Vehicle Description
Very sharp Willys M38A1 military jeep with a ton of period
accessories, lights & siren, replica machine gun, carbine rifle,
canvas top, and so much more! Comprehensive mechanical restoration
in 2013 to include new brakes, suspension, fuel system, exhaust,
and Firestone tires! A real head turner!
Following the success of the light-duty Willys-Overland MB military
jeep used in WWII, an improved military version followed in 1950,
becoming the new M38 or "MD" model. Further revisions to the
original L-Head 134ci Go Devil 4-cylinder engine came about in 1953
with a new F-head 134.2ci version with increased compression and
horsepower, becoming known as the Hurricane engine. It produced
7.5:1 compression and made approximately 75 horsepower and 114 lb.
ft. of torque. This new engine prompted the model designation
change to M38A1, now featuring taller hoods and rounded fenders
providing the space necessary in the engine compartment. Just like
before, these power plants featured sealed air intakes and
carburetors allowing complete water submersion. It would form the
basis for the civilian jeep, or CJ-5, in 1955 that continued
production in similar form for next three decades. Collectors today
enjoy using them for off-road excursions & reenactments with fellow
military vehicle owners & club events, as well as local parades and
car shows.
Offered here is a very well-appointed 1954 Willys M38A1 4x4
military jeep refinished in traditional Army Green with stenciled
Army star and division numbers. It retains its original 134.2ci
Inline 4 cylinder engine and T-90 3-speed manual transmission, Dana
25 front & Dana 44 rear axles, and 2-range Dana 18 transfer case.
Accessories are abundant on this wonderful display piece to include
a replica 50-caliber machine gun & dummy ammo on a pedestal mount;
decommissioned carbine rifle, two bayonets with sheaths; complete
river fording equipment with elevated snorkel intake, high-rise
exhaust pipe, and forward push bar; radio equipment with whip
antenna; rear jerry can, canvas water bag, complete first aid kit,
two helmets, axe & shovel, top frame & canvass cover, padded grill
& hood cover, and fire extinguisher!
This November 1954 built example was most recently survived out of
an El Paso, Texas collection for many years before being sold to a
prominent New York collector in April 2013. He would commence a
comprehensive mechanical restoration to bring this deserving Jeep
to road worthy caliber once again. Receipts included with the sale
will highlight everything from the new radiator & hoses, rebuilt
fuel system with new lines, pump, pickup & sender; completely new
braking system including lines, hoses, shoes, wheel cylinders, &
master cylinder; complete water fording equipment; all five
Firestone tires, rebuilt transmission with new clutch, new front &
rear springs with four new shocks; new laminated windshields, and
much more! All parts were supplied through the leading military
restoration company, Midwest Military.
Today, it continues to start and run wonderfully! It was also
fitted with seatbelts, turn signals, 12-volt alternator charging
system, and red flashing military police light with siren! The
carburetor was recently rebuilt with new spark plugs installed. It
will also come with service and technical repair manuals. If you
seek a M38A1 Military Jeep that has received a great deal of recent
mechanical attention, that continues to be an outstanding driver,
look no further! Please feel free to call with any additional
questions or schedule a chance to view in person.