My name is Tom Kirkwood, a few years back my dad and I bought a 1951 M38. We are both military fans and I know for me I have always looked at Jeeps as an iconic symbol of the military. One day while looking online I found a very basic looking 1951 M38 not far from the town I live in. Dad and I talked it over and made arrangements to go check it out that night. It was everything I had hoped for. It was running and in pretty decent shape but still needed a lot of things done to it. We had agreed to a price with the guy but then a few days later I called to arrange to pick it up. The guy had started to change his mind about selling it. He said he just couldn’t get himself to sell it. Well thankfully I talked him into it. We have had loads of fun fixing it up and decorating it to what we think ours should look like. I say (we think it should look like) because it is not all military issue but we have added some playful items to it.
I use it during the summer months as my daily driver and everyone in my small town seems to know. I think that is my favorite part about owning the jeep is the reactions I get as people pass. From the smiles, waves, salutes and talking to vets that remember driving these. I keep it loaded with bags and gear most of the time and everyone seems to just look and leave it alone for the most part. It is great to see that now-a-days. Thanks Kaiser Willys for all of the help. It’s been so much fun, I may have to buy another Jeep to continue.
Kaiser Willys Jeep Blog Story – Tom Kirkwood
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Very cool setup love it
Hi, I bought a CJ-5 about 20 years ago, I knew it was a military jeep but not sure till I decided to paint it and got down to the olive drab paint. Dang I was Bitten then bought a replacement tub, frame up, put it back in olive drab. Five years later “walla” now I have an M38A1. A very cool ride. Found a 1947 Bantam trailer to go with it, built up a v6 buick stroker. Waiting on Beach wood for my top and doors. Gary in Tulas Okla. Having the time of my life it’s a head turner for sure. The three inch exhaust thumper cam make it Thump. It has a mil speaker on front fender. Lots of CCR from vietnam. Makes hearts melt when I go by. Had people stop me just to look.
WOW !! Nice job with the M38….I own a ’51 M38….but nowhere NEAR all the display stuff you have !!….Nice work
Great story— I have a 52 m38 and am thinking of selling, but I really hate to part with it. I am getting along in years and it just sets in the barn. Time will tell.
Nice looking M38. I am a retired Army Officer. I got my first jeep as a 2LT in the 82d Airborne Division in 1969, an M151. I am now the proud owner of a restored M38A1 that I have owned for 10 years. I will never forget the smell of the first jeep–Army canvas and gasoline, just like my present one. My wife doesn’t fully appreciate it, but she knows how important the jeep is to me. We need to keep these vehicles going and pass them on to someone who appreciates them as we do.