This is a Custom 1957 Jeep FC-170. Designed by Brooks Stevens, the Jeep Forward Control (from here on referred to as the FC) was a series of all-wheel drive trucks produced by Willys Motors, later Kaiser Jeep, from 1956 to 1965. Primarily marketed as work vehicles for corporate or civilian use, the FCs were offered in a large number of "Jeep Approved" styles, ranging from flatbed trucks to tow trucks, dump trucks or fire trucks. Jeep marketed it as a utilitarian truck that was cheap to produce.
The first model introduced was the FC-150 in 1956, featuring an 81 in (210 cm) wheelbase and a 78 in (200 cm) cargo box; in 1957, the FC-170 was introduced, with a 103 in (260 cm) wheelbase and a 108 in (270 cm) bed. Engine choices over the years included a 134 ci (2.2L) Hurricane inline-4 and the 226 ci (3.7L) Super Hurricane inline-6. The FC-180 and FC-190 variants were also planned but do not appear to have been produced in production form. Four military variants were produced in later years. Production ended in 1965, with the FC not being a big seller as Jeep had hoped. 3,816 FC-170s were produced for 1957, the best year for the FC.
Now this casting was designed by Phil Riehlman and introduced in 2023 in the Baja Blazers segment of the mainline. It depicts a modified FC-170 intended for off-roading, with spotlights, chassis reinforcement and most importantly, a 6.2L Chrysler Hellephant crate engine up the rear. This casting has seen two known releases, the last in 2024. A third release is expected.
