Highly detailed military recreation in excellent condition
Older restoration by model specialist
Interesting history appears to include service in Switzerland
Very useable, distinctive classic that gives access to vibrant military scene
Very limited use by enthusiast owners
Thick history file covering maintenance, improvements and wider history of the vehicle
MOT and tax exempt
The Appeal
The Willys Jeep needs no introduction. It is the vehicle that made off-roading on any surface possible and launched a thousand imitators. In many ways it was the original SUV.
This highly detailed 1957 M38A Jeep is in great condition with an interesting history that appears to include military service time spent in Switzerland. It is an older restoration by a renowned marque specialist and has been used sparingly by its current l owners. The military car scene is a welcoming and enthusiastic one and whether chatting war stories with them or drawing crowds down the pub, this characterful vehicle looks like a joy to own.
The History And Paperwork
First registered in UK on 1st December 1999
Paperwork from the Military Vehicle Trust confirms the chassis and that this is a 1957 M38A
Correctly registered with DVLA
Seller believes this is one of the handful of Swiss Jeeps used post-war until 1993
MOT expired December 2017 and has covered less than 400 kms since
No advisories on last MOT
Has covered less than 4,000 kms since 2007
Thick history file covering servicing and maintenance work as well as the history of this vehicle and model
Appears to have spent time in Germany prior to being imported to the UK
The Interior
Simple interior with beige canvas seats
All gauges work except temperature gauge
Very original interior in very good condition including all correct factory plaques
Rear seat trimmed in matching beige canvass
Period correct radio set with iconic whip aerial
The M38A may have been highly capable on or off road but there were few concessions to comfort for the military occupants. And that is very much of this purposeful vehicle’s charm. This is an interior focussed on the essentials, and only the essentials.
The interior of this example is in very good condition, with only a light patina of age. The body colour dashboard is in very good condition, with no obvious marks or deterioration, and is complete right down to the collection of factory metal plaques. The Seller states that everything works except the temperature gauge but that the vehicle runs cool and has never overheated, even in hot weather.
The seats are trimmed in a hardwearing beige canvass material and there is a useful rear bench seat. The material is discoloured, a probable consequence of the limited weather proofing, but looks like it would respond to a good clean.
The windscreen folds down – the Seller recommends using goggles! – to provide an unrivalled ‘wind in the hair’ experience. Adding to the fun is a period correct radio with long whip aerial, of the type made so famous in all those war movies and photographs.
The Exterior
Highly detailed bodywork in very good, solid condition
·Restored by marque specialist Rex Ward with very limited use since
The only obvious medication from standard is the fitment of indicators
Canvass roof and structure in good condition
The Willys Jeep may have been designed with function leading form but it is nonetheless an icon, as distinctive as an E Type and as impactful on the world of motoring as a Beetle.
The Seller has done some digging to understand the history of this distinctive Jeep. The records from the Military Vehicle Trust indicate that it has spent time in Germany and Switzerland, the latter likely as part of the fleet of Jeeps that accompanied anti-tank vehicles until 1993. It was imported to the UK in 1999 and restored by marque specialist Rex Ward, known for his work on DUKW amphibious ‘duck vehicles, in 2016. There is an invoice in the file for this work totalling nearly £3,000 and covering mechanical as well as structural repairs.
The Jeep has covered few miles since and remains in very good condition, clear evidence of the care of the Seller, who has owned it since 2009. The restoration is beginning to deteriorate only slightly and could likely be easily recovered with minimal expense.
On the nearside there is a patch of paintwork incorrectly resprayed in NATO Green and there are very light areas of surface corrosion on the lip of the body below the door aperture and on the rear arch edge. On the corner of the nearside rear the reflector mounting plate has corroded. The roof support struts are also showing surface corrosion.
On the rear there is paint flake on the spare wheel and corrosion on the spare fuel tank mounting plinth.
On the front of the vehicle both front wings have small areas of surface corrosion on their leading edges.
The painted wheels are in good condition and shod with good condition tyres.
The structure was wax oiled during the 2016 restoration and the underside looks in very good, solid condition. The MOT expired in December 2017 but the last one contained no structural advisories.
The Mechanics
2.2litre 134cuin ‘Hurricane’ 4cylinder Willys petrol engine
3spd manual gearbox
New batteries fitted in April 2022
Recent attention to fuel tank and carburettor
Repairs to exhaust, steering, fuel pump, water pump, front springs, engine running, brake pipes, rear wheel cylinders in 2016 and limited use since
Seller states the engine starts and runs well and runs cool regardless of outside temperature
The Jeep was built for worldwide use so had to be simple and very reliable. Those characteristics make buying one an attractive proposition. The Hurricane 2.2litre petrol engine and 3spd manual gearbox are well known for their durability, surviving well with a patchy service regime.
That said this Jeep comes with a very thick history file detailing ongoing servicing and maintenance, including from its time in Germany. Recent works includes that restoration in 2016, at a cost of £3,000, and covering the vehicles running gear and engine. In April 2022 the batteries were replaced. There has been attention to the fuel tank and carburettors during the Seller’s tenure.
The last MOT expired in December 2019 but the vehicle is tax and MOT exempt and has covered less than 400 kilometres since. There were no advisories on that MOT.
Summary
The original Willys Jeep was designed with a very serious purpose in mind, one that it fulfilled so well it became an icon of off road motoring and an influence on designers around the world. Today it serves a less lofty purpose, providing joy and entertainment to military vehicle enthusiasts as well as spectators who see one trundling by.
This highly detailed 1957 Jeep has an interesting history and a thick maintenance file. Any improvements it needs are minor and cosmetic. It looks great fun and its keys provide access to an enthusiastic social scene and many varied conversations.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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