An Iconic 1951 Willys M38: A Vintage Marvel
Let’s talk about this 1951 Willys M38, a relic from the past that’s had quite the journey back to glory. Our seller got their hands on this vintage beast in 2020, and after four years of tender loving care, it’s looking almost as sharp as it did more than half a century ago. Under the hood, there’s a rebuilt, replacement 134.2ci inline-four engine paired with a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. For collectors or anyone nostalgic for a time when vehicles had character, this is something special.
A Makeover in Green
Spruced up in green with matching canvas, this old-timer now rolls on 16-inch painted steel wheels. The whole ensemble looks like it stepped out of a bygone era, complete with a folding canopy top, windshield, slotted grille, pintle hitch, and trusty front bucket seats. Right now, it’s sitting pretty in Nevada, presented with some service records and an Oregon title free and clear, belonging to the seller and their sibling.
Features and Glitches
They didn’t just give this Willys a fresh coat of paint. It comes with some nifty throwbacks like a three-section field antenna, and you’ve got your essential jerrycan plus a shovel and axe to tackle any rugged landscape. But alas, not everything’s perfect in this vintage paradise; the grille blackout lights don’t light up, and there’s some metal pitting noticed along the bottom of the windshield frame.
Rugged Tires and Robust Brakes
On the reliability front, those 16-inch military-spec tires (including a spare) make sure this vehicle not only looks the part but also stands ready for action. Brakes? All drum-based, with some TLC in the form of fresh wheel cylinders and seals during its current ownership.
The Comfort of Nostalgia
Inside, it’s all about that classic feel. Individual front bucket seats and a replaced rear bench are decked out in tan canvas. The interior stands out with its painted metal dashboard, true to the original design. Even the wear and tear tell a story, with the three-spoke steering wheel showing its battle scars in the form of wear and cracks.
Keeping Tabs on Time
Behind the wheel, drivers face a mix of old and new with a centrally mounted 60-mph speedometer and gauges for fuel, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and amperage. The five-digit odometer has ticked over to 89 miles, but who can really blame it for losing track of time over the decades? Total mileage remains a bit of a mystery.
Under the Hood Wonders
The 134.2ci inline-four engine got the royal treatment thanks to Atomic Motors of Henderson, Nevada. New camshaft, pistons, rod bearings, valve guides, and seats were swapped in. And in true restorer’s fashion, components like the carburetor, fuel tank, starter, and more have been replaced to bring this Willys back to life. As expected from something this age, there’s a little drip from the oil pump, but nothing a love-struck collector can’t handle.
The Driving Dynamics
So, how does power get to those wheels? Via a T-90 three-speed manual transmission and a Dana 18 dual-range transfer case. The seller assures us that the clutch, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing got a replacement during their tenure, with the flywheel nicely resurfaced. The exhaust system is new too, keeping things quiet and smooth as this piece of history rides again.