M38A1 family of Jeeps

M38A1 family of Jeeps.

The later models were usually known by the soldiers as “67 Pattern Jeeps” or “rounded hood Jeeps”.

CAR / CFR and VIN

Canadian Army Registration (CAR) Numbers were later renamed, after the 1968 Unification of the Canadian Armed Forces, as Canadian Forces Registration Numbers (CFR). Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN) are the manufacturer’s serial number. Militaries around the World usually create their own numbering system for vehicles, as the manufacturers’ VIN can vary from a single digit to perhaps 20 digits or more. 

It is very important for owners of ex-military vehicles to try to find and record the original military number(s) and markings for their vehicle(s). Once theyse have been erased, e.g. by sandblasting, that history is lost forever. The army attitude is that they do not care after the vehicles have been sold surplus and their records are gradually destroyed or erased. The Canadian military focusses on the last 5 numbers of the CFR, so they only have 99,999 numbers to work with. Now, with fresh vehicles coiming into the system, the Canadian Armed Forces were short of numbers. They are having to reuse old numbers where the vehicles has been removed from the system years ago. Many records were in the computer system, and as the CFR numbers of disposed of vehicles are re-issued to new vehicles, these old records are usually overwritten. 🙁   Even if the present owner does not care, future owners will be curious to know where the vehicle was used and by which units. For example, when looking at surplus M38A1 CDN2 Jeeps in Don Robson’s surplus yard in Vancouver BC about 1986, I noticed the paint on the hood of one had cracked in a rectangular shape. Don gave me permission to see if it was a United Nations decal under the paint and it was. The next owner of that jeep found some Cypriot coins and empty shell casings in the gas tank well which confirmed that the vehicle has served with UNFICYP (United Nations Forces in Cyprus). This was during the time when they were still painted green. 

The following is the most complete list known for the M38A1 CDN family of Jeeps, cross referencing CAR/CFR numbers and VIN. Why is this important? The vehicles almost always retain their VIN number (on dash data plate and on small data plate attached to the starboard (right) rear wheelwell behind a seat) but the military CAR/CFR is often unknown. Being able to know the CAR/CFR means that one has a chance of finding photos of that particular vehicle while it was in service, and to restore it correctly. Note that if one has DND/CANADA plates for the vehicle, real or replica, that one must not drive on the public roads (other than in a controlled parade) with these showing. Obne needs civilian plates and insurance or a permit. 

The following databases are EXPANDED upon work done by the late Clive Law and various collectors who have gathered nad saved data from many sources. Rob Love enouraged Clive Law  to use Freedom of Innformation to obtain the list of VIN and relevant CAR/CFR numbers. If you have any corrections or additions, please let me know. My database includes vehicles that were released early and thus they do not show on the Clive Law list.

The M38A1 CDN Jeeps from 1952-1953 have the CAR (CFR) stamped into the top of the left frame rail between the front bumper and grille. It was also painted in white numbers on both sides, under the door wells, up to about 1970. No lists are known of the 1952-1953 M38A1 CDN jeeps. Serial numbers are often known, but the corresponding Canadian Army Registration Number  (CAR, renamed CFR about 1968-70) is often not known. Owners should be aware that the CAR was stamped into the top of the left frame rail in numbers about 1/2″ high. There was no “dash” [“-“] stamp so they usually used a number “1” at an angle / or horizontally — e.g. 53/32330 or 53—32330. This same number was repeated on both sides of the jeep under the door wells in white paint until about 1970 when the Canadian military changed to “DND” plates which showed the last 5 digits of the CAR/CFR. Where original paint remains, owners should try to carefully uncover the CAR painted on the sides to confirm that it matches the frame. Occasionally a tub might be moved from one frame to another in service due to major repairs or replacement, or in civilian ownership by someone rebuilding it, sometimes using several Jeeps to make one good one. Why is this important? Knowing the CAR/CFR means that there is a chance of finding former crew members of that jeep and possibly photos of it in military service. If you uncovered unit markings etc. and/or know where it served or ws sold surplus from, that narrows the search. I was able to find in-service photos of two of my M38A1 family jeeps. For the M38A1 CDN 1952-1953 Jeeps several people are gathering serial numbers and CAR/CFR numbers. 

M38A1 CDN Jeeps, click here.

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The M38A1 CDN2 Jeeps followed a logical correlation between the CAR/CFR and VIN, most of the time, but not always so do check the list. The most complete list known is publsihed on this website at: 

M38A1 CDN2 Jeeps, 1967-1968, click here

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Ther M38A1 CDN3  Jeeps – Sadly the allocation of CFR numbers was random, so there is no pattern. The most complete list known is publsihed on this website at: 

M38A1 CDN3 Jeeps, 1970-1971, click here

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