The Willys MD, formally the M38A1 Truck, Utility: 1/4 ton, 4x4, or the G‑758 by its U.S. Army Standard Nomenclature supply catalog designation, was a four-wheel drive, military light utility vehicle, made by Willys and Willys Motors / Kaiser Jeep from 1952 to 1971. It was widely procured by the U.S. military from 1952 until 1957, after which U.S. purchases were reduced to the U.S. Marine Corps. The Naval version, shown below with accompanying 1965 Stevens M416B1 cargo trailer, had minor differences from the units used by other branches.
Specifications
| VIN: | ||
|---|---|---|
| License # Serial #: | ||
| Engine: | Willys Hurricane 14 F4-134 inline-four cylinder engine | |
| Cubic Inch: | 234 CID (2.2 liter) | |
| Horsepower: | 72@4000 rpm | |
| Electrical: | 24 Volt | |
| Transmission: | T-90 3-Speed | |
| Transfer Case: | Dana 18 | |
| Tires: | 7.00 x 16 NDT | |
| Weight: | 3865 gross, 2660 lbs curb | |
| Length/Width: | 138 5/8 inches | |
| Ground Clearance: | 9 5/16 inches | |
| Fuel Capacity: | 17 Gallons | |
| Status | Operational Display | |
| Owner: | Estrella Warbirds Museum | |
History
This Jeep and trailer was donated by Mike Wenrich. Thanks for an awesome donation!
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.
Other identifying features of the M38A1 are: blackout lights on fenders and grille, spare tire located on the back, sunk in headlights with no headlight trim rings, 4 1/2″ large fuel filler located on the drivers side, and a large circular indention on the passenger side body panel. The battery box is located on the passenger side cowl under the windshield and the glove box is located on the driver side dash board.
Kaiser Jeep resulted from the 1953 merger of Kaiser Motors, an independent passenger car maker based in Willow Run, Michigan, with the Toledo, Ohio-based Willys-Overland Company.
Willys-Overland had been at one point before World War II the U.S.'s second-largest car-maker after Ford, but their fortunes waned during the 1930s. Willys survived during the war by getting the primary contract to build the U.S. World War II jeeps for the American and Allied armed forces. From 1945, Willys focused almost exclusively on selling Jeep-branded vehicles, both civilian and commercial, as well as government and military jeeps.
For Kaiser, the Jeep brand and its models were considered the crown jewels in the merger with Willys-Overland. In 1955, Kaiser phased out all Kaiser and Willys passenger car lines, and Kaiser (initially still under the name 'Willys Motors') became entirely focused on Jeep products in most markets. In 1963, the company consolidated all corporate holdings under the name of Kaiser Jeep Corporation, discarding the Willys name.
Following this, American Motors Corporation (AMC) negotiated with Kaiser Jeep to purchase the company. The deal was finalized in 1970, and Kaiser Jeep became "Jeep Corporation," a wholly owned subsidiary of AMC.
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