The date was March 31, 2007. The place: Phoenix, Arizona. The reason we were there: to see the largest collection of Forward Control Jeeps we'd ever be likely to see celebrating the 50th anniversary of the FC's introduction.
They came from all over the country. Both the Jeeps and the people responded to the invitation-only event from the Forward Control Jeep Owners Club. All kinds of FCs were on display, from full-on restorations to chop-top FCs that needed to be trailered in, to FCs that never existed (but sure looked good), to the largest group of M-677s in one place since they rolled off the assembly line 40 years ago.
This shot is three generations...
This shot is three generations of FC Jeepers. And, to boot, the eldest Jeeper, Marvin Lehman, is the original owner of this this Phoenix, Arizonabought 1960 FC-150 with dealer-installed camper shell.
If you were ever curious about...
If you were ever curious about how an FC went together, this roundup is the place to learn. With several bodies and rolling chassis around you get a really good idea. For us, seeing this body separated from the frame only gave rise to more questions.
This is a Jeep that never...
This is a Jeep that never was. While the 9-foot bed was an option, and the dualie rearend was an option, they were never known to be optioned together. However, here is a completely restored example of a 1960 FC-170 with both.
For those of you scratching your heads, here is a brief history: Forward Control Trucks were big in the early '50s. With the cab of the truck sitting over the engine and front wheels, there was more space for a bed, and in turn, cargo. Willy-Overland started producing its own FC truck in 1956, calling it the FC-150. It had an 81-inch wheelbase, and by 1957, a 103.5- inch-long wheelbase version, the FC-170, was also available. There were also military FCs made in four configurations. By 1965, though, Jeep had canned the Forward Control Trucks, relegating them to history and the select few who like their looks or utility and keep them on the road even today.
We got wind of the invitation-only national gathering of FC Owners in Phoenix and decided that, if we were ever going to learn more about this misbegotten and misunderstood Jeep, a national gathering of enthusiasts was the place to do it.
The FC is often mocked for being pug-ugly or having a face even a mother couldn't love. Well, after hanging out with these FC enthusiasts, Trasborg is now hunting for one. There is just no help for some people. For more info about the annual FC event go to thefcconnection.com.
A rumor that has persisted...
A rumor that has persisted to this day is that, on the early FC-150s, if you slammed on the brakes with nothing in the bed, it would endo. To cure that, Jeep put a 150-pound weight under the bed at the back of the Jeep. This is the weight, so at least part of that rumor is true.
The interior of a restored...
The interior of a restored FC-150. Like all Jeeps of the era, the interior is a sparse study of function over form. Then there's Roy Wallace's resto-modded FC170. With power steering, brakes, A/C, and power windows, it is much more livable day to day.
Here is a dealer-installed...
Here is a dealer-installed camper shell on a 1960 FC-150 owned by Jesse Ybarra of Phoenix, Arizona. The top and cab-end is a hard shell, but the sides are canvas, so you can roll them up on hot days, or just have easier access to tools and parts in the bed. We just wish this setup was still around today.
By the end of the day, we...
By the end of the day, we saw not just one or two, but five M-677 trucks. With only around 400 built more than 40 years ago and about 30 known to remain today, we were surprised to see this many in one place. Oh, these guys do awesome work at recreating the panels unique to these military FC trucks.
This is the closest we can...
This is the closest we can get you to what it feels like to drive one of these. Take a CJ-5, then sit on the hood, and you get a good idea. The tires are under your butt, the front bumper is right below your feet, and the steering wheel evokes memories of school buses of our youth. This 1961 FC-150 is owned by Bob Tomsen and features a correct deluxe interior restoration.
That is a late-model, gM-sourced...
That is a late-model, gM-sourced Duramax engine poking up from under the modified doghouse in this M-677. Attached to it is an Allison automatic transmission. It is being built by Jack Rayner of ehrenberg, Arizona. We can't wait to see this one finished and driving.