willysmjeeps.com

I recently bought 3 Jeeps. 52 and 53 m38a1's, and an early m38. The m38A1's both came with titles, but the 52 title did not match the number on the jeep, it is 1 digit off. The 53 is number MD50735, but the title just says 50735. I took the 53 to the dmv to get the title in my name, but they said that number was already being used in 2 other states. Maybe a civilian Jeep with my number?

So are M38 and M38a1 titles supposed to have the "MC" or "MD" prefix on the title before the serial number?

Also what years are my Jeeps for sure?

My M38 is MC12876 with motor number MC 13013
M38a1's are MD28455 and MD50735
A complete engine came in the back of one of the A1's, it is MD64777

This is my first post anywhere on the internet, so...I hope this works.

Thanks--Scott

Hello Scott,

Old cars can be a real PITA when their paperwork was done poorly in the past.

The complete serial number includes the MCXXXXX and the MDXXXXX.

What often happens is the folks that registered it will only copy down the number from the dash data plate. The MC or MD is a bit to the left of the freshly stamped serial. Without the prefix the number can be anyone of several vehicles having a serial of 5 digits and also missing their prefixes.
Also years ago the engine serial number was used in many states for the VIN. So someone could have a MC50735 or MD50735 engine number that was used on their title. Again sometimes the MC and MD are often omitted.

MC12878 Is a very early 1951 unit. Probably Jan/Feb Your MC13013 serial is close enough it is probably original to the jeep. The problem with narrowing down the month of delivery on early M38's is the serial plate doesn't give the month. Sep to Dec 1950 used the year only and the same with Jan to May 1951. Until I get some surveys back with accessory and tranny/transfer/diff date codes I won't be able to offer a lot of help with that.

MD28455 is an Oct/Nov 52 unit. I say Oct/Nov because your serial fits in between a Oct and a Nov serial in the database.

MD50735 is a Jul 53 unit.

Thank you for answering my questions, and for making the website.

I'll work on getting surveys back for these 3 Jeeps, hopefully that will help a little bit with your database.

Thanks again--Scott