52-71 WILLYS M38A1 Kaiser Willys

Introduction

Produced from 1952 through 1957, the M38A1 succeeded the M38 as the standard US military jeep and introduced the round fender design that would go on to define the civilian CJ-5. Powered by the new F-Head Hurricane engine paired with a Warner T90 transmission, it featured a contoured hood, two-piece windshield, top-mounted wipers, reversed spring shackles, a 24-volt electrical system, and a frame and suspension built stronger than its civilian counterpart. With 101,488 units produced across domestic and foreign sales, the M38A1 saw wide military use and spawned numerous variants, including the M170 ambulance, rifle variant, and several foreign-market versions produced in the Netherlands, Canada, and elsewhere.

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Willys M38A1 History

(1952-1971) Willys M38A1 101,488 (80,290 domestic / 21,198 foreign sales)

Willys M38A1

The M38A1 was the first vehicle to feature the round fender design that would later become the distinguishing body style of the CJ-5 (part of the Universal CJ series). Produced first in 1952, following the retirement of the M38 model, the M38-A1 was re-designed as an “stand-alone” improvement, featuring round front fenders, a contoured hood, a two-piece windshield, top mounted windshield wipers, and powered by the new “Hurricane” F-Head engine and Warner T90 transmission. The M38A1 (referred to by Willys as the “MD”), like the M38, had a frame and suspension that was much stronger than its civilian sibling, the CJ-5. With reversed spring shackles, military instruments, and a 24-volt electrical system, the M38A1 was a strong military work horse that was frequently fitted with a machine gun.

"Variants of the M38A1 include the "Original" round fender M38A1, M170 (Ambulance model), M38A1"C" (Rifle variant), USMC Variant, USAF DJ Variant, Nekaf Dutch Variant, Cdn Canadian Variant, Welding M38A1 Unit, and the First Year (1954) CJ5 (Civilian)." [1]

[1] The M38A1 Restoration Site

M38A1 Data Sheet - Document provided courtesy of Michael Scoggins
Gulf Service Sheet (1945-1964) - Document provided courtesy of Michael Scoggins
Jeep Dipstick Guide - Document provided courtesy of Michael Scoggins