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Slide Notes

The Jeep Forward Control is a truck that was produced by Willys and then Kaiser Jeep from 1956 to 1965. The layout featured a cab over (forward control) design.
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Willys JEEP FC-150

Published on Nov 18, 2015

My Willys Jeep FC-150 pick-up truck

PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Willys JEEP FC-150

forward control pick-up truck
The Jeep Forward Control is a truck that was produced by Willys and then Kaiser Jeep from 1956 to 1965. The layout featured a cab over (forward control) design.

Designed by

Brooks Stevens
The Willys Jeep forward control was designed by Brooks Stevens (June 7, 1911 – January 4, 1995). An American industrial designer of home furnishings, appliances, automobiles and motorcycles — as well as a graphic designer and stylist.

In 1944, along with Raymond Loewy and eight others, Stevens formed the Industrial Designers Society of America. On his death in 1995, the New York Times called Stevens a "a major force in industrial design."

The Jeep FC-150

  • Manufacturer: Willys 'Jeep'
  • Model: Forward Control FC-150
  • Manufactured In: Toledo, Ohio
The Forward Control models were primarily marketed as work vehicles for corporate, municipal, military, as well as civilian use. Regular pickup box beds were standard, but customers were offered a large number of "Jeep approved" specialized bodies from outside suppliers. These ranged from simple flatbeds to complete tow trucks, dump trucks, and fire trucks.

FC-150 Specifications

  • Wheelbase: 81 inches
  • Overall length: 146 in.
  • Overall height: 78.02 in.
  • Overall width: 74.42 in.
  • Curb weight: 3,273 lbs.
Introduced in 1956, FC-150 models used the frame and wheelbase of the CJ-5 81 in with a 78 in bed.

In 1958, the FC-150 received a new, wider chassis. Its track was widened from 48 in to 57 in. A 1958 FC-150 concept featured an 83.5 in wheelbase, a widened track (which made production), and the new T-98 4-speed manual transmission. This model had a gross weight of 5,000 lb (2,300 kg).

Engine & Drivetrain

  • Engine: Hurricane F-head (F-134)
  • Induction: 1-bbl Carter YF carburetor
  • Horsepower: 72 @ 4,000 rpm
  • Transmission: 3-speed manual (BW T-90)
  • Torque: 114 @ 2,000 rpm
The Willys F4-134 Hurricane was an inline-4 piston engine and powered the famous Jeep CJ in the CJ-3B, CJ-5, and CJ-6 models. It was also used in the 473 and 475 pickups, wagons, and sedan deliveries. It replaced the Willys Go Devil engine which was used in the M8 Jeep and other early Jeep-based models like the Jeepster.

Production

  • 9 Year production life
  • Just over 30,000 units produced
  • Other models: FC-170, FC-170 DRW
  • More info at: thefcconnection.com
The FC Jeeps were exhibited to Jeep dealers in a closed-circuit telecast on November 29, 1956, and were on display for the public at the December 1956 National Automobile Show in New York City. The FC-150 went on sale at dealer showrooms on December 12, 1956. The initial response to the four-wheel drive FC Jeeps was favorable.

Their best sales year came in 1957, when 9,738 trucks were sold. After the introduction of the FC-170 in 1957, FC-150 sales dropped to 1,546 units in 1959, before rebounding to 4,925 in 1960. Neither model became the big seller that Willys had hoped. Total production in nine years was just over 30,000 units. The FC line was discontinued in 1964.

Jeep FC

Pug-nosed Jeep Forward Control
Motor Trend referred to the FC's "helicopter look," observing that "your first impression, as you climb into the cab of this little workhorse, may very well be that you have ensconced yourself under the bubble canopy of a whirlybird."