Jeep FC-170

by Eric
(Newtown, PA)

This is my 1961 Willys FC-170.

It was originally owned by the Newtown Fire Association in Newtown, Pennsylvania. It was their field truck/brush unit.

They were selling it in 1978, and when my father told me about it, I thought "what an ugly Jeep?" It was then sold to a fireman who used it to water trees at his home in the Pocono Mountains (PA).

A few years later, this gentleman decided to sell it, and I had told him to contact me if he ever decided to sell (I wised up and knew the value of the truck). I ended up buying it in 1982.

The truck was still equipped as a field truck and all original (9800 miles). I used it for antique car shows, parades and just driving around town.

Then the children came along, and I also owned another antique fire truck (1948 Mack pumper), and the Willys didn't get much attention. I kept it in a garage and ran it, but didn't do much other than that.

Last year I sold the Mack and decided to clean up the FC. A good cleaning, new tires, and a tune up had the truck looking and running as good as new!

It still has its original 6-cylinder, 3-speed, Ramsey winch, 300 gallon water tank and pump. Though it doesn't fight field fires anymore, it is still fully functional as a fire truck.

I plan on restoring it as original as possible.


Larry's Comment: You're a lucky man Eric. These FC Jeeps are getting rare...especially in good running condition like yours.

You have a nice one there. Something to be proud of!