Vehicle Description
1955 Willys M38A1
The Jeep wave, the Jeep duckling, and anything else that's a "Jeep
thing" can trace its roots to the CJ-2A of the 1940's, which was
almost exclusively a vehicle for the agricultural and industrial
industries and not marketed as a passenger car. Even as the CJ-3A1
replaced it, it was farm journals where the car was promoted
beginning in 1949. It was then adapted for the military as the M38
and eventually the M38A1 with reinforced suspension, a waterproof
electrical system, and sealed vent systems for various functional
components. This was the first round fendered Jeep and is cited for
leading to the civilian CJ-5.
For consignment, a real deal 1955 Willys M38A1, recipient of a full
nut and bolt restoration including the engine, paint, and brakes.
Our consignor states proudly that outside of the floor pans, all
the sheet metal is original and the electrical system has been
converted to 12 volt.
Exterior
The body was sandblasted, primed with epoxy primer, and resprayed
in single stage and slightly flattened Olive Green paint. It covers
the car with a beautiful, pre combat satin finish. Army decals,
including the stars, are crisp and white and the Jerry can, 16-inch
wheels, and top supports are also olive green. Speaking of the top,
this is the correct convertible version and is immaculate. The
iconic 7 slot grille is flanked by inset headlights and the
blackout lights were converted to turn signals. Our consignor
states he did not show this car, but it's certainly worthy and
would be welcome at military events and Memorial Day parade. We
note one blemish on the exterior, a sizable crack in the paint in
the hood.
Interior
Doorless entry gives easy access to the olive green vinyl bucket
seat in fantastic condition and the small rear bench seat. Rough
and ready with bare bones minimalism in here, no other padded
surfaces or decorative trim. A three spoke olive green steering
wheel fronts a flat metal dashboard where a black paneled gauge
cluster resides in the middle. Correct data plates are in front of
the passenger and behind a handle bolted to the dash. The shifter
and range selectors for this � ton 4x4 are floor mounted and share
the drab color of the matless floor where exposed bolts, rivets and
welds tell the story of the car's construction.
Drivetrain
Under the hood, a gleaming 134.2 cubic inch F-head Hurricane inline
4 cylinder engine that's been fully rebuilt. It was bored out .030,
had the crank turned .010 on the rods and mains, and received a new
camshaft. Other replaced items include the oil pump, gaskets, and
the correct year generator, all with less than 1,000 miles since
rebuild. A Borg Warner T90 3-speed manual transmission is tied to a
Dana 18 transfer case and power is distributed to the Dana 25 5.38
gears in front, and Dana 44 5.38 gears in the back. The master and
wheel cylinders were replaced on the 4 wheel drum brakes.
Undercarriage
If M38's were ever in showrooms, we would refer to the
undercarriage and "showroom condition". But I think you know where
we're going, it's spotless underneath, dominated by clean olive
green paint. Only the single exhaust veers from that pattern, as it
flows straight back before turning sharply into a stock style
muffler and exiting unceremoniously under the right rear corner.
Leaf springs are found front and rear. We note a few drops of fluid
on the transmission housing, but otherwise minty mint conditions
prevail underneath.
Drive-Ability
Hooah! I haven't had this much fun since playing in the mud with a
plastic version of this very car about five decades ago! The engine
runs well, and the drivetrain is fully engaged as we civilian types
roll this car over our flat terrain and experience a solid ride
while the solid axles do their best to thwart the enemy, in this
case the minor potholes in our way. Everything works as
commissioned, and we return to base.
It is both solemn and satisfying knowing that this is the view and
feel our hardened soldiers experienced while defending freedom and
protecting people around the world. This is a piece of history
brought up to like new standards and would be right at home in an
American history museum or as mentioned, out in public for the next
generation to see and appreciate. Make the call today, and we'll
see you at Reveille.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
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in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
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