Photo: Jalopnik

I haven’t been this excited about a concept car in a long time. Scratch that. I can’t even remember the last time I was excited about a concept car. When I saw Jeep’s new Forward Control concept yesterday, however, my jaw nearly hit the floor. In an era of soul-crushing sameness and dull efficiency, Jeep’s Forward Control is a refreshing shot of “hell yeah!” steeped in just the right amount of company history. 


Photo: Autoblog

The original Jeep Forward Control, a work-truck platform produced between 1956 and 1965, may have been versatile but it looked like cross between a brick and an English Bulldog. The new Forward Control concept looks taught, purposeful, and as tough as barrel of nails. Jeep is calling it the Mighty FC, a name that tastes slightly of marketing department and old comic books. On a truck this cool though, I’m letting that slide.


Photo: Autoblog

This wonder of the automotive world is based on a modified 2012 Wrangler Rubicon chassis featuring 40-inch tires, a coil-over suspension, ARB locking front and rear differentials, and 8-lug portal axles for extra ground clearance. The eight-foot, tray-style bed can be accessed via three drop-down sides, an arrangement reminiscent of the early VW Transporter. The tailgate houses the enormous spare tire.


Photo: Autoblog

Will Jeep build this amazing truck? I sure hope so. It’s the coolest thing I’ve seen come out of Detroit in years — scratch that — in decades.

Oh yeah, Jeep also introduced five other concepts yesterday but, for me, this is the one to watch.

Hat tip to my friend Mas! Thanks!

Here’s an image gallery…

Update: Expedition Portal have taken this truck for a first drive.