Ralph Gilles Shares Legendary Jeep FC Find In Arizona
By Paulo Acoba
Former head of SRT Ralph Gilles shared a one-of-a-kind Jeep Forward Control find on Instagram.
If you follow Ralph Gilles on Instagram, you’re sure to be rewarded with plenty of one-off finds from the rich history from the Fiat-Chrysler family ( as he is now Global Head of Design although he is most known for his time with SRT.) Earlier Sunday, Ralph posted up a photo on Instagram showcasing a one-of-a-kind workhorse Jeep that people hardly know about any more. In the now sleepy town of Jerome, Arizona, Gilles came across a throwback to simpler times with this 60’s era Jeep Forward Control truck (more commonly known as a Jeep FC.) Check out that photo below and let us know what you think about these uncommon Jeep’s in the comments below.
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According to Jalopnik, there were only about 30,000 of these Cab-Forward design Jeeps built between 1956 and 1965. Being a utilitarian truck, many of these Jeeps led hard lives working on construction sites, hauling large pay-loads or used by public services as fire vehicles and personal transport units. Needless to say, the miles racked up on these vehicles were rough miles and it’s not known how many of theses stalwarts of a bygone era are hanging around.
Aside from its less than glamorous duties, the Jeep FC was also used in the United States Army (like its more popular sibling the Willy’s Jeep) as an ambulance and troop transport.
This particular one seems to be in great condition at first glance with all the body-work straight and true and a bit of love thrown at this particular Jeep FC with a bit of custom pinstriping on the front bumper.
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Hat tip to Gilles for sharing a piece of authentic Americana in the middle of this once thriving copper ore town.