1953 Willys Jeep 4x4 M38A1
1953 Jeep Willys Jeep 4x4 M38A1
1953 Willys M38A1 Military Jeep 4×4 Description1953 Willys Jeep 4×4 M38A1
True first generation M38A1 military Jeep Early military ques such as seamed front fenders, 8 thumb screw 24v battery box, hinged front grill and 54.25″ front bumper Frame-off restoration in 2017 134 CID Hurricane F-head OHV four-cylinder engine Borg-Warner T-90 three-speed manual transmission Dana 18 transfer case, Dana 25 or 27 front axle and Dana 44 rear axle Four-wheel drive Functional lights, including blackout lights Replica .50 caliber machine gun mounted to existing mount on frame Waterproof plugs for fording Original hitch and 24-volt electrical systemThis is probably one of the best rolling conversation pieces a person could buy. MotoeXotica Classic Cars is proud to present this 1953 Willys Jeep 4×4, also known as a M38A1 military Jeep or MD. This is a rare first generation jeep (Oct 1952 – Nov 1953 build) with notable early military ques such as seamed front fenders, 8 thumb screw 24v battery box, hinged front grill and 54.25″ front bumper. This is an actual military jeep, not a civilian model fitted to resemble a military one.
This particular example received a frame-off restoration in 2017. It still has its original hitch and still retains the military spec 24-volt electrical system.
Finished in Army Green, the Jeep’s paint and trim are in overall very good order, except for some delamination at the windshield, which is decent condition. The Jeep’s lights are in great condition and they are functional, including the blackout lights.
The Jeep’s engine bay is quite tidy, the cargo floor is in great condition and the bumpers are in better-than-average condition, however the windshield wiper vacuum is unhooked. The body also comes with waterproof plugs for fording creeks or streams and the bumpers fit well to the body. This General Purpose vehicle rolls on Firestone Military tires, size 6.00-16 at all four corners with body-colored metal wheels.
Under the hood is a Willys’ Hurricane F-head 134 CID overhead valve four-cylinder engine. The Hurricane was based on the earlier Go-Devil flathead engine. To get more power from the engine, the induction system was changed from the Go-Devil’s side-valve configuration to an inlet-over-exhaust configuration, or “F-head.” This allowed the valves to be larger and the combustion chamber to be smaller, improving flow and increasing the compression ratio. The compression ratio rose from 6.5:1 in the Go-Devil engine to 7.5:1 in the Hurricane engine. Backing this motor is a Borg-Warner T-90 three-speed manual transmission along with a Dana 18 transfer case. Power is routed from the engine and transmission to a Dana 44 rear axle and/or a Dana 25 or 27 front axle.
The front buckets and small rear bench seats, with their green indoor/outdoor upholstery are in very good order. The three-spoke steering wheel is in satisfactory condition overall but it shows some crackage. The vehicle’s horn is inoperable. The spartan instrument panel is in good order, as is the gearshift and transfer case levers. The most interesting part of the vehicle is mounted in the middle of the floorpan, just aft of the front seats – a replica .50 caliber machine gun mounted to the existing mount on frame.
The M38A1/Willys MD, was a four-wheel-drive utility vehicle made by Willys from 1952 to 1971. It was widely procured by the U.S. military from 1952 until 1957, after which it was purchased by the U.S. Marine Corps and exported to foreign governments until the end of production in 1971. The Marine version had minor differences from the units used by other branches. Production totaled 101,488 units (80,290 domestic/21,198 foreign sales).
The M38A1/MD was the first Willys Jeep to feature the round fender and hood design that would become the distinguishing body style of the 1955 CJ-5 and which was carried through the CJ-6, CJ-7 and CJ-8.
This car is currently located at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the odometer shows 4,668 miles. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean and clear, mileage exempt title. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!!
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VIN: MD40199
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- Make: Jeep
- Model: Willys Jeep
- SubModel: Willys Jeep 4x4
- Type: Convertible
- Trim: 4x4 M38A1
- Year: 1953
- Mileage: 4,668
- VIN: MD40199
- Color: Army Green
- Engine size: 134 CID Hurricane F-head OHV four-cylinder engine
- Number of cylinders: 4
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Transmission: Three-speed Manual
- Drive type: 4WD
- Interior color: Green
- Vehicle Title: Clear Want to buy? Contact seller!
