Right Hand Drive M38a1

Maverick · Post by **Maverick** » Mon Jan 04, 2016 7:40 am

Hi,
I hope the link below works. On eBay UK there is an M38a1 which looks like it was built as a RHD model.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1958-CJ3B-Wil ... SwHaBWiX1E

Was there such a thing?
I know they were built under licence in the Netherlands but the rest of Europe is LHD so why a RHD version?

Maverick

skyjeep50 · Post by **skyjeep50** » Mon Jan 04, 2016 7:51 am

The Ebay ad lists the frame as a "1958 CJ3B" - its not a M38A1. I'm not sure why you think its a M38A1. At first glance it doesn't have the gun mount that military frames had, other differences as well.

Maverick · Post by **Maverick** » Mon Jan 04, 2016 9:09 am

oops, well spotted,
I just saw the engine and guessed.
So was this made for the UK market or the US postal service?
Just curious

Post by **wesk** » Mon Jan 04, 2016 10:38 am

If you read the description carefully you will see that it left the US as a standard left hand drive jeep.

Fancy a jeep project to take on - here is a 1958 built CJ3B Jeep that will make a good basis for a frame up restoration project or to harvest the parts for the spares.
The history of this jeep is presumed, but it is believed that this CJ3B was built in 1958 originally as a LH drive and shipped in a batch of 1000 units to Australia between 1958 - 1961 and converted to RH drive by Dominion Motors in Melbourne. Nothing else about this Jeep is known until it was shipped to the Philippines in 2006. The Jeep appears to have had nothing done to it whilst it was in Manilla and it was eventually shipped to the UK in March 2015.
The vehicle has a secure NOVA registration number.
The frame is very good and strong having been based on the M38 strengthened chassis.
The axles are present, along with drive shafts, transfer box, gearbox, and front springs.
The Ross steering box and column with steering wheel is also there, the Jeep could easily be converted back to LH drive as required.
Radiator present, core looks ok, but condition not known.
There are 2 wheels, but the condition of them is poor.
The engine should be considered as scrap, it has been left open to the elements with no plugs fitted, and does not turn by hand, however it may be a useful source of parts or recoverable after strip-down. The engine is the 'Hurricane' F134, and not the L134 Flathead type-Wartime/CJ2 engine.
Feel free to contact me with any questions that I can help you on.
The buyer is responsible for collection of the vehicle, I can offer no alternative arrangements.
A deposit is acceptable to secure the jeep, with the balance payable on collection.

So was this made for the UK market or the US postal service?

No, it was not either. RH drive postal jeeps are 2WD.