U.S. Willys M-38A1 in Canadian Service?

[Clint Tauber]

A couple of years back, I bought a 1953 M-38A1 on KiJiJi, thinking it was the typical Ford M-38A1CDN. I was not surprised that the papers identified it as a "Willys", because that was common. I WAS a bit surprised when the jeep arrived on the barge, and the data plate said Willys Overland with a d.o.d. of 2/53. Closer inspection showed that it also has the little patent plate on the right wheelhouse, and no CAR number stamped on the frame. It DOES have a convoy light, primer pump, signal lights, etc.

The original owner bought it from Crown Assets in the 70's, and used it on his farm for 40+ years. It came with receipts for every part he ever purchased for it. His only restoration work was having a local paint shop match the paint under the hood, and the jeep was sprayed that colour. He also added a civvy top, etc. but kept every part he removed. When I was cleaning it out, I found several machine gun links under the gas tank, and in the bottom of the tool box. No sign of it ever having a machinegun mount, though.

How common were US made M-38A1's in Canadian service?