Willys Jeep M38A1 Brief History

Above, my 1952 Willys M38A1 at the gate to Fort Wingate Army Depot. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the businesses I use for getting parts for my 1952 Willys Jeep M38A1 is Kaiser Willys Jeep.

To date, I have obtained several replacement parts since I bought it from a friend in 2019. They include a new gasoline tank, carburetor, lug nuts (right hand and left hand turns), wiper blade and arm.

Each year, they have a photo contest and those participating have their Jeep photo included in the following year's catalog. My Jeep was included twice.

They posted a "brief history" of the Willys M38A1 on their website.

It begins with:

The Willys M38A1 was produced from 1952-1971, with a production total of 101,488 (80,290 domestic / 21,198 foreign sales). The M38A1 was the introduction of the first rounded fender Willys Jeep which predates the civilian version CJ-5 (1955) of the Universal CJ series. Following the retirement of the flat fender M38, the M38A1 was redesigned with round front fenders, a contoured hood, two-piece windshield, top mounted windshield wipers, and outfitted with the 4-134 F engine and T90 transmission. The M38A1 (MD) was stronger than its civilian counterpart (CJ-5) with a stronger frame, suspension, reversed springs shackles and a 24 volt waterproof electrical system.

Above, the Jeep at McGaffey Lake, New Mexico. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.