based on the CJ-5 with its wheelbase, but featuring a long cargo box. This was a record-breaking six-foot length (with the tailgate up) load bed on a vehicle whose total length was two inches shorter than the diminutive two-seat Nash Metropolitan. The rugged design and go-anywhere capability included a claim that the FC could climb grades of up to 60% and reviews by Mechanix Illustrated highlighted the vehicle's toughness and surefootedness. In 1958, the FC-150 received a new, wider chassis. Its track was widened from to . A 1958 FC-150 concept featured an wheelbase, a widened track (which made production), and the new T-98 4-speed manual transmission. This model had a gross weight of . FC-170 Introduced in 1957, FC-170 models had a wheelbase with a bed. This was achieved by the forward-control layout. The cab did not tilt for engine access. The standard 6 cylinder engine was mated to a 3 speed transmission. A 1958 concept version of the FC-170 featured a wheelbase. This was required to accommodate a new V8 engine (based on the Ford Y-block) with a new transfer case. A new 3-speed automatic transmission (based on the Ford Cruise-O-Matic) was only available with the inline-6 due to possible driveshaft angle issues. A T-98 4-speed manual was available with both engines. This model had a gross weight of . FC-170 DRW A dual-wheeled rear axle (dually) model with a load bed. These models have gross weights of or . FC-180 The FC-180 was shown in concept form on paper in a 1957 Willys company brochure titled "1958 Projects - Product Engineering". It was essentially a lengthened FC-170 DRW (wheelbase increased from 103 in to 123.5 in). Features included a 150 in flatbed, the "Super Hurricane" inline-6 or the V8 as available engines, and the T-98 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic as available transmissions. This model had a gross weight of . FC-190 The FC-190 was also shown in concept form in 1957. It featured a wheelbase, a flat bed and tandem dually axles. The T-98 manual transmission was standard with the automatic as an option. No six-cylinder option was offered; standard was the V8. The FC-190 would use components from the FC-170 and FC-180 to keep costs down. This model had a gross weight of . Production The FC Jeeps were exhibited to Jeep dealers in a closed-circuit telecast on November 29, 1956, and were on display