The Truck, Utility, 1/4 ton, M38CDN was a light military vehicle designed by Willys as a replacement for the Second World War era Car 5-cwt 4x4. Made under licence by Ford Canada starting in 1951, 2,135 M38CDNs were delivered. Later models were the M38A1 CDN, M38A1 CDN2 and the M38A1 CDN3. Based on the CJ-3A, the M38 used a 24 volt (2 batteries) waterproof electrical system standardized for post-war military vehicles. The M38 was built by Willys-Overland from Sept. 1950 to July 1952. The Army’s new requirements, including a higher weight capacity, added many pounds to the vehicle and the old Willys 60 HP flat head engine did not provide adequate power and required a 5.38 axle ratio (vs MB's 4.88) . 

During the Korean War (25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953), all the M38 produced by Willys, Toledo (Ohio), were going to the U.S. army (~ 45500); Willys was simultaneously producing a large number of civilians Jeep. On 29 September 1951, Willys-Overland announced an agreement with the Canadian Government and Ford Motor Company of Canada for production of military Jeeps (M38 CDN) in Windsor, Canada, Willys-Overland supplying parts. For early line assembly start up, Ford assembled about fifty M38 CDN at the end of 1951 from parts already available at Willys and a total of 2135 by the end of November 1952. After the introduction of the M38A1, Willys made 6800 additional M38 for exportation, up to 1955.

In all cases the Officers were very impressed and wanted to spend more time driving around town