Not a trail-rated Jeep

Ask a Jeep enthusiast to describe a Jeep FJ-3A and, most likely, the reply will be a blank stare. Like a long-dead relative who never really mixed with the rest of the family, the FJ-3A has just slipped into obscurity.

Production of the Jeep, called Fleetvan, began in 1961 following Willys Motors decision to build a compact, 2-wheel drive van to suit government departments and private businesses. US Mail took up the bulk of the initial production.

To save costs, the FJ-3A was built on an 81-inch CJ5 frame and used the highly-regarded Hurricane 4-cylinder F-head engine. Almost all the mechanical components were from existing Willys Jeep stock.

Sadly, the Jeep Fleetvan was failed to capture many orders from government and business. Most potential buyers believing that the small floor area wasn’t sufficiently compensated by the unusually-high roof or the excellent maneuverability.

To today’s generation, the FJ-3A might look dorky and more like something you would see in a child’s storybook. However, it could have just been ahead of its time. Now, in European and Asian countries, where fuel is expensive and the roads are chaotic, there are many delivery vans with the design criteria Willys Motors pioneered 45 years ago.