1962 Willys Jeep FC150
Forward control design revolutionized utility vehicle packaging when Willys Motors introduced the FC series truck line in 1956. The FC150 placed the driver directly above the front axle, maximizing cargo space within a compact footprint.
Based on a shortened 81-inch wheelbase chassis derived from CJ-5 components, this unusual truck offered a 6-foot pickup bed in a vehicle measuring just under 12 feet (about 147 inches) overall.
Power came from the reliable 2.2-liter (134 cubic inch) Hurricane F-head four-cylinder engine, the same unit used in contemporary CJ models. The FC150 achieved a tight turning radius of approximately 18 feet, making it highly maneuverable for both urban and off-road applications.
However, the design created front-end weight distribution challenges, with early short-wheelbase models prone to nose-diving under heavy braking or when descending steep grades. Total FC-150 production reached approximately 14,800 units from 1957 through 1965, contributing to the model’s rarity today.
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