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

This 1954 Willys M38A1 is a former military vehicle which was acquired by the seller in 1997. The truck is said to have previously belonged to the University of Nebraska, where it was used during games as a vehicle for the Cornhuskers mascot. Power is provided by a 134ci F-head four paired with a three-speed manual transmission and two-speed transfer case. The seller refurbished the vehicle with a repaint in olive drab, new wheel cylinders, new ignition components, and rebuilds of the generator, water pump, carburetor, and radiator. This Willys is not currently registered for road use and is offered with a clean Minnesota title.

1954 Willys M38A1

During the refurbishment, the seller reportedly separated the body and frame before refinishing the truck from red to olive drab. A rip is noted in the rear plastic window of the folding soft top. The truck retains factory lighting, including a military-issue blackout lamp on the driver-side front fender.

1954 Willys M38A1

The color-keyed 16″ steel wheels are fitted with 7.00-16 military tires, and the truck is equipped with manual-locking front hubs. The driver’s mirror is missing.

1954 Willys M38A1

The open-passenger cabin features steel-framed factory seats with worn cloth covers. Other equipment includes a three-spoke steering wheel and windshield wipers mounted atop the folding windscreen. Corrosion is noted on the passenger-side floorboard.

1954 Willys M38A1

Factory instrumentation includes a 60-mph speedometer, along with gauges for the battery, fuel level, oil pressure, and coolant temperature. The seller reports that the temperature and oil pressure gauges are not functional. The five-digit odometer shows 57k miles, approximately 800 of which were added under current ownership. Total mileage is unknown.

1954 Willys M38A1

Power is provided by a 134ci Hurricane F-head inline-four which sends power to all four wheels via a BorgWarner three-speed manual transmission and a two-speed transfer case. The seller reports that the engine is a replacement and that work performed during the refurbishment included the following:

  • Rebuilt 24v generator, checked voltage regulator for output
  • Rebuilt starter
  • Rebuilt water pump
  • Rebuilt and flushed radiator
  • Rebuilt carburetor
  • Rebuilt fuel pump
  • Rebuilt vacuum pump
  • Fitted new points, condenser, cap, rotor, and spark plugs
  • Fitted four new wheel cylinders and new brake hoses
  • Rebuilt brake master cylinder

1954 Willys M38A1

The data tag is riveted to the dashboard and is pictured above, and the seller notes that while the truck is not currently registered, it has been in the past under his ownership. A driving video showing the vehicle clearing an obstacle is viewable below.

Auction Result

Winning Bid USD $7,500 by Zephyr
Auction Ended July 26, 2019 at 1:05PM PT
Bids 25
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BaT Essentials

Seller: erikleines
Listing Details
  • Chassis: 72879
  • 57k Miles Shown, TMU
  • 134ci F-Head Inline-Four
  • Three-Speed Manual Gearbox
  • Two-Speed Transfer Case
  • Locking Front Hubs
  • Blackout Light and Jerry Can
  • Refurbished Under Current Ownership
Private Party or Dealer: Private Party
Lot #21303