When Jim takes his 1952 Willys M38 out for a drive around Riverside, it’s impossible not to notice. With its military stance, rugged history, and even a mounted replica .50 caliber machine gun in the back, the Jeep earns a wave or thumbs-up wherever it goes. But beyond the eye-catching look, this Willys tells a story that stretches back more than 70 years.

Originally built for service in the Korean War, the M38 was designed as a military version of the civilian CJ series. While they may appear similar at first glance, the M38 carried critical upgrades that made it combat-ready: a reinforced chassis for durability, headlight guards for protection, and a 24-volt electrical system in place of the civilian 12-volt system. Power came from the flathead “Go-Devil” four-cylinder engine, rated at 60 horsepower. Its top speed of roughly 40 miles per hour may sound comical today, but in the 1950s, it was enough to keep troops moving reliably across battlefields and rough terrain.

Jim’s own Willys came into his hands through a mix of timing and friendship. Years ago, he spotted it tucked away in the garage of a home next to an estate sale he was attending. Intrigued, he struck up a conversation with the owner, leaving his number just in case it ever came up for sale. A few years later, after the owner passed, the man’s son remembered Jim’s interest and gave him a call. In a gesture that speaks to the camaraderie among fellow Riverside Elks, Jim was given the chance to bring the Willys to its new home.

Since then, Jim has worked carefully to preserve its originality. Aside from repairing some of the wiring and adding that iconic machine gun replica, the Jeep remains as it was. He has tracked down small parts from collectors and suppliers across the country, each detail helping to restore the Willys to its former glory.

One of the more fascinating quirks of the vehicle lies in its tires. Military Jeeps like this one were outfitted with non-directional tread—a symmetrical design so that enemy forces studying tire tracks in the dirt wouldn’t be able to tell which way the vehicle was headed. It’s the kind of subtle, ingenious feature that reflects just how thoughtfully engineered these vehicles were for their time.

For Jim, the Willys M38 is more than a collectible; it’s a living artifact. Every ride is a reminder of the men who once depended on machines like this in faraway places. Today, instead of carrying soldiers, it carries a legacy of history, service, and community pride, all while drawing smiles from those who see it rolling down the streets of Riverside.