If the cab-forward layout is allowed for the big-rigs, why not in light-duty ones?

[Frank Lee]

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Since this truck has roughly the size of a Corolla (slightly narrower and actually just a few inches longer, with a shorter wheelbase), while retaining capacities comparable to a regular compact truck currently available in the U.S. market, I see no reason why commercial operators who really need a truck to perform their job couldn't benefit from a similar vehicle. Its smaller footprint could eventually render it more practical to find a parking spot in a tighter area, for example, or maneuver at certain job sites.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

This model (JAC V260 made in China) is fitted with a 1.9L turbodiesel

[Hersbird]

There was a 1961 Jeep "forward control" FC150 4x4 on Craigslist this morning for $2300 (although not this one in picture, similar) but it's already gone.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Maybe if it wasn't for the Chicken Tax, that forward-control Jeep would've faced some fierce competition back in the day...

[Hersbird]

Originally Posted by cRiPpLe_rOoStEr

Maybe if it wasn't for the Chicken Tax, that forward-control Jeep would've faced some fierce competition back in the day...

The Jeep is actually really big on the inside. That motor sits between 2 seats almost like a military Hummer. I saw it and immediately thought what a cool electric conversion it would make with a big battery pack there. Still keep the low range gearing and I bet even the zero motorcycle electric motor would power all 4 wheels.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

That motor sits between 2 seats almost like a military Hummer.

It does quite surprise me that Jeep doesn't have a 3rd seat right above that doghouse.

[freebeard]

http://st.automobilemag.com/uploads/...d-Interior.jpg
I rode to the Haight-Ashbury in the 1960s in one of these with 14 other people. I suspect there were two sitting there, one forward and one back. It was my father's 1964 Ford Econoline in red. My little brother drove.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Lately I've been paying more attention to the frame rails of some trucks I see, and one thing I'm sure is the frame of some Class 5 variant of the Brazilian Ford Cargo isn't so unsuitable to eventually work around and fit the cab of a conventional bonnetted truck, such as a Ford Super Duty for instance. As the frame of most Class 5 trucks in general tend to have wheel well clearance issued when the cargo body is bolted directly above the frame rails, instead of using some sort of spacers which keep the loading deck a little higher as in a frame with curved frame rails, it might not be so much rocket science to adapt different cabin setups on a single basic frame design to improve economics of scale.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Sure a "normal" truck such as this beauty is cool...


But honestly, even though towing capacity for this cabover is somewhat symbolic compared to an American full-size, it's more appealing to me. Payload is greater, handling on space-constrained areas is better... I wouldn't really be surprised if a redneck eventually says it would make a better farm truck if swapped a small-block V8 into...