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1952 M-37

Discussion in 'Quitters' Club' started by Jon B., Jul 6, 2022.

  1. Jon B.

    Jon B. Retired three times; still working.

    I know; it’s not a Jeep…

    I have an opportunity to buy an old military M37 truck. It runs and drives, is complete except for the tailgate, and is sound. As in, no rust! Oh, yeah; no passenger seat, either. Original 24-volt electrics.

    It has the original drive train, with the flatty six. One downer: no winch. ☹️.

    The owner will let it go for $5k, which I think is reasonable. My concern is this: what’s the market like for these things, if I need to liquidate it to get my money out of it? I don’t need any ‘white elephants’ in my shed…

    Jon
     
  2. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I like the trucks, but they have a limited practicality due to a low maximum road speed. I've seen some really nice ones struggle to sell for $5K. I wouldn't personally be interested unless it had a PTO winch on it.
     
    wheelie likes this.
  3. PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

  4. dozerjim

    dozerjim Member

    Neat trucks for sure, drove many in the military.....not practical by any means,no idea on resale but would think 5k is about right.....I would buy one if I didn't have so many projects staring at me....:blah:
     
  5. hudsonhawk

    hudsonhawk Well-Known Member

    I would love to have one as a toy to putz around in. But, like my CJ, it would wind up heavily modified to make it more comfortable.
     
  6. Jon B.

    Jon B. Retired three times; still working.

    I was on my way this morning to C-Dub’s place to pick up the CJ frame I bought. In the town of Worthington, MN, there was an M37 sitting with a for sale sign on it. I stopped on the way home to look at it.

    It’s not as nice as the other, but has some new stuff (tires) on it. The asking price? $9500!!! Big “Nope”!

    Jon

    ps: Mrs. B. Thinks ‘no, we don’t need one’. ☹️
     
  7. timsresort

    timsresort Active Member 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    I have a '51 M37 that I bought in the 80's for cheap. It is original, unrestored and unmolested. I use it for camping, firewood cutting, and getting through deep snow. It will out-perform any wheeled vehicle in deep snow, if chained up.
    [​IMG]I belong to the Military Vehicle Collectors of CA, and there has been a resurgence of the popularity of the M37's, and saw several at our spring meet this year. I was kind of encouraged that they may be finally getting popular, and therefore more valuable. I think $5K for yours sounds a little high. Maybe closer to 4. I would think $8K for mine, with winch, hard top, etc is the going price. (All based on CA prices).
     
    Last edited: Jul 7, 2022
    Bill Linenfelser, txtoller and Twin2 like this.