Kaiser Willys Jeep of the Week: 150

150: William Bump’s 1951 Willys M38

My M38 is a Korean War Army surplus Jeep acquired by the small central Iowa town of Yale and used for years by the Yale Volunteer Fire Department as a quick attack vehicle for grass fires. Many past firemen remember the M38 well and were impressed by its speed and agility. As parts broke they were retrofitted with more modern systems such as ignition, lighting and interior. Luckily, all of the original parts were kept in a box that went with the M38 when it was sold. Someone had changed the oil and apparently forgot to put new oil in. I purchased the Jeep at auction for $700 in 1997. I restored the M38 because I wanted to honor my father who served almost four years in the Korean war. Unfortunately, my father isn’t around to drive the M38 but I’m proud that my neighbor, Jim, who was a Marine in the Korean war, drives the M38 in the local parades, leading the way for the other veterans who ride on a hay rack. I really enjoy my M38.