Vehicle Description
This 1955 Willys M38A1 4X4 Military Jeep is an absolutely gorgeous
Korean War era Military vehicle that underwent an extensive
frame-off restoration. Ohio-based Willys-Overland's history dates
back to 1909 with the company producing its earliest products,
postal delivery wagons and soon after, Willys expanded its
operations with the production of light-duty commercial vehicles.
As the years progressed Willys foothold on the light-duty truck
market was evident. However by the 1930s, feeling the effects of
the Great Depression, Willys was placed into receivership and a
shift into passenger cars allowed the company to stave off full
blown bankruptcy. As the United States entered into World War II,
perhaps no military vehicle was more iconic than the Jeep, a
nameplate that still survives nearly 100 years later. While the
Jeep underwent a redesign between World War II and the Korean War,
Willys Jeeps were still playing a prominent role for the United
States' military during the Korean War. The Korean War era Jeep was
the M38A1 which entered production at the tail end of 1952 as the
1953 model year vehicles. Featuring brand new body work including
revised door openings (notably no hard doors still) and sunk-in
headlights. Additionally, a brand new hood and front fender design
gave the jeep a fuller, rounder look that also afforded these Jeeps
far greater protection and durability than the previous generation.
The rounder hood design was necessary due to the fact that the
M38A1 Jeeps were equipped with the new "Hurricane" F-head motors
that were taller than the "Go Devil" motors used in the World War
II era Jeeps. Interestingly, the M38A1 would serve as the basis for
the CJ-5 Jeeps that were highly popular civilian models. This
particular example comes to us after having benefitted from a
complete Frame Off restoration from an attentive steward who owned
this Jeep for over 10 years. Powering this M38A1 Jeep is a 134.2
cubic inch "Hurricane" F-Head Inline 4 cylinder engine fed by a
single barrel carburetor that together were said to have produced
70 horsepower when new. The Hurricane 4 is backed by a 3 speed
manual transmission that is shifted with a floor-mounted shifter.
From the transmission, power can be directed to either exclusively
to the rear wheels via a Dana rear end or to all 4 wheels through
the front and rear Dana differentials. Because this Willys Jeep is
specced for military usage, creature comforts are rather scant with
seemingly only a driver's side mirror. With that said however,
there are several utilitarian features that can be found on this
M38A1 Willys. For example, the electrical system runs on a heavy
duty 24 volt setup providing improved electrical performance
especially in challenging conditions. Likewise, this Willys Jeep
rides on painted steel disc wheels upon which are mounted 7.00-16
Cooper Cross Country tires that make traversing rough country a bit
more manageable. Additionally, a matching spare wheel and tire are
mounted on the rear of this Willys military vehicle should you need
to change a tire. This Jeep also comes with a removable soft top
and side curtains that appear to be in original-type condition. The
steel body has been beautifully refinished in Army Green paint that
is accented with Ivory colored painted livery that really gives
this classic Jeep its army-styled aesthetic. The interior of this
1955 Willys M38A1 4X4 Military Jeep is absolutely stunning! Every
interior surface has been repainted in matching Army Green paint
with everything from the floors, to the dash looking as great as
the exterior of the jeep. A pair of bucket seats in the front and
bench seat in the rear have all been reupholstered and match the
Army green look and utilitarian feel while driving or riding inside
this Williys M38A1 4x4 Jeep. This 1955 Jeep also comes equipped
with full instrumentation including a 60 MPH speedometer, battery
gauge, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, and fuel gauge.
Simply put, you will be hard pressed to find a nicer M38A1 Jeep!
Whether you're buying your very first classic truck or you're a
seasoned collector looking for a statement piece to finish off your
collection, this 1955 Willys M38A1 4X4 Military Jeep would make an
excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a call today at
763-428-7337!
*134.2 Cu. In. "Hurricane" F-Head Inline 4
*Single Barrel Carburetor
*3 Speed Manual Transmission
*Dana 4X4 Front & Rear Differentials
*Painted Disc Wheels
*7.00-16 Cooper Cross-Country Tires
*Comprehensive Frame-Off Restoration
*Refinished in Army Green w/ Ivory Army Livery
*Reupholstered Front Buckets and Rear Bench
*Heavy Duty 24 Volt Electrical System
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 18,163 Miles
