We've had the privilege of covering dozens of modern 4x4s capable of tackling the craziest terrain with swag to spare, but coming across the rare, classic fourbies for sale has a funny way of bypassing all senses of reason and make you just say, "Yeah, I need that."
This 1959 Jeep FC-150 is absolutely no exception, and it's being offered for sale by Motorcar Classics in Farmingdale, New York for $49,900. And yeah, I need this.
THE JEEP FC-150: A CLASSIC CAB OVER ENGINE 4X4
The origin of the Jeep FC-150 dates back to the early 1950s, with Willy Motors leveraging the popular and proven CJ -5 platform to create a new line of modern light-duty trucks mostly for use as corporate and government service vehicles.
The FC - short for Forward Control - utilized the Cab Over Engine (COE) layout with the passengers seated right on top of the engine and front axle. The FC-150 was available as a pickup, a stakeside, cab and chassis, or passenger van (although, only 3 examples of the latter were produced). Approximately 16,251 total FC-150s were produced, starting for the 1957 model year and wrapping up in 1965. Based on the CJ-5, the FC-150 sported an 81 in. wheelbase, F-head 134 CID I4, T-90 three-speed manual transmission, Spicer 18 transfer case, and similar front (Spicer 25) and rear (Dana 44) axles.
Just a year after it first hit showrooms, for the 1958 model year, the FC-150 was upgraded with a wider track (from 48 in. to 57 in.), a beefier Spicer 44 front axle, and a more balanced weight distribution - making this 1959 example the benefit of improved engineering.
The 134 CID F-head was known internally as the Hurricane F4-134, and it was good for a blistering 72hp and 115 lb.-ft. Several months after its release in 1957, the FC-150's bigger brother, the FC-170, was released. The FC-170 had a longer wheelbase (103 in.) and a larger 226 CID Hurricane I6.
The FC-150 was a functional 4x4 that was low on frills but high on practicality. Unfortunately, while it wasn't really a flop, it never really caught on with buyers, either, and after 6,637 examples were produced in 1957, production slowly dropped until the end of 1964 when the final units were sold with a 1965 model year designation.
Today, seeing a FC-150 for sale is a rare find indeed. Because it was primarily a use-and-abuse vehicle and had low production figures, there simply aren't many around anymore to restore. But even still, examples have found their way for sale or for auction over the years - even if they are few and far between. Without a ton of comp data, it's hard to say exactly what this 1959 FC-150 is worth - but there's no denying that is a wonderfully clean example.
The Specs.
The Jeep FC-150 is, of course, a very spartan 4x4. One does not simply pursue a FC-150 because of unheralded off-road prowess or advanced technology. But it is one of the quirkiest and coolest looking classic Jeeps out there.
Plus, the updates in 1958 provided the FC-150 with a highly-desired 1-to-1 ratio between the curb weight and payload. It also had a short turning radius and proportionally large cargo bed considering the small overall stature.
The details on this particular example are few, but we can see from the great photography that it has been wonderfully maintained inside to out, front to rear, and top to bottom. The red metal pops throughout the cab, the bed looks to be nicely lined, the upholstry new, and the body panels in wonderful condition. This just might be a steal at the listed $49,900 price considering the condition of other recently sold examples.
HIGHLIGHTS:Â
- Hurricane F4-134 I4
- T-90 three-speed manual transmission
- Spicer 18 transfer case
- Spicer 44 front axle
- Dana 44 rear axle
- Warn locking hubs
- BF Goodrich A/T tires
READ MORE FEATURES.
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