Registration – SHG 317P

Chassis No. – 68509

M.O.T. – Exempt

Odometer – TBC

The M38 Willys Jeep is also known as the MD, or even the G-758 after its military supply catalogue designation. The Jeep was basically an update to the war time Willys Jeep and widely supplied to the American armed services between 1952 and 1971. ‘SHG 317P’ hails from 1953 and was thought to be slated to go to the Korean war but the war had finished before ‘SHG 317P’ was built. ‘SHG 317P’ was imported to the UK in 1976 and has been enjoyed by 7 previous keepers since then. Powered by the 2.2-litre F4-134 “Hurricane” petrol engine mated to a 3-speed Borg-Warner T-90 manual transmission, ‘SHG 317P’ has benefitted from extensive key maintenance in the last 12 months. Classified as an Historic Vehicle based on age, ‘SHG 317P’ is MOT exempt and zero rated for road tax.

‘SHG 317P’ exhibits the full, 1950’s military aesthetic in its matt olive drab livery complete with white painted service stars and accompanying script. The name “Hot Lips” is painted on the windscreen surround, presumably in tribute to the character Nurse Margret Houlihan from the TV series M*A*S*H. This was set in the 1950-53 Korean war to where ‘SHG 317P’ was originally destined. The cabin of ‘SHG 317P’ is typically utilitarian featuring only what is required to effectively transport military personnel into inaccessible places.

In the last 12 months, ‘SHG 317P’ has benefitted from a raft of improvements to include two new HCB057 12V batteries, a new battery isolator cut off system, a new MV-141A ignition module to replace the points (the original points set up has been retained and is included), a new distributor cap and rotor arm and four new Bosch spark plugs. The brakes have also been fully overhauled to include new shoes all round and new handbrake shoes, new master and wheel cylinders, two new drums, two new “S” lines as well as an upgrade of all brake lines to copper items. A new steel bowl fuel pump has been added as have new silicon inlet ducting, a new radiator hose and two new twin fanbelts. The vendor notes that ‘SHG 317P’ is only useable in daylight as the wiring requires upgrading to allow use of the headlamps.

In summary:

• A great, original looking example of the post-war US military Willys Jeep
• Offered with many recent mechanical upgrades and improvements
• Ideal for use at many of the UK’s military shows and reenactment events