Some M-38A1s came with Perkins?
“53 Willy’s Jeep
Rare
Perkins Diesel, Motor and drive train are Factory
Can be check out on Internet
Needs Differentials Replaced (Front and Rear)
Have Both
Winch and Tow Bar
Have clean title (on non-op)
More pictures on request”
https://goldcountry.craigslist.org/cto/d/1953-willys-jeep-cj-diesel/6439827619.html
I could find no evidence of a M38A1 with a factory installed diesel engine, but would be an easy swap from a civilian CJ with a diesel engine.
Thanks for looking Mark. I’ve never heard of it either. It seems like an early year for the Perkins? According to Jim Allen in Four Wheeler Magazine, the Perkins wasn’t offered until 1961, so it seems likely it was swapped into the jeep. http://www.fourwheeler.com/features/1404-1966-jeep-cj-5-perkins-diesel-encyclopedia/