Between the years 1956 and 1965, Willys (and subsequently Kaiser Jeep) built a vehicle called the Jeep Forward Control. Its cab-over design allowed it to have a full-length cargo bed, while keeping its overall length to a minimum – this made it more maneuverable than would otherwise be possible. Jeep and Mopar have now teamed up to revisit the Forward Control, in the form of the Jeep Mighty FC concept.
The Mighty FC is based on the 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, although the cab has been moved up and ahead of the front axle, the wheelbase has been lengthened, and an eight-foot (2.4-meter)-plus drop-side cargo box has been added.
Some of the vehicle’s other features include a Katzkin leather interior, Mopar’s new heavy-duty offset Portal Axles, King coil-over reservoir shocks, Hanson bumpers, a Warn 16.5 winch, a Corsa stainless steel exhaust system, and 40-inch tires mounted on custom Hutchinson 17-inch wheels.
The Mighty FC is one of six concept vehicles that the two companies will be officially unveiling at the 46th Annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari, taking place in Utah from March 31st to April 8th. Some of the others include the Wrangler Rubicon-based Traildozer, a deluxe version of the Grand Cherokee known as the Trailhawk, and another nod to the company’s past, the Jeep Gladiator-inspired J-12 truck.
BTW - Jeep also built a van version of the FC for the Swiss Post Office. They were still using them when I first went hillwalking in Switzerland in 1971.