This Willys M38 got away, but there are more like it here.

1953 Willys M38A1

Bid to $10,750 on 3/24/21

This 1953 Willys M38A1 was purchased by the seller’s grandfather in the mid-1980s, and it was acquired by the seller in 2011 and subsequently mechanically and cosmetically refurbished. The exterior was refinished in olive drab, the seats were reupholstered in beige, the 134ci F-head inline-four and T90 three-speed manual transmission were rebuilt, and the steel wheels were refinished and fitted with new tires. Additional service included fitting a 12-volt ignition and distributor for starting the engine and replacement of the windshield and exhaust system, and in preparation for the sale the oil was changed and the starter was replaced. This Willys is now offered with service records from the current ownership and a clean California title in the seller’s name.

Repairs were made to both front fenders and the truck was subsequently repainted in olive drab in January 2020. Equipment includes a fold-down windshield with a recently replaced seal and glass, front and rear blackout lights, a left side-view mirror, a shovel mounted under the hood, and a spare wheel and tire as well as a five-gallon ‘Jerry’ can are mounted out back. The lighting and electrical components are inoperative due to the absence of a wiring harness, rust is visible in the battery compartment, and no top is included.

Steel wheels are powder-coated black and wrapped in 6.00-16 Specialty Tires of America NDT tires that were fitted in 2020. The drum brakes were overhauled during the refurbishment, and additional service included replacement of the front axle shafts, king pin bearings, and rear universal joints. The emergency brake needs repair.

The cabin features steel-framed seats with replacement cloth covers and cushions. Additional equipment includes a three-spoke steering wheel and windshield wipers mounted atop the folding windscreen. Rust was repaired on the right-side floorboard.

Factory instrumentation includes a 60-mph speedometer, along with gauges for the battery, fuel level, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. Only the oil pressure gauge is functional. The five-digit odometer is stopped above 30k miles, and total mileage is unknown.

Power is provided by a 134ci Hurricane F-head inline-four that the seller reports was rebuilt in 2019. The radiator and voltage regulator were replaced in 2018, at which time the generator was refurbished. A 12-volt ignition and distributor system was added for starting the engine, and the seller notes that 24-volt system components remain in place but need a replacement wiring harness. Maintenance in preparation for sale included replacement of the rear main seal and an oil change, and additional recent work included:

Rebuilding the starter
Replacement of spark plugs and plug wires
Rebuilding of Solex carburetor
Replacement of fuel pump
Cleaning and clearing of fuel lines
Replacement of in-tank fuel filter and addition of in-line fuel filter

Power is sent to the rear or all four wheels through a T90 three-speed manual transmission and a two-speed transfer case. The front pinion seal was replaced and the rear differential and transmission oil was changed in 2018, and a custom exhaust is fitted from the manifold back. The seller notes a leak from the oil pump gasket, and the vehicle is currently registered as planned non-operational in the state of California.

The data plate mounted on the passenger side of the firewall lists a serial number 62738 and a delivery date of October 1953. A video tour of the vehicle is provided here.

Photo Gallery

Auction Result

High Bid	USD $10,750 (Reserve Not Met)
Auction Ended	March 24, 2021 at 2:40PM PT
Bids	3

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501 watchers

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