1955 Willys M38A1
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 1/4 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 or call us at 855-201-7026. 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 we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
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 1/4 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 or call us at 855-201-7026. 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 we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!