1970 Jeep Jeepster Commando

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.

For consignment a Jeepster Commando in all original condition save for the AstroTurf carpeting. Slightly larger than a CJ offering up more cargo space and a longer wheelbase. This is a roadster model.

Exterior
Avocado Green, believed to be the original paint color covers the exterior body panels. There are numerous sites where rust has invaded and is beginning to bubble up under the paint. The hardtop which can actually be removed with some wrenching is painted white as are the bumpers which show a few crumples in them. The rear tailgate flips downward and the upper window panel in the back goes upward revealing the extra space. Upfront the iconic Jeep vertical grille flanked by single headlights which are spaced close together and are framed by the front fenders. Badging is all correct and attached, and what little chrome that is on this truck shows well with some rusted screws within. 15-inch white painted wagon wheels are on all 4 corners and the spare as well.

Interior
Utilitarian bare painted metal makes up the door panels with a single pull in black vinyl. Turning to the seats we have 2 front low back buckets and a rear bench. These are all covered in black vinyl. Up front the dash is exterior matching avocado, and all metal dash front with a small black padded dash top. Simple toggles and an even simpler gauge cluster sits in a metal insert within the green metal field. And drumroll please…for the AstroTurf which matches the interior has been installed over what are the original rubber floors. Dual shift levers, one for the gearbox and the other for 4WD are seen growing out go the AstroTurf. The headliner is a perforated pattern board material and has some rusted screws holding it up, although it does still sag a bit.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is a heavily patina Dauntless 225ci V6. There is a single 2-barrel carburetor atop and a 3-speed manual transmission on back.

Undercarriage
Heavy surface rust on the axles and drum brake covers. Some evasive rust is seen on the drivers floorpans, and around rockers near the rear wheels. Frame remains strong and floorpans with undercoating on them are still intact. The lower parts of the door frames on the inside edge show rusting. Leaf spring suspension all around and front disc brakes and rear drum brakes are on this truck.

Drive-Ability
This Jeep starts quickly and handled our test track with little complaining. It runs fine and handled like a Jeep. A note to the 4WD…the front hubs need to be manually locked and unlocked when switching to and from 4WD to 2WD, which is a slight inconvenience especially when it is cold outside.

A Jeepster Commando, mostly original, needing some TLC on the rust remediation front, but mechanically sound, and a utilitarian interior to be taken into the wild and not have to worry about any soiling.

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 500 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.