Texas.
Also read:
Knight Rider’s KITT Replica Receives Speeding Ticket While Parked Inside Illinois Museum
1958 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner Highlights America’s Early Retractable Hardtop Innovation
Rare 1999 Shelby Series 1 Returns Spotlight To Carroll Shelby’s Limited-Production Sports Car
The 2011 M1161 Growler, finished in military green and carrying serial number ITV20, represents a highly specialized chapter in military vehicle development. Designed as an Internally Transportable Light Strike Vehicle, the Growler was engineered to fit not only inside the MV-22 Osprey but also the larger CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter. Its compact dimensions, adjustable suspension, and removable roll cage were all developed to satisfy strict aircraft transport requirements while still providing off-road capability once deployed.
The vehicle currently being offered shows 769 miles on the odometer, with approximately 500 miles added by the current owner since acquiring it in 2019. Power comes from the original 2.8-liter MWM turbodiesel inline-four engine paired with a GM 4L70E four-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The setup allows operation in both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive configurations.
Although the Growler remains operational, the seller notes an intermittent electrical issue causing battery drain, believed to be related to a parasitic electrical draw. Despite the issue, videos included with the sale reportedly show the engine running properly.
The vehicle retains many of the features that made the Growler unique among military tactical platforms. A four-wheel airbag suspension system allows the driver to electronically adjust ride height from inside the cabin, enabling the vehicle to lower itself for aircraft loading before returning to full off-road clearance. An onboard air compressor and tire pressure management system further enhanced adaptability in field operations.
Additional military-oriented hardware includes D-ring tie-downs, hood-mounted mirrors, beadlock wheels, and a reinforced roll cage. The rear portion of the cage on this example has been replaced with a removable custom section fitted with a bikini-style top. The original rear steering system, once designed to improve maneuverability in confined spaces, was disabled under previous ownership.
Inside, the Growler features a simple but functional cabin layout with two forward-facing seats and two rear-facing seats trimmed in green vinyl. Instrumentation includes gauges for oil pressure, coolant temperature, battery voltage, and individual fuel levels for the dual fuel tanks. A Lev-O-Gage inclinometer and an 85-mph speedometer further emphasize the vehicle’s military utility roots.
Development of the Growler began in response to a 1999 Marine Corps requirement for a lightweight tactical vehicle capable of rapid deployment from aircraft. American Growler Inc., based in North Carolina, developed the platform before production responsibilities shifted to General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems under a contract awarded in 2004.
The vehicle’s development process proved difficult, with delays and rising costs pushing the project behind schedule. While the Growler was intended to support reconnaissance and light strike missions, shifting combat conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan favored heavier armored vehicles better suited to surviving roadside bomb threats. As a result, the Growler ultimately found more success in logistics and support roles rather than direct combat operations.
Production totals remained relatively low, with 266 M1161 scout variants eventually built. By 2019, surplus Growlers began appearing on the civilian market through government auctions, attracting collectors and off-road enthusiasts interested in owning a highly specialized military platform.
This particular example has received recent maintenance including new all-terrain tires, brake servicing, replacement CV boots, and repairs to a transmission fluid leak. It is now being offered for sale out of San Antonio with service records and a clean Texas title.
Source/See it here.
