1955 Willys M-38

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-Overlands 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 drivers 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 youre buying your very first classic truck or youre 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 Ellingsons a call today at 763-428-7337!