Aside from the fact that the M-38 is one of the coolest, best-appointed flatties ever built, and this one is decked out with too many trinkets and military widgets to mention, Ron and Bonnie own it for all the right reasons. Basically, to enjoy the Jeep, the outdoors, and each other.
Hazel: I wrote in the story if the Livingstons ever decide to sell it, I'd be there the next day to drive it back to Los Angeles. If they don't take the hint soon, I'm just gonna leave a blank check nailed to their garage door and hotwire it myself.
One of the hot buzzwords in the vintage car scene nowadays is the term "barn find." It's gotten to the point that unscrupulous sellers are taking older vehicles, adding fake patina, and selling them for premium prices as forgotten jewels. Jim Sieger's '66 barn find is the real deal, with 33,000 miles on the ticker and all the original components.
Hazel: Few people realize just how capable a stock CJ-6 can be. The 101-inch wheelbase makes it possible to get up and over stuff that would stop a CJ-5 all day long. Jim's runs the original F-head, 4.27s, and original drivetrain. I really miss my CJ-6, Project Hatari! I'd love to own an orange CJ-6 like Jim's. I'd add an overdrive to the Spicer 18, build my own rollcage, throw on a soft top, and drive the tires off of it.