The 1958 Jeep FC-150 (Forward Control) is a unique, cab-over-engine pickup truck manufactured by Willys Motors. It is celebrated for its distinctive "helicopter-like" cab design, exceptional maneuverability, and clever space management.
The 1958 model year marked the most critical evolution in the FC-150's production run. Early models (1956--1957) utilized a narrow track that matched the CJ-5, which made the top-heavy vehicle prone to tipping. In response, Jeep upgraded the 1958 FC-150 with a completely new, wider chassis, expanding the wheel track from 48 inches to 57 inches. This change dramatically improved lateral stability and off-road safety.
Key Characteristics & Quirks
- Design & Layout: Designed by legendary industrial stylist Brooks Stevens, the "forward control" layout placed the driver completely over the front axle. This design squeezed a full-sized 6-foot truck bed onto a footprint shorter than a standard compact car.
- Workhorse Versatility: The truck featured optional front, mid, and rear Power Take-Off (PTO) points. This allowed owners to convert the truck into a dump truck, tow truck, fire engine, or power farm equipment like mowers and winches.
- Weight Distribution: Because the engine and cab sat at the very front, the FC-150 was notoriously front-heavy when empty. Willys actually factory-installed a heavy counterweight block under the rear bed to prevent the rear wheels from lifting under hard braking or steep descents.
With only 7,400 miles this Jeep FC150 has been a part of the Duncan Imports collection and was just recently release from the private collection.
