by Jim Allen
The Lost CJ-4 discovered in 1997 apparently had a direct connection to the development of the M-38A1 (the first round-fender production-model Jeep, made for the military starting in 1951.)
I have found pictures and limited information on two military rigs that bear the same front end design as the CJ-4. One was apparently a prototype which was designated CJ-4M by Willys, and which has been later referred to as the M38E1, in U.S. Military Wheeled Vehicles by Fred W. Crismon. Blackout lamps replace the marker lights, and headlamp guards ala the M-38 (model MC) are also fitted to the CJ-4M. This obviously retouched photo might actually be a shot of the civvy CJ-4 doctored to look military.
Factory photos dated 5 March 1951 show the left side and right side (30K JPEG's) of the same (or a similar) vehicle produced under Willys Engineering Release 6555, "Military Jeep with 4FB Engine."
Another variant with the same front wrap was a long wheelbase unit that apparently preceded the M-170 models, and has been called the XM-170. This vehicle was photographed in May 1951 undergoing tests at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds. It is apparently Willys Engineering Project 6396, Model CJ-4MA Ambulance.
The M-38A1 and M-170 of course later became the CJ-5 and CJ-6 respectively. It's interesting that Willys apparently had early plans for a civvy version of the military developments, as evidenced by the CJ-4, when the CJ-3B was not yet even in production.
Thanks to Jim Allen for contributing his research. -- Derek Redmond
Also on The CJ3B Page, see New Universal Jeep Designs, 1949-52 for more details on the military prototypes.
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