M38s & M38A1s ignored military vehicle collector world?

[linx310]

From browsing a bunch of the forums I get the feeling that a lot of the military vehicle collectors out there basically don't care much for the M38 or the M38A1.

It seems the WW2 jeeps get all the attention while our jeeps are subject to being turned into rock crawlers or hunting setups.

Do any of you guys feel that a lot of people in this hobby see the WW2 jeeps as the only ones ever used by the military and our oblivious to the latter models?

[north-shore]

[53a1]

I look at it as an opportunity to get into the hobby while other people are caught up in whether it's WWII or not. It's kinda rediculous what people pay for the GPW's and MB's. Takes the fun outa it.

Besides F-Heads are better or they would have not changed the L-Head.

[oreo3156]

supply and demand I guess. People always pay more for rarer things. Guess that why diamonds are so stinkn much.
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53 m38a1 63 cj3b

[GIJOE290]

Yes I do. So, it's up to each of us to educate & enlighten people about post-WWII jeeps. Having this great website is proof that there are people interested & devoted in them! Thanks Wes & Ryan!
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David M.
08/1953 M38A1
Serial #56535
"The Green Goat"

Restoration Begins Summer 2005! ...Er Maybe 2006? 2010? 2015? 202...?

[wesk]

WWII jeeps are the poor man's WWII CCKW or White HalfTrack or Sherman. The folks in the normal collector's age group from the 60's through the 80's were predominately WWII era folks. They opened the door for the entire Military Vehicle movement we have today.

When you compare production numbers the WWII G503 wins hands down with over 600, 000 built. The M38 with just over 60,000 and the A1 with around 120,000 don't even come close. Rare is the M38 not the G503. Even rarer is the CJV35 with only 1000 produced.

While the G503 has experienced a reasonable increase in value the last 10 years the M38 and M38A1 have risen sharply in value during this same period.

WWII introduced the word jeep into every American household and only God knows how many foreigh households as the "Go anywhere, Do anything" little truck.

Just as Spads and Fokkers will always represent the beginning roots of combat aviation so will the little G503 always represent the begining roots of the Hummer and the SUV.
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Wes K
45 MB, 51 M38, 54 M37, 66 M101A1, 60 CJ5, 76 DJ5D, 47Bantam T3-C & 5? M100

Mjeeps photo album: http://www.willysmjeeps.com/v2/modules.php?set_albumName=Wes-Knettle&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_album.php

[Niclas]

I'll Pick a M38 over an ww2 JEEP anyday

Maybe because M series are rare in Sweden.

/Niclas

[whydahdvr]

Thought I would share:
A buddy of mine was in NYC this weekend and went to the MOMA. They had a display of a 1952 M38A1 that looked fantastic! Made me miss my jeep. If you're in the area, check it out.
Josh
In Iraq

[topfueler1]

Hey guys how about mine M-606 Nam era (military version of the CJ-3B) non script body, shovel & axe on pass. side, blackout lights front & rear and left fender, pintle hook, 12V (they were made that way not 24V) F-Head. Two years ago Military Magazine did a nice 7 page story about 'em. Most people don't know about 'em. I usually go into the M38 & M38A1 section for tech help. The CJ3B Page has a lot of info about 'em. Hey I like all the jeeps from MB to M-151. They are all good it's just personal choice if I could I'd have one of each!
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KJC M-606

[mdog]

The M38's and M38A1's may not get the attention of the WWII jeep but that does not mean that they are lessor vehicles. When you read more about the models you will discover that each one IS an improvement on the previous model. Stronger axles, better steering, more room, more power, etc.,etc. The WWII jeeps have the history and you pay dearly for it but that is all you get for the extra dollars. The M38A1 is most popular as a bogger or crawler because it is cheaper, its a better and stronger design, and there is an unlimited amount of aftermarket parts because of the CJ compatability. I feel good knowing i'm in the best jeep ever built and the last of the line because the M151 is not really a "jeep".

[maeserik]

Me and my son own a M38 and a GPW. Indeed the GPW has his originality for a lot of men because it was the first? jeep, from many WW2 films. Our M38 sits better, drives smoother and a lot of men did't now what a M38 is. It is a unique special american lot of 60000 jeeps based on the CJ3A. Here in Belgium you see more militarized cj3A's but no M38's. In our club there is only one original M38, and many are interested in my original M38. The club has also al lot of duch nekafs ( kaiser copy from M38A1.) and... a lot of hotchkiss M201 with little modifications to look like a WW2 jeep.

m38 owners, be proud !

Erik
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1942 GPW 71336 my son's jeep restored now
1951 M38 MC11891
1953 VW beetle (genuine german Käfer )
1957 fantastic wife

http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/showgallery.php?cat=1865

and this webside

[oilleaker1]

If you grew up with Jeeps like me, (55 years old) The CJ's were what you had to buy. I always thought the WW2 Jeeps were the best looking. Rare even when I was in High School! I have a MB now. My High School buddy had a M38A1. It started better and push started my '48 CJ2A many times. We Jeeped on Winter Snow days when classes were dismissed. I now own a M38A1 also. Frankley, If you get one with history, I see no difference in desireability. Value is determined by how many people want it or view it as valuable. It's like the stock market-----value is set by what people are willing to pay. Compared to how long you have left to live----who cares. If you want it, and have the money needed, why not play with it. It will out live you! Jeeps are just plain fun! John