The M38 A1 was the evolution of the M38 military Jeep, used extensively in the Korean War, the manifestation of the round fender Jeep that would ultimately become available to the consumer as the CJ 5. This example was transferred to Ronald Regan’s California ranch for his use in 1982 and was owned by him until 1996 when it was donated to The Camping and Educational Foundation of Cinncinatti, Ohio an organization which raised scholarship funds to run wilderness island camps for under-privileged youth.
This particular example was owned by legendary president Ronald W.?Regan, the 40th president of the United States while he was Commander and Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces. Owned by Regan form 1982 until being donated in 1996, this vehicle was used at the Regan Ranch by the president himself who was known for doing lots of work on the ranch when serving his country or on vacation.
Purchased by the Secret Service at the request of Regan in March 18th of 1982, Regan had served two years in office up to that point and had just survived the assignation attempt only one year prior. His request to purchase this Jeep was a somewhat predictable one as he had served the country during the time of the invention of the Jeep and obviously had great familiarity with them. He had enlisted in the Army in 1937 and served honorably rising to the rank of Captain and retiring from active duty in December 1945. He would continue to be a reservist for nearly ten more years, retiring for good on April 1, 1953. Not surprisingly, his Jeep was a late year 1952 model and was likely the primary mode of transportation for may military staff for 1953.
Owned by the Camping and Education Foundation for several years following Regan’s donation the Jeep came into the hands of a much respected Texas collector some time ago. he has carefully preserved the Jeep in running order and has amassed a dossier of records and keepsake, fully authenticating the provence of this extraordinary vehicle.
