Learned to drive in a '56 Willys Jeep CJ6. So did most of Mexico in same Jeep. While not as smooth a ride as a SXS they are the essence of ranch vehicle.
Good luck with search.

Yes sir. I used to collect them and restore them. At one time had a collection made up of a WWII Willys MB, WWII Ford GPW, Willys M38 (Korean War), Willys M38A1 (Korean War and after) and a AMC General M151A2 (Vietnam War). I had at one time 8 of them in my barn. Also used some on the ranch for fun.

The best of the group for ranch/hunting is the M38A1 or the M151A2. The M38A1 is the military version of the civilian CJ-5. It rides well and is easily serviced and parts are very available for it. It has leaf springs and holds up handles well.

The M38 was just an updated version of the WWII MB/GPW's but had higher horsepower, a tail gate, beefier suspension and 24Volt electrical. It was replaced by the M38A1 which did not have a tail gate an overhead valve engine instead of the old flathead in the M38 and MB's but also had a 24 Volt system.

The AMC General M151A2 is the most robust of all and has coil springs and rides the best of all of them. It also has a 24volt system...and a totally independent suspension.

The M151 was affectionally called the MUTT by vietnam soldiers. It was built as the M151, M151A1 and finally the M151A2. The M151 and M151A1 and even the M151A2 were notorious for roll overs if they were driven to fast on streets, so the government quit selling them as surplus and would cut them in half. Many surplus dealers would buy the halves and weld them back together and sell them. There were some that made it out alive "uncut" and they can sometimes be found. The M151A2 later had a modification that prevented the roll overs and quite of few of them in uncut versions are around.

In my honest opinion, and speaking as owning all of them and using them for fun on the ranch, the best of all of them for ride and usefulness and built like a tank is the M151A2. My close second choice would be the M38A1.

Its really hard in this day and time to still find unmolested true military MB's, GPW's, M38's, M38A1's and M151A2's.
Restored versions of the WWII MB/GPW's sell for $15,000 - $20,000. M38's can be had for $9,000 or about, M38A1's for about the same and M151A2's in the $15,000 - $20,000 range. Understand that these would be restored, military configuration correct vehicles.

Lots of people paint civilian jeeps olive drab green, then try to pass them off as "Army Jeeps"…..so use caution of a lot of fakes out there.

The MVPA is a good place to go to start looking for military jeeps. their web site is www.mvpa.org

Jeeps had been my passion. I spent 20 years collecting and restoring. I would be glad to talk on the phone with you and share any knowledge you may be interested in. I still have some parts and original military manuals.

Sadly the biggest challenge you will have is finding a military jeep that is not rusted out. Most that were sold surplus have been "*******ized" for ranch and hunting jeeps and bear little resemblance to what they once were. Most were left in fields to rust and they were notorious for the bodies rusting out.
The good thing is that parts and aftermarket military parts are readily available. You can get complete new bodies and just about everything you need to completely restore one.
I would be glad to talk with you about all the pitfalls you can run into or be taken advantage of.
I'll try to dig up pictures that I have. Will also show you what i have in the shop now.

Here are some pics of six I had and trailers. From left to right: M38A1, M38A1, M38A1, M38, Ford GPW, Willys MB then two M416 trailers. Also restored Willys MB and restored M38A1 ( I know. The M38A1 should have been flat paint instead of gloss but it made it much easier to keep looking nice.)

IDK, that 50 mounted on back may be the ultimate hog rig.

Gunny456 said:

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All military M38's had tail gates. Also the tailgate did not have Willys stamped on it. This one does not have a tailgate so somebody welded one in.
The front turn indicator lights and rear have been cut/added as the military M38 had no holes for rear lights….the black out lights on the rear bolted on.
Windshield is the correct one piece.
Unless it's been converted (probably has) it was originally 24 volt with two 12 volt batteries hooked in series.
He should have restored it to original military configuration and it maybe would then be worth $13,000.
It's basically a CJ-3. (Civilian version of the M38. Would be interesting if it's really a M38.
Only way to really know is if still has the military data plate on the right side of the dash.
Depends what you want if for. I'm sure it would be a good beach buggy. But don't think it's worth 13K. I sure could be wrong though.

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You are a wealth of knowledge, I always learn from your posts and appreciate your insight

Have you considered the Mahindra Roxor? Almost the same thing but better in a lot of areas.

If you visit Normandy you'll see lots of WWII jeeps driving the roads during the anniversary of DDay

Gunny456 said:

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Yes sir. All my vehicles had titles and were considered street legal by adding seat belts, and made the rear black out tail lights and military turn signal mods. They came with horns from the military. All had inspection stickers too.
I have also done some M715 trucks, M998 and M1044 HMMWV's and got titles for them and made street legal as well.

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Something must have changed because back in the mid 70's a buddy tried to register one here in Texas and couldn't because there was no original title on it.

Like the Johnny Cash song ….. " I built it one piece at a time".