The Forward Control vehicle had quite a run for some time, but then it disappeared. Crash standards on these are… well, they don’t exist. You are the crumple zone. Forget that for a moment though because FCs are definitely still cool. Take the risk and run a rad ride, like the Forward Control Land Rover Defender in the lead photo. That was recently restored by Osprey Custom Cars from Wilmington, NC.
This specific truck is a 1975 Defender otherwise called the 101 Forward Control or 101FC, according to Osprey. Its square shape made it easy to load into transport vehicles for ground support during war. The owner of this one wanted to turn it into a beach mobile. Something to pack the family in and head to the ocean, and I say it’s perfect for that. Gone is the 3.5-liter V8. That’s been replaced with a 6.2-liter LS that cranks out 400 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque. That… is a lot in a vehicle like this, but if you want to actually make it to the beach it’s probably a good choice. Assuming you don’t mash the upgraded brakes and do an endo into the sand.
There are other great FC vehicles that have been built throughout the years. What are your favorites? Share them below.
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