The Pioneer Generation
1950-1959

Essentially a combat-ready version of the CJ-3A, the M38, or Willys Model MC, was the first post-WW II military Jeep® vehicle. The M38 included several key changes including: stronger frame and suspension. It could be driven completely submerged thanks in part to a new waterproofed 24-volt ignition system (replaced the CJ-3A’s 6-volt system), and a unique vent tube system that connected the fuel tank, transfer case, transmission, and engine to the air cleaner.

Later models would add black out lamps, headlight guards, and ability to carry tools on the side of the M38 similar to the original Willys MB. The M38 is known by many as, “the best of the flat fenders.”

The M-38A1, also known as the MD, the design would later be the foundation for the classic CJ-5. The M-38A1 featured a two-piece windshield, longer wheelbase, softer ride, more powerful engine, and new, more rounded body. The “round-fender” Jeep® vehicle would eventually become the foundation for the CJ-5. The M-38A1 was one of the most enduring military Jeep vehicles. Some called it the last “true” military Jeep vehicle.

The M-38A1C (not shown), a specially modified Army Jeep 4x4 produced through 1971, was designed to transport 106mm and 105mm recoilless rifles. A unique channel opening in the windshield allowed the barrel of the rifle to rest on the front hood. What was the most “powerful” Jeep vehicle ever built? Some would say the M-38A1D — it was equipped with a Davy Crocket missile launcher that could fire tactical nuclear weapons. The user could launch the 279mm 1-Kiloton-yield atomic projectile to a range of 2,000 meters from its 120mm recoilless gun.

The Jeep® M-170 could be fitted with several different body packages. One was a light troop carrier. Because the wounded could be carried inside, the M-170 was also heavily used as a field ambulance.

The CJ-4MA-01 (earlier known as Model MC-A) featured skirted flat fenders, a large passenger door and lengthened tub. This vehicle bridges the gap between the M-38 and the round fender M-38A1.

A long-wheelbase four-wheel drive prototype ambulance was released to the U.S. Army in 1951 for testing (project 6396). The ambulance was a slightly elongated 1951 Jeep CJ-4M, another prototype in the history of the Jeep Brand.

Willys dramatically updated its CJ line on January 28, 1953 with the CJ-3B — the first CJ with a dramatically different style from its military ancestor, the Willys MB. The CJ-3B featured a higher hood to accommodate a taller “Hurricane” “F-head” engine. If ever there was a complaint with the CJ-2A and CJ-3A it was with the lack of power. The new engine put that complaint at rest. The “F-head” style overhead-valve engine, designed by Barney Roos, produced a remarkable 25% more horsepower and 9% more torque.

From 1949-1964, either a complete Jeep® vehicle or chassis was used on all Zamboni® ice resurfacing machines. In 1949, the Model A took 10 minutes to do a job that used to take over an hour-and-a-half.

In October 11, 1954, Kaiser announced the arrival of the CJ-5, and featured softer styling lines, including rounded body contours based on the 1952 Korean War M-38A1. The CJ-5 was better on every front: it was stronger, more comfortable, more versatile, and more off-road capable. It was slightly larger than the CJ-3B, as it featured an increased wheelbase and overall length. Improvements in engines, axles, transmissions and seating comfort made the 81-inch-wheelbase CJ-5 an ideal vehicle for the public's growing interest in off-road vehicles.

Many special editions were offered, including the 1964-1967 “luxury” Tuxedo Park, the 1969 Camper, the 1969 “462”, the 1970 Renegade I, the 1971 Renegade II, the 1972-1983 Golden Eagle, and 1973 and 1976 Super Jeep. The CJ-5 was a popular vehicle in fire departments and was outfitted to help put out brush fires. A two-wheel driver version DJ-5 was offered through 1974. A popular and enduring legend, the CJ-5 has probably logged more trail miles than any other Jeep vehicle.

AMC equipped the CJ-6 with heavier axles, bigger brakes and a wider track. In 1965, a new “Dauntless” V6 engine was introduced as an option on CJ-5 and CJ-6 vehicles. The 155-hp V6 almost doubled the horsepower of the standard four-cylinder engine. Beginning in 1973, all Jeep® CJs came equipped with AMC-built 304- or 360-cubic-inch V-8 engines.

Essentially work trucks – the cab-over-engine Jeep vehicles came in two models: an 81-inch wheelbase FC-150 with a four-cylinder F-head engine, and the 103.5 inch wheelbase for the FC-170 with a six-cylinder L-head engine.
Both models included pickup, stake bed, chassis & cab, and assorted special editions including the clever FC-150 railway track inspection vehicle.

Both models included pickup, stake bed, chassis & cab, and assorted specialty editions, with the FC-170 also available in a heavy-duty dual-rear-wheel version. They were virtually unchanged throughout their production runs, save 1959 when the FC-170 received HD rear springs, which increased GVW to a max. 8,000 pounds: additionally, a few ’67 170s were offered with dual rear wheels and a four-speed manual transmission option that bumped GVW up to 9,000 pounds; some ’59-’60 FCs came with full-floating front and rear axles as well.

An eye-catching variation of the DJ-3A was the '59-64 "Surrey Gala" primarily intended for vacation resorts. Perhaps the gaudiest Jeep® vehicle ever, it was available in three color schemes, Tropical Rose and Coral Mist, Jade Tint Green and Glacier White, and Cerulean Blue and Glacier White with a matching striped interior and striped top with fringe.

Only 1,083 Surreys were produced, making them highly collectible today.