The Jeep bearing the experimental vehicle number X-98 had flat fenders, but with a grille and hood not unlike the eventual CJ-5 grille. It may have been the first F-head-powered Jeep utility, built in 1949 or 1950 under Willys Engineering Release 5607. It had civilian features such as a tailgate, side-mounted spare, and "WILLYS" stamped on the hood, but photos indicate that X-98 was also tested by the military, perhaps several times. Photos taken in 1950 show it labelled on the bumper as X-98, whereas test photos from 1951 show it as vehicle 205. It was even referred to as the CJ-4M, although that designation seems to be more correctly belong to the slightly later military prototype.
(Fred Crismon)
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