1952 Willys M38 Jeep

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The 1952 Jeep M38, also known as the Willys MC, was a military light utility vehicle produced by Willys-Overland from 1950 to 1952. It was designed as a successor to the World War II-era Willys MB and Ford GPW models and formally referred to as the “¼-ton, 4x4, Utility Truck M38” as only the military can label a vehicle. While the civilian Jeep CJ-3A had many things in common with the military M38 vehicles, it differed from the latter in several important ways. The M38 had a reinforced frame and suspension, a waterproof 24-volt electrical system, and a sealed vent system that offered protection to the engine, transmission, transfer case, fuel system, and brake system from water and dust. These features made the M38 an ideal vehicle for military operations in extreme weather conditions and harsh terrain, such as the Korean conflict raging at that time.  

With rugged go-anywhere capabilities, the M38 was easily configured to serve a multitude of roles from radio outposts, command cars, and general transportation. An interesting piece of military history, this Marine M38 is ready for on- and off-road service, or for transporting veterans in local Memorial Day parades. 

Highlights 

• Configured with Fleet Marine Forces-Pacific (FMF-PAC) markings 

• Willys F4-134 ​​134.2 cu-in inline four-cylinder engine and three-speed manual transmission 

• Dana 25 front and Dana 44 rear axles with two-speed transfer case 

• Outfitted with correct accessories including siren, “pioneer tools” (shovel and ax), and five-gallon “Jerry Can” spare fuel container 

• Offered from the final year of M38 production 

Features 

• Maintenance in 2020 included: 

  • Crankshaft pulley replacement 

  • Flywheel ring gear replacement 

  • Steering linkage replacement 

  • Steering alignment 

• Correct “knobby” non-directional tires 

Known Imperfections 

• Needs new battery 

• Gas tank needs cleaning 

Included 

• Receipts for parts, upgrades, and maintenance 

• “Pioneer tools” shovel and ax 

• Five-gallon “Jerry Can” 

• Spare tire 

 Ownership History 

This 1952 Jeep M38 was owned by the consignor’s grandfather, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and the M38 is configured with the correct markings and finishes of the Fleet Marine Forces-Pacific (FMF-PAC), the largest field command in the Marine Corps, which served in the Korean conflict 1950–1953.