Speaking of pilot M38s

[Kendall]

A previous forum poster mentioned the pilot/prototype M38s and consequently I was perusing some of my old MVCC Army Motors magazines and came across this ad from a 1987 ad from Army Jeep Parts Inc. listing for sale serial number 5 M38 "prototype" for $15,000 (a little over $41,000 in todays dollars).
Dr. Miller mentioned number 5 as still being around in his 2009 M38 book (he also mentions the drive shaft brush guards as well as the other unique items found on the pilot M38s). Is it still accounted for? What about the other 5?
Just an observation.
Kendall

_________________
1951 M38
1952 M38
1952 M38A1
1942 Dodge WC-55
1951 M100 trailer
1942 Ben Hur trailer

[RonD2]

Hi Kendall,
Here's a 2-year old thread discussing the whereabouts and condition of MC10005 (Army Registration 2368163).

Last seen in reclusive (almost secret) private ownership in 2007.
Still wondering how it's doing today.

http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=76961

I recall reading that MC10005 was never delivered to the Army (for unknown reasons).
I'd bet that's probably the best reason that it survived?
Assuming that Willys never billed the Army for it (or issued Uncle Sam a refund), got to wonder about the ownership chain from Willys selling it to where it is today.

It would be amazing if the current owner has that paperwork (bill of sale) or history.
It would be nice to see it documented (with photos, in the next edition of the M38 Reference Guide) before it gets lost to posterity forever.

I've never come across anything about where the rest of the pilot models might be.
_________________
Ron D.
1951 M38 Unknown Serial Number
1951 M100 Dunbar Kapple 01169903 dod 5-51

“The only good sports car that America ever made was the Jeep."
--- Enzo Ferrari