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?

[chris vickery]

I have one as well although it was made at Willys it is stamped with a CFR. It is an American jeep outside the normal Ford contract.

[Clint Tauber]

Do we know how many were purchased from Willys, and why we bought them while they were being built by Ford already?

[chris vickery]

Clint
To my knowledge, these Willys were not purchases made during the Ford contract; they were either early purchases before a contract was made with Ford or an afterthought once the initial Ford contract was filled.
Perhaps someone with access to a serial number data base or CFR list can enlighten us.
The Willys I have is CFR 53-33136

[Clint Tauber]

I think the Army got some from the US Army during the Korean War, or slightly after. Maybe our jeeps came back from there?

[maple_leaf_eh]

Don't confuse the registration papers with reality. The issue is how clever was the clerk at the license bureau on the day. When I registered my M38A1 (as unfit for the road, but registered to me), the lady didn't have much to choose on the pulldown menus. I think it is a 1970 Jeep CJ5. My M151A2 isn't registered quite as accurately as I'd like, but that is how the system works.

If it is registered, that's enough. The folks here will know what you have.