1960 Kaiser-Willys Jeep Wide-Trac Concept by Crown Coach

The Kaiser-Willys Jeep Wide-Trac Concept was a prototype multi-purpose truck developed in 1960 as part of a collaboration between Kaiser-Willys and Crown Coach, a company known primarily for manufacturing school buses. The concept aimed to deliver a simple, rugged, and easy-to-assemble vehicle that could be built and maintained in developing countries. This forward-control truck was designed to handle rough terrain and offer flexibility in a variety of use cases, including possible military applications, although no confirmed records exist of formal U.S. Army evaluations.

The vehicle featured an all-aluminum body and basic, durable components such as front and rear bumpers constructed from angle iron. The overall design borrowed elements from several existing and proposed Jeep models. It shared similarities with the original Jeep FC (Forward Control) series and incorporated design cues from Brooks Stevens’ facelift concepts as well as the VIASA SV pickup built under license in Spain. These design choices aimed to simplify production and improve off-road performance while remaining cost-effective.

A unique aspect of the Wide-Trac Concept was the addition of a camper unit, which appeared to be custom-built and likely manufactured by Sport King Coaches, a company once based in California and Idaho. The camper attachment suggested the truck might have also been targeted toward light recreational use or mobile accommodation in remote areas. Although the camper raised questions about stability due to its height, it matched the vehicle’s utilitarian purpose and design philosophy.

Details about the chassis and powertrain are inconclusive. Some sources speculate that the concept may have used the Jeep FC-150 platform, which itself was based on the CJ-5, while others believe it could have shared components with the Jeep Commando or the military-grade Willys XM443. Engine possibilities include the Super Hurricane 6-cylinder gasoline engine or a Perkins 4-cylinder diesel. Transmission speculation points to the T-98 4-speed manual, which was common in similar Jeep models of the time.

Despite its practicality and potential, the Kaiser-Willys Jeep Wide-Trac Concept never progressed beyond the prototype phase. Only a handful of units were built, and documentation on the project remains scarce. Much of what is known today comes from visual assessments and historical inference rather than official records. While the concept ultimately went nowhere, it stands as a notable attempt to create a modular, export-oriented utility truck during a time when many automakers were exploring global solutions for vehicle accessibility and durability.