Highlights

Originally built for the Dutch military in 1960
Restored by a specialist military vehicle restorer in 2019
Owned and maintained by a military vehicle collector for the last five years
Complete new canvas set installed in 2023
Registered in the UK

The Appeal

The second restyle of the post-war Jeeps, the M38A1 was the first of the round-fendered vehicles we now conjure up the moment we're asked to think of a jeep. It's hard to overstate the importance of the design - not only did it serve in Vietnam, Korea and Iran, but quickly became the design adopted into the Civilian Jeep for over thirty years. To this day, they're remarkably evocative, and an ex-military vehicle is always going to garner plenty of interest with enthusiasts.

Rugged, easy-to-maintain off-road performance aside, these are the sorts of vehicles that thrive off of their story and history. Is there anything more emotionally resonant than a truck that's seen service? We'd wager it's a no. This particular one was built by Kemper and Van Twist for the Dutch MoD, and saw service with the Dutch military.

Restored by a military vehicle specialist in 2019, and painted in a distinctive - if not quintessential - Olive Drab livery, this fine utility vehicle has been treated to a new set of canvases by its dedicated, enthusiast owner - and offers a simply top-notch opportunity for anybody seeking a thoroughbred military classic.

The History and Paperwork

Manufactured in 1960 under license for the Dutch MOD by Kemper and Van Twist
The M38A1 (MD17519), MOD Registration KR-56-46, was in service with the Dutch Army
Sold by the Government at auction on 4 February 1997
Registered in the UK as WFO 462 on 24 April 1997
Restored over twelve months around 2019 by a military vehicle specialist
Owned and maintained for the last five years by a military vehicle collector
Purchased in July 2024
Used occasionally for short journeys, covering 398 km (247 miles) since 2023

The Condition

The bodywork and underside look in very good order with no visible signs of corrosion
Some filling was carried out during the restoration, which looks to have been very well executed
Paintwork - in the quintessential Olive Drab military livery - is in fine order
Complete new canvas set installed in 2023 by John & Mary Worthing
Wheels and tyres in good order
The interior presents well, typically spartan as you'd expect for a service vehicle
Duck boards protect the floor
A lap seatbelt has been fitted to the bench seat
Electrical system needs checking as the fuel gauge and ammeter are not indicating

The Mechanics

2.2-Litre Hurricane four-cylinder engine
Manual transmission with 3 gears
All joints and moving parts on the underside are well greased
Engine and gearbox in good working order with no problems in the last six months
Designed to be semi-submersible with waterproof electrical connectors
Electrical system modified with separate coil and distributor, remains a 24-volt system
Two 12-volt batteries kept on trickle charge during winter months
Batteries were new when purchased in July 2023
We understand the jeep to be in excellent driving order with no mechanical issues

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..