The Jeep legend started way back in 1940 with the company developing a small four-wheel drive utility vehicle for the US Army. Over the following years and various wars, the Willys Jeep developed and changed with one of its most popular models being the M38A.1.

The M38A.1 was produced from 1952-1971, and was the first model to feature the rounded fenders, a contoured bonnet and a two-piece windshield with top mounted wipers.

The current owner who had lived out in the States and knocked around in a similar Jeep couldn’t resist adding this one to his collection of vehicles when he found it locally up for sale in 2013.

Imported presumably from the States around 1982 it was registered for the UK and designated the non-transferable registration number 568 YUS.

The car was in good solid and original condition and was driven around the current owner’s estate before being parked up where it is now around 4 years ago. It ran well and was great fun to drive but now requires some renovation and restoration to bring it up to its former glory, a task the current owner had always intended to do, but never actually got round to.

The car comes with its V5c showing 10 previous owners, a full set of canvas doors and the canvas roof, one key and a huge amount of character.

A quick look at previous MOT certificates shows the mileage recorded was as it reads now (1,935) from 2008 to 2012 so one can safely assume it has been stuck on this reading for some time.

Well they don’t come much more basic than this when it comes to interiors. Obviously built with practicality and endurance in mind there are no creature comforts to be found here, other than the fact that it does have seats.

So, basic, well-worn but complete would be the best description of this interior with an interesting gear knob in the shape of a hand grenade!

The floor and panels all seem nice and solid and there’s certainly plenty of work to do to clean up and get the interior into a nice presentable shape, but should be worth the effort in the long run.

It’s a similar story on the outside of the car, presented in a rather well-worn Army green all the body panels appear straight and without damage and the various original equipment adorning the car all seems to still be there, though obviously in need of large amounts of TLC and restoration.

When it was parked up all those years ago the engine was running well but now it looks like it needs a few new hoses and some reconditioning to bring it back to life. 

The mechanics and running gear are all complete but will need some serious attention to ensure everything is working properly and it would be wise to assume that this is a car that can’t be driven away and will require a trailer to move it to its next home.

This Jeep looks complete and original and would no doubt be a great fun car to own and drive, with or without its canvas roof, and would certainly make a great project car to restore to its former glory, so don’t be shy and grab yourself a true piece of American motoring history.