1952 Willys Jeep

M38 Other

4 - Cyl.

Manual

20905508

Gasoline

Willys Jeep 1952 M38 Original 21,523 miles Well, here is a true, almost untouched, M38. I recently purchased this from the second owner who had this since 1984. This was used as a summer vehicle at a summer cabin. Then garaged the rest of the time. I've restored quite a few CJs - 2As, 3As, 3Bs, and 5s, but am no expert on the M series. I do go to the HMV shows though quite regularly. The speedometer shows 21,523 and I believe that is correct since a few days ago, I personally removed the original NDTs from this vehicle that were dated 1952 and saved the best one as the spare on this vehicle. So, she has 4 brand new NDTs with tubes mounted. Since purchasing this Jeep in 1984, the owner had the motor rebuilt and have receipt in file, a new clutch, the transmission checked out, the starter rebuilt, radiator gone through with new belts, hoses, and carbureator and new plug wires and this is an original 24-volt system. He estimates that there is only 2-3K miles on this motor. If you look at the motor photos, it looks new. It does need to be detailed out in green. It has been garaged for the past couple of years with just an occasional start up and drive to the store. In evaluating this Jeep, floor pans are good with surface rust. There is typical tool box rust and minor hat channel (passenger side). If it was a restoration of mine, I would just replace the tool box floor. Overall, the body, fenders, etc. are straight and good for being over 60 years old. I have had a lot worse on restorations I have done. It does not seem to have ever been hit as the body is mostly original paint and very straight, except for the passenger side rear quarter between the star and the tail light - there has been some repair there at some point. As you can see from the photos, the top is good as are the seats. The Jeep came with new NOS wipers, blades, etc. which I installed. The two batteries were purchased October 2010. From looking at other M38s, the two main items missing from this vehicle is the battery box under the hood and the M38 YS carbureator were removed and a WO installed at some point. Both of these items are readily available from numerous Military Vehicle shops or Ebay. In driving this Jeep around the neighborhood, it runs great, stops. If I was going to drive daily, I would tear into the brake system to make sure everything was in excellent condition. In pricing this Jeep, we have noticed a number of restored M38s on Ebay over the past couple of months. They seem to average around $15,000 for a nice one. The reserve on this is $7,500. This could be made into an extremely nice Jeep for a minimum amount of money and time. In closing, This is a great candidate for a restoration due to being almost totally complete. Or with minor tinkering, it would be a good driver for shows and going to the store, etc. I have done very little detailing to this Jeep as the owner did not want to remove the patina from the Jeep lettering, stenciling, etc. It is being offered first in its original state. If it does not sell, then it will be restored and offered again in 90 days for a hell of a lot more. This Jeep has a clear Illinois title and lots of receipts for work done. I had this Jeep listed last week and it sold with a "Buy it Now".. However, the buyer then changed his mind in light of some other financial obligation that popped up. So, I let him out of the transaction without negative feedback or keeping his deposit. So, be sure You are prepared to follow through with your purchase transaction. So, if you take the time to bid, then bid to buy. Any questions, please feel free to contact me to discuss this Jeep. I would rather talk about it than type about it, so feel free to ask for my phone number to discuss.