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| Lot number | 142 |
|---|---|
| Hammer value | £5,800 |
| Description | Willys Jeep |
| Registration | WFO 309 |
| Year | 1955 |
| Colour | Green |
| Engine size | 2,200 cc |
| Chassis No. | MD13057 |
The famous Willys MB Jeep had proved such a success during World War Two that Willys couldn’t possibly contemplate killing off the model during peacetime.
Instead they developed the vehicle still further, not just for the military market but for civilian use also. The first post-war Jeep was the M38, quickly followed by the M38A1 in 1952. It had numerous detail improvements over the original MB, the most obvious difference being rounded front wings and a higher bonnet. This was to accommodate the new ‘Hurricane’ F-Head engine which now produced 75bhp in place of the 60bhp of the old ‘Go-Devil’ unit.
A 24-volt electrical system was now standard and the chassis was also beefed up and a stronger three-speed synchromesh transmission fitted with a two-speed transfer box. A civilian version (the CJ) was also offered with luxuries such as indicators, a rear view mirror and an opening tailgate.
Some 101,488 M38A1 Jeeps were made before it was replaced by the high-tech Ford M151 in 1959. Of these around 80,000 saw service in the US military, most notably in Korea, but around 21,000 were distributed to friendly armies elsewhere in the world.
This 1955 example is a Dutch-built M38A1 model that was assembled under licence at the NEKAF factory in Rotterdam. Coming from the Dutch Army reserve stock, it is believed to have been demobbed in the Nineties and came to the UK in 1996 and has had just two owners since.
The vendor acquired it in 2004 and has freshened it up considerably, Americanising the looks in the process. It has been repainted in matt green, fitted with a new canvas hood and doors, and has been treated to new tyres all round.
Barely used while in service with the Dutch military, it is said to remain in very good rust-free condition throughout. Fully serviced and said to drive just as it should, it is ready for immediate work or play and looks excellent value compared to the high prices now being sought for the similar but inferior war time models.
