Timeless Adventure: 1952 Willys M38A1

Timeless Adventure: 1952 Willys M38A1

Vintage Charm Meets Military Muscle

Ah, the 1952 Willys M38A1, a vehicle so steeped in nostalgia and history that it could star in its own biopic. Draped in the classic green hue, it flaunts a rather minimalistic yet rugged design—think beige canvas interiors and a canvas soft top that screams, “I’m vintage and proud.” Under the hood, you’ll find a 134ci inline-four engine buzzing like a bee with determination, connected to a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Yes, folks, this is a machine that’s as straightforward as a Monday morning.

Trailer-Made in Heaven

But wait, there’s more. Paired with this classic piece of automobile history is a 1952 M-100 single-axle utility trailer, the industrial companion you never knew you needed. Created by Dunbar Kapple, Inc., it’s got a canvas cargo cover, a handbrake, dual taillights, and promises to carry your camping gear or a Smart Forfour without breaking a sweat.

Evolution of the M38A1

The M38A1 debuted in the same year as your grandma’s favorite rock ‘n’ roll song and soldiered on in production until 1971.

Looking at it now, the M38A1’s round hood and fender design seem like a prelude to the Civilian CJ-5 Jeep, that Mazda 6 of the off-roading world. Our featured model, cloaked in a green and white US Army-stylized paint job, whispers tales of prior ownership complete with repainted adventures. Exterior details? It’s got them all—blackout lights, a removable canvas soft top, and even wood doors crafted with care.

Tires & Trims, the Military Way

  • Wheels: 16-inch steel that are black-finished and have that chic military vibe.
  • Tires: 7.00 series military ones, because, why not?
  • Brakes: Supported by four-wheel drums because stopping is essential.

Interior Features with a Twist

Sitting inside, it’s a beige canvas affair, cushioned for comfort, making it surprisingly cozy. Some modern touches snuck in, too—a bonus horn with its very own column-mounted button, a cup holder, lap belts, and a quirky twin-stick transfer-case shifter. However, the classics stick around as well, like the no-nonsense power-cutoff switch and a passenger grab handle. Rust does make an appearance on the cab floor, offering a vintage patina.

Steering the Old Fashioned Way

At the helm, you grab a three-spoke steering wheel, wrapped in cord for that rustic feel. Ahead lies a dashboard that’s more colorful than your average office wall. It boasts a 60 mph speedometer alongside gauges for those electrifying alfresco drives. Oh, and the odometer reads 7k miles, but who’s keeping track?

Isn’t She Lovely?

The 134ci Hurricane F-head inline-four is tasked with propelling this vintage darling. It transfers power to either the rear or all four wheels through its trusty three-speed manual transmission.

  • Gallery Glimpse: Additional underside photos can be viewed, showing off the aforementioned vintage marvel in detail.
  • Serial Situation: The number 60546 got itself stamped over another number—mysterious much?

The M-100: Your Utility Wingman

The M-100 1/4-ton utility trailer could probably write its own memoir, complete with tales of single axles and leaf springs from 1952.

It’s decked out with 16-inch wheels and features a handbrake, an A-frame drawbar, dual taillights, and an equipment box—your essential recipe for outdoor escapades.

So, What’s the Catch?

This old trooper carries a Washington state title, albeit a duplicate with “Classic” and “Other” tags, making it the hipster of its generation. The trailer carries its own bond on its new Washington title, securing its coveted legacy.