1952 Willys M38 and M100 Trailer

Description

The Willys MC, formally referred to as the ¼-ton, 4x4, Utility Truck M38, was a renowned light utility four-wheel drive military vehicle that was manufactured between 1949 and 1952. While the civilian Jeep CJ-3A might have many things in common with the military M38 designation vehicles, it differed from the latter in several key 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. With rugged go-anywhere capabilities, the M38 was easily configured to serve a multitude of roles from radio outposts, command cars, and general transportation, which was made even more practical when pulling an M100 trailer, such as the example on offer. 

Highlights

• M38 Jeep

  • Thoroughly restored over a five-year period to its original military specification from 2012 to 2016

  • Refinished in Olive Drab with period correct military unit markings in white

  • Completely rebuilt ​​134.2 cu-in inline-four cylinder engine and three-speed manual transmission

  • Both the Dana 25 front and Dana 44 rear axles were overhauled in addition to the two-speed transfer case

  • Complete renewal of the brakes, suspension, and 24-volt electrical system

  • Outfitted with correct accessories such as an axe, shovel, and trenching tool

  • Hailing from the final year of production

  • Please note that while the five-digit odometer displays just 294 miles at the time of listing, the true mileage is unknown

• M100 Trailer

  • Restoration work began in 2014

  • New floor pans were installed

  • Refinished using the same green paint for the Jeep

Features

• M38 Jeep specifications:

  • Wheelbase: 80 inches

  • Length overall: 132 15/16 inches

  • Width, minimum: 62 inches

  • Height overall: maximum 74 inches with top-up; reducible to 55 inches

  • Ground clearance: 9 ¼  inches at the rear axle

  • Empty weight: 2,625 pounds

  • Gross vehicle weight: 3,825 pounds on road

  • Payload: 1,200 pounds on-road / 800 pounds off-road

• M100 trailer specifications:

  • Overall length: 108 ¼ inches

  • Interior length: 72 inches

  • Overall width: 56 ½ inches

  • Interior width: 38 inches

  • Empty weight: 565 pounds

  • Payload: 500 pounds

  • Hitch type: pintle

Known Imperfections

• The M100 trailer is awaiting final completion as the electrical system needs to be installed and final markings

• The paint finish on the hood of the Jeep does not match the rest of the truck

Included

• Several boxes of spare parts, including:

  • Wiring

  • Paint

  • Jerry can

  • Radiator

  • Lights

  • Review mirror

• Folding fabric roof, side curtains, and doors

• Reprinted military-issued technical manuals

Ownership History

The current owner of this 1952 Willys M38 purchased it from a fellow enthusiast in South Carolina in 2012 and purchased the M100 trailer in 2014.

Optional vehicle service contract available for $650. Learn more about the program here. *Sales tax may be applicable.