The Jeepster Commando, a sometimes overlooked model in the Kaiser / Willys lineup, was first introduced by Kaiser Motors in 1966 to compete with the Toyota Land Cruiser and Ford Bronco. A throwback to the original Willys Jeepster, the Jeepster C101, as the first Commando was called, was produced from 1966 to 1971 and came in several different body styles, including the station wagon, convertible, pickup, and roadster. Equipped with the F-head Hurricane straight-4, the C101 also came with a 160 horsepower Dauntless V6 option (which was preferred, with its 235 lb-ft of torque).
Of the total 57,350 Commandos that were produced during this time, Kaiser Motors also offered a deluxe version of the C101 station wagon body style, which was outfitted with sliding rear windows and embellished with full interior trim and an (optional) two-tone exterior. In 1971, a very select number of “Hurst Jeepsters” were built with modifications by Hurst Performance, featuring rally stripes, a Hurst Dual Gate shifter (console-mounted) OR Hurst T-handle shifter (for manual-transmission), roof rack, sports steering wheel, Continental tire kit (available only for this model) and a scoop-mounted 8,000-rpm tachometer.
After 1971 the Jeepster “namesake” was removed and replaced with the simpler title of “Jeep Commando.” By 1972, it was clear that the Commando had become something quite different from its predecessor. For example, the grille was redesigned into something less inspired by Kaiser and more influenced by conventional full-width grilles that were popular at the time. We should also mention that the Commando had a new engine, and was now equipped with one of three AMC options: the 232 cu in (3.8L), the 258 cu in (4.2L) AMC Straight 6 or the 304 cu in (5.0L) AMC V8. The Jeep Commando C104 was produced for two more years until it was completely phased out in 1973, bringing the total number produced to 20, 223.
All history aside, one thing’s for sure: Jeepster Commandos were made for fun in the sun! Check out the Willys Jeepster and Commando Photo Gallery of the original Jeepsters produced from 1948 to 1950, and the 1966 to 1973 Kaiser and AMC Jeepster Commandos and let our Commando owners know what you think about their rides! Here are a few pictures of our blog members rides:
Sources:
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were 71 Jeepster cammando transfer cases painted from the factory? If so, what color? Thanks
Hi Eric,
We’ve actually been adding a bunch of new Commando parts on the website!
Great to see info and recognition of this often ignored Jeep model. Always a big gap in parts availability in any Jeep parts catalog. I see them as a long wheelbase CJ5 giving more versatility, room and stability. My 1970 station wagon/pickup (I have both tops) with the indestructible Dauntless V-6 is a big attention getter. Yes, the t-14 trans sucks with gear ratios right in between where you want to be. Like the T400 comment. Might have to look into that. Simple axle-over lift gives improved exit angles and looks better! Jeepster Commando is definitely the coolest Jeep name of all time.
Does anyone know how many 1973 Commando’s came with front disk brakes? I am working on refurbishing one, and cannot figure out if the disk brakes came on vehicle or were added by a previous owner. Is there anyway to check on whether or not the vehicle came with front disk brakes?
Jeep Commandos are long and hard like me…SUCK IT
[…] ۱۹۷۰ در آمریکا موتورز خریداری این شرکت. قیصر شده بود. فروش یک Jeepster تکاور تبدیل از سال ۱۹۶۶، توسعه یافته برای رقابت با فورد برونکو و […]
Great info and beautiful pictures, thank you very much. I’m doing research to buy my first Jeep and advice you would be willing to share would be much appreciated. Cheers
I had a ’70 V6 automatic wagon. Maste3red putting the soft top up when rain arrived and I was on the road, probably quicker than a power top. This was the best interpretation of a ’50’s British sports car. Miss mine terribly as well as my Austin Healey.
I have a 67 jeepster convertable that I baught in 69 I found this site & comments very refreshing. I want to learn more about the facts of my jeepster. one thing is how many where ever made? where to find more information.
Good perspective on Jeep’s entry at the dawn of the SUV craze and kudos to Mr. Corwin for distinguishing the Jeepster Convertible vs the Commando Convertible and pointing out the rarely-mentioned SC-2.
alot of good information on a neat jeep cool website, i have a jeepster and was wondering how many v6 automatic in 1971? is there a decoder book for these jeepsters? i have books for old mopars but i havnt found any info on my new jeepster thanks again paul mopardiebold
I have a ’68 model that is being prepped for pain. Has a Buick 350 and Hydromatic. Previous owner? converted it from four wheel dr to two wheel and made a Blvd queen out of it. Should have the paint done soon. I also have a ’49 basket case with a straight 6 crammed in it. Plus a ’50 model with a 283 ci Corvette engine, auto, traction bars and a Ford rearend, It is waiting it turn. Other cars: 83 Wagoneer, 77 Cherokee Chief, 258 6, 4wd, 4 spd. needs a lot of work. And a 93 Cherokee in process. Some may say I like Jeeps.
I have a 70 jeepster that i take to parades , it’s painted like our flag . most folks like it .
There is a bone of contention between Commando owners on which body style is more favorable: The classic Jeepster look (pictured above), or the “Bullnose” look that imitated the International Scout and Ford Bronco noses…
Capability-wise, the best year for the “Jeepster” Commando (’67-’71) is 1971, with Saginaw steering (power optional) and power brakes. it also had a Dana 27 front (closed knuckle) and D44 rear, an improvement over the D27 front D30 rear from pre-’69 models. Some even came with factory air – a nice feature.
The V6 225 Dauntless is a torque animal for the ’67-’71 models, but the T14 3-speed is a dog. You can find some mated to T400 autos, and they perform much better. Dana 20 Transfer cases were stock.
The Bullnoses have more options when it comes to engines, as they have a 3-inch longer nose, and can fit 360 and 400 AMC motors right in.
Drum brakes (on all models – no discs were optional) are a pain to maintain, and a popular upgrade for all models is a narrow-trac D30 front differential with disc brakes from a ’78-’86 CJ.
All in all, it earned it’s reputation and moniker as a “Mountain Goat” – the narrow-trac axles allowed it to fit in tight spaces, and the 101 or 104 inch wheelbases made for a good ride.
Nice piece…couple of misstatements. The Hurst version did not have the continental spare. It was only built as the Commando wagon (my dealership had one) The only vehicle that had that was the Jeepster convertible. I believe only 67 and 68. Afterward they built the Commando convertible which was basically the wagon without the hardtop. It did not have the little “fake trunk” and continental spare. Originally when introduced in 67 they were advertised in 4 configurations
1) Jeepster convertible with a true retractable convertible roof
2) Jeepster Commando
Wagon (full top)
Pick up (1/2 Cab)
Roadster (open top) (there were various options for aftermarket hard and soft tops similar to the CJ)
Lastly the only true two tone paint was on the Jeepster Convertible with that white band that ran across the cowl and back the top 3 or so inches of the body and included the “fake trunk”. Of course all the Commando wagons and pick ups had white roofs so in a sense most all were two toned. In 72 and 73 there were two special editions the SC1 and SC2 which had special paint colors and a stripe which ran down the upper body side.
Heck yea had a 1970 rode well but did not handle to good great with the top off.