Jeep M38A1 (Willys MD)

1952 to 1971 · Military utility vehicle · United States military, Foreign militaries (export) Past model

The M38A1, Willys model MD, was the first Jeep with the rounded hood and fenders that later defined the CJ-5. Designed around the taller Hurricane F-head engine, it served U.S. forces from 1952 and was sold to many foreign armies, with export production lasting to 1971.

Generations, newest first

1952–1971
MD

Jeep M38A1 (MD)

Willys built the MD to give the Army more power, and fitting the taller Hurricane F-head four called for a new body with a rounded hood and fenders, a wheelbase one inch longer at 81 inches, and about six inches more length. It kept the M38's waterproof 24-volt electrics and added a heavier frame and reversed front spring shackles. Large numbers went to Korea in 1952 and 1953, U.S. Army buying ended in 1957, and the Marines kept ordering into the mid-1960s while export and Canadian contracts ran to 1971. Its descendants included the long-wheelbase M170 ambulance, the M38A1C recoilless-rifle carrier, and the civilian CJ-5 and CJ-6.

Willys F-134 Hurricane F-head I4

Open utility body

In the family

Came beforeJeep M38 (Willys MC) (1950–1952)RelatedJeep CJ-5 (1955–1983)RelatedJeep CJ-6 (1956–1975)