This Willys M38 was manufactured in March 1952 and was one of approximately 1500 painted Air Force Strata Blue when assembled. The vehicle was stationed at Dobbins Air Force Base in Marietta, GA and received the registration numbers of 52K 6376. The metal top was installed at that time. It served as a contract vehicle operated by Lockheed Corporation in Marietta, GA to be used on Dobbins Air Force Base.
The current owner acquired the vehicle in the mid 1980’s from its first civilian owner. The first owner had utilized the M38 in its Strata Blue colors with a volunteer fire department. Now this M38 is back to its original state as in the 1950’s at Dobbins Air Force Base operated by Lockheed Corporation.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
Is it original? It is not original as it was 66 plus years ago when it was new but, yes it has been refurbished as original. What this really means is something can only be original once. This is a M38 military Jeep not to be confused as a CJ-3A civilian Jeep used by the military as many people believe. There are many differences: the M38 body, frame, radiator/cooling system, fuel system, gauges, wheels, suspension, electrical & ignition system, brakes, exhaust, and the back seat are different compared to a CJ-3A. So when the work to refurbish the vehicle started, care was taken to keep all the original parts. Going to the parts store was not always easy. Many of the parts for a M38 are unique only to the M38. So when the question is asked “Is it original?”. The answer is yes. This is a M38 Military Jeep. It is not a CJ-3A. It has been refurbished, repaired and rebuilt using original, NOS and reproduction parts.
What is the engine? It is a flathead 4cyl, 134 cu. in., 60hp gasoline engine.
How fast will it run? It is rated for 55mph. Cruising range of 225 miles at 35mph. It cruises well at 47mph.
How much did it cost new? In 1952 its approximate cost was $2500.00. This adjusted for inflation in 2017, cost $25,387.24. This is an increase of 915.5%.
Willys Jeep Life Story – Boyce Mitchell
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Thanks for all the comments. Some of ya’ll had questions. The tires are 750/16. This size tire does touch the frame in full lock but only a paint rub. Coker has the size and tread pattern. The tires on my M38 are BF Goodrich Silverstone. Found them at a surplus sale many years age. The paint U.S.Air Force Strata Blue, code 25045. Any good paint shop should be able to take that paint code and mix the paint. It is a semi-gloss. Sorry for late turn around on answers, long story.
An excellent restoration. I have owned a few Jeeps and enjoy military variations. The research and restoring challenges are the best part of the journey! I am always happy to read of fellow enthusiasts’ projects after they reach a good conclusion!
Ones again a person has invested too maintain history a live. This M38 is unique. I live in Switzerland and I have seen some of the Willys that were made specially for Swiss Air Force. Excellent job thank you. D. S.
Bravo pour votre superbe travail, very nice Jeep wiith his original hardtop !
By the way i have done in 1984 a little production of my all steel hardtop, and with is always on my MB jeep.
Alaiin Lutz
Very rare do you see a military jeep restored with a metal top.
Very nice restoration! Glad you brought her back to the way
it lived it’s life on base!
What a very fine restoration, of such a awesome part of our history. You did a great job at making it happen. I’m glad to see you use the jeep and show it as well. I have restored many jeeps of all years, and try to keep them the way they came off the assembly line. I’m restoring a 1950 cj3a for myself. when I’m done I will submit this one on this site. It will be a full restoration like you have done . once again GREAT JOB!
KEEP ON JEEPIN!
What size tires are they who makes them and do they rub the frame? Thanks Greg Mine is a ’58 Willy’s CJ5 It’s in the CJ5 photo gallery Under Greg Sakas
Hi,
I’m restoring the cj3b that belonged to my grandfather and had thought of painting in blue. I really like this blue, can you tell me what the color specification is?
Nice job on the M38. I grew up near Dobbins, and flew out of there on deployments.