Overview of the 1967-1973 Jeepster Commando

During the mid-1960s, competitors like the International Scout and Ford Bronco began encroaching on Jeep's market. Utilizing existing parts creatively, Jeep responded by introducing the 1967-1973 Jeepster Commando.

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In 1966, Jeep stood at the brink of transformation. Known then as Kaiser-Jeep Corporation, it represented the last remaining U.S. entity of the former Willys-Overland and Kaiser-Frazer automotive firms.

The merger of these two automakers in April 1953 did little to halt the financial losses from car manufacturing. By the late 1950s, the Jeep vehicle line was the only one still being manufactured by the company in the U.S. The Kaiser automobile continued production in Argentina for a short time, and the Aero-Willys was made in Brazil from 1960 to 1972.

The Jeep lineup was undergoing significant changes. It started with the compact Jeep Universal, also known as the CJ. The classic Jeep Station Wagon, introduced in 1946, remained in production until 1965, even after being overshadowed by the introduction of the new Wagoneer in 1963. The rest of the lineup comprised various truck models.

The original Jeep pickup, launched as a 1947 model, utilized the same chassis and front-end design as the aging wagon. By the end of the 1965 model year, both the wagon and pickup appeared outdated.

A newer line of trucks, the FC (Forward Control) series, debuted in 1957. However, their unconventional styling and cab-over-engine design made them unpopular in the market. Although they remained in the lineup, 1966 marked their final year. The standout in the Jeep truck range was the Gladiator pickup, built on the Wagoneer chassis and introduced in 1963.

Moreover, the market was evolving. Jeep, then as now, was synonymous with four-wheel-drive vehicles, but the four-wheel-drive market was still in its early stages and struggled to sustain the few small manufacturers competing within it.

In the immediate post-World War II era, Jeep dominated the market with minimal competition, facing only a few aftermarket four-wheel-drive conversions, some imports, the Dodge Power Wagon, and International Harvester pick-ups.

However, in 1960, International Harvester launched the Scout to compete with Jeep. Its sleek, slab-sided design made the Jeep wagon seem even more outdated, and its variety of body styles catered to a broad market. The Scout offered a basic roadster in two- or four-wheel drive, a pick-up version, and a station wagon that appealed to outdoor enthusiasts by combining utility with family-friendly style.

The Scout quickly gained traction and achieved solid sales. While it wasn't a "true" Jeep, Jeep itself hadn't yet achieved the iconic status it holds today.

When the Jeep Wagoneer debuted in 1963, it targeted a more premium market segment with its larger size. For a time, it seemed Jeep and its competitors could share the growing market, coexisting as rivals in an expanding industry.

However, Ford disrupted this balance in 1966 with the launch of the Bronco. Venturing into a new market segment, Ford sold over 23,000 units in its first year, a strong performance. Ford marketed the Bronco as a companion to the Mustang, highlighting the trend of four-wheel-drive wagons becoming more sporty and less utilitarian.

Facing the attractive new Ford Bronco and the reliable Scout, Jeep's options were limited to the compact Jeep Universal and the larger, more expensive Wagoneer.

It was clear that Jeep needed a mid-size vehicle to compete effectively in the market. Losing the mid-size 4WD wagon segment could jeopardize the entire business.

In January 1967, the Jeepster Commando was launched to rival the Bronco and Scout. Discover more about this innovative vehicle on the following page.

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The Development of the 1967 Jeepster Commando

Jeep, like others, recognized the market trends but faced financial constraints in developing the 1967 Jeepster Commando.

Developing a completely new model was too costly for the small market at the time, and Jeep risked bankruptcy trying to compete with a powerhouse like Ford.

However, Jeep excelled at creating new models from existing tooling. It successfully launched a competitor to the Bronco and Scout, naming it the Jeepster Commando, which debuted in January 1967.

By selecting that name, Jeep was paying homage to a vehicle from its recent history. Between 1948 and 1951, Willys-Overland, as Jeep was then known, produced the iconic Jeepster, one of the last true roadsters manufactured in the U.S. Known as the Jeepster Sports Phaeton, it was a high-priced niche vehicle that, while admired, saw limited sales.

The new Jeepster aimed to be a mass-market product, offering a variety of body styles. The lineup featured the Jeepster Commando Roadster, Commando Pick-Up, and Commando Station Wagon.

All Commandos shared the same attractive body design, with differences primarily in the roof. The Pick-Up had a metal cab top covering the front seat, while the Station Wagon featured a full top. These tops were bolted on, making them removable (though not easily). The Roadster could be ordered without a top, with a full soft top, or with a "cab top" that transformed it into a convertible pick-up.

A distinct model in the series, not bearing the Commando name, was the oddly named Jeepster Convertible. Intended as a spiritual successor to the classic Willys Jeepster, its shared bodywork with the Commando and minor trim variations left most customers unaware of the connection.

To cut development expenses, the new Jeeps utilized the 101-inch wheelbase chassis from the CJ-6, a longer version of the CJ-5. While the CJ-6 was sold in the U.S., it found greater popularity in international markets.

The long-wheelbase chassis provided the new Jeepster with significantly more interior space and a smoother ride compared to the CJ-5. The front fenders were standard Jeep components, but the hood was wider, overlapping the fenders and creating the illusion of a broader vehicle.

The classic Jeep grille featured seven slots, with the top edge shaped to align with the wider hood. The body was a straightforward steel design, and Jeep designers skillfully crafted a visually appealing, functional look that maintained the brand's iconic styling. Roll-up windows, door locks, and vent wings added the civilian-friendly features families expected.

Front bucket seats, a standard feature, were upholstered in horizontally pleated vinyl. A rear seat was optional for the Roadster and Station Wagon, a typical offering for sport/utility vehicles of that era.

The non-Commando Jeepster Convertible featured more vibrant trim. A standout design element, and the simplest way to identify it, was its two-tone paint scheme. This included a slim white stripe, bordered by chrome moldings, that extended along the top edges of the rear fenders and doors, curving under the windshield and onto the rear deck.

The decklid was also painted white and adorned with chrome strips. Standard features included a folding top with a glass rear window, color-matched front and rear floor mats, a "Continental" spare tire with a cover, and hubcaps.

Unlike the original Jeepster, these new models all came equipped with standard four-wheel drive. This aligned with family preferences and acknowledged that the sport/utility market largely required four-wheel drive.

Engine options were limited. The standard choice was the "Hurricane," Jeep's aging four-cylinder F-Head engine, which by 1967 was underpowered, producing only 75 horsepower from 134 cubic inches. This engine was paired exclusively with a three-speed manual transmission, as it lacked the power to handle an automatic.

For those seeking more power, the optional "Dauntless V-6" was a popular choice. This 225-cubic inch, cast iron, overhead-valve engine, built on tooling previously used by Buick, delivered a strong 155-160 horsepower. It could be paired with either the standard three-speed manual or an optional three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission from GM.

While the Jeepster Commando had many appealing features, its interior design was rather plain and utilitarian. Continue reading to discover more about the Jeepster Commando's interior details.

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The Interior of the 1967 Jeepster Commando

Reflecting the trends of the era, the 1967 Jeepster Commando's interior was rather minimalistic.

Enthusiasts of dashboard design might find the Jeepster's dash uninspiring, as it primarily consisted of painted metal. A rectangular panel in front of the driver contained the speedometer, odometer, and turn signal indicators, while a smaller panel to the left featured four rocker switches for lights, wipers, washers, and the heater fan.

Additionally, two dial switches were located nearby for controlling defrost and heater temperature. The center of the dashboard housed the optional radio, if selected, while the passenger-side area was plain painted metal, interrupted only by the glovebox door and a cigarette lighter.

The Jeepster was in step with the era. As Alex Markovich observed in a Popular Mechanics article at the time: "Overall, the Jeepster is neatly and tastefully finished, though not extravagantly. Unupholstered sections of the doors and side panels feature crackle paint that mimics leather. All body panels fit flawlessly."

The doors and side panels were upholstered, not excessively, but elegantly for the period and vehicle type.

Jeep went all out to introduce the new series. To streamline the lineup, the older CJ-3B and DJ-3A models were discontinued.

Elaborate full-color brochures were produced, and test vehicles were provided to automotive journalists.

Being a Jeep, it was anticipated that testers would evaluate its off-road capabilities. They were impressed. "Off-road traction: exceptional in every way," noted V. Lee Oertle in Motor Trend.

Ginny Ade, in Wheels Afield, remarked, "The traction was truly remarkable! As the advertisements claim, 'You have to experience it to believe it!'"

Experienced automotive journalist Jim Dunne remarked, "I remain astonished by how effortlessly it handles snow drifts, banks, and mounds. I deliberately devised challenging tests, but the Jeepster never struggled to keep moving...."

Testers also praised the comfort and convenience. Dunne observed, "The front seats, with bucket seats, provide ample space, and headroom is outstanding."

Car Life's Dave Epperson commented, "... the ride on rough pavement, often jarring in many off-road vehicles, was surprisingly smooth."

Motor Trend added, "Passenger comfort significantly surpasses the norm for a vehicle in this category."

The pricing was affordable, with the base Roadster starting at $2,466, the Pick-Up at $2,548, and the Station Wagon at $2,749.

The Jeepster Sport Convertible was the most expensive, priced at $3,186, though, like the rest of the lineup, the final cost often increased significantly with optional features. This series was designated as C-101.

The 1968, 1969, 1970, and 1971 model years saw few changes to the Jeepster Commando, but a shift in ownership occurred during this period.

Proceed to the next page to discover more about the new owner of Kaiser-Jeep Corporation.

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Features of the 1968, 1969, 1970, and 1971 Commandos

The 1968, 1969, 1970, and 1971 Commandos saw minimal changes to their styling features.

The Convertible underwent a rear body redesign to include a hinged tailgate for easier access to the storage area, along with an updated top. Prices increased: the basic Roadster was now $2,730; the Pick-Up, $2,817; the Station Wagon, $3,005; and the Convertible, $3,442.

In 1969, new competition emerged with the introduction of the Chevy Blazer. Industry experts observed a trend toward "larger, softer" four-wheel-drive vehicles, favoring the Blazer's size over the smaller Jeepster.

The 1969 Jeepster line saw minimal updates, with side marker lights being the most noticeable addition. A simplified Convertible was introduced to the Commando series to offer a lower starting price of $3,005, undercutting the $3,113 Station Wagon.

Behind the scenes, significant developments for Jeep were underway, culminating in 1970 with additional planned changes. That year also saw the unveiling of the Jeep XJ001, a prototype off-road two-seater designed to test public interest in a sportier Jeep model.

The 1969 discussions led to American Motors Corporation acquiring Kaiser-Jeep Corporation in February 1970 for approximately $70 million. AMC's Chairman, Roy D. Chapin, Jr., believed the four-wheel-drive market was poised for rapid growth and aimed to capitalize on it.

A few years prior, Chapin had overseen AMC's international sales and production, where Kaiser-Jeep proved to be a reliable and valuable partner in several collaborative projects. This partnership laid the groundwork for the future of both Jeep and AMC. AMC rebranded its new division as Jeep Corporation, but it would take two years before significant changes could be made to the Jeep lineup. By then, the 1970 Jeep models were already on display in showrooms.

Similar to 1969, the 1970 lineup included the Roadster, Pick-Up, Station Wagon, and the simplified Convertible, all under the Commando name. Jeep marketed its vehicles under the slogan "The Two-Car Cars," emphasizing their dual role as both recreational and practical vehicles. The only notable update was the addition of power steering as an option for V-6 models.

In 1971, Jeep unveiled two specially designed Jeepster Commando Station Wagons. The SC-1, featuring a standard V-6 engine, roof rack, radio, stylish wheel covers, and a Butterscotch gold paint finish with a black sport stripe, was a sleek and powerful wagon that highlighted the shift toward more sporty sport/utility vehicles. This model, though not a convertible, was a high-end family wagon.

The sporty trend continued with the second specialty model, the Hurst Jeepster. Intended as a performance vehicle, it was limited by the absence of an engine larger than the V-6. However, it featured red-and-blue rally stripes over Champagne White paint, a plastic hood scoop with an integrated 8,000-rpm tachometer, a roof rack, a unique 15-inch steering wheel, and G70-15 wide-tread Polyglas tires.

Interiors were available in charcoal, blue, or buckskin. Despite its attractive design, complete with Hurst/Jeepster emblems on the hood and tailgate, the model failed to achieve significant sales.

A collaboration between Jeep and Hurst Performance Products aimed to produce 500 units. One source claims 300 were fitted with Turbo-Hydramatic and a Hurst Dual-Gate shifter, while 200 received the standard three-speed manual with Hurst T-handle shifters. Another source suggests fewer than 100 were actually built. Regardless, the rest of the 1971 lineup saw minimal updates.

AMC assembled a team of product planners to improve the Jeep lineup. Among them was James W. Alexander, a veteran AMC employee who had previously managed an interior design studio.

Jim recalls: "It became clear that a larger vehicle was necessary to compete with the Blazer. We started working on that, and to extend the sales life of the existing models, we proceeded with a front-end redesign for the 1972 model year. The designer, as I remember, was a former Kaiser designer who joined through the Kaiser-Jeep acquisition, named Jim Anger."

Significant changes were planned for the 1972 and 1973 Jeep Commandos following AMC's takeover. Proceed to the next page to explore the updates AMC implemented to compete with other four-wheel-drive vehicles.

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The 1972 and 1973 Jeep Commandos

The introduction of the 1972 and 1973 Jeep Commandos brought significant changes to the company, including a major restyling under the new ownership. Continue reading to discover more about the updates made during these years.

The 1972 Commandos underwent substantial updates. One key change was the decision to equip all Jeep models with AMC engines. However, fitting the 232-cubic inch, 100-horsepower straight-six engine into the Commando required extending the wheelbase to 104 inches.

At the same time, Jim Anger's redesigned front end was introduced. While it lacked the classic slotted Jeep grille and separate fenders, it was a smart update that revitalized the Commando. The new design featured a longer, more robust front with a full-width eggcrate grille that integrated the headlights. The overall appearance was more refined and family-friendly, moving away from the rugged, utilitarian look. Whether liked or not, this shift aligned with market trends, and Anger's redesign was timely.

AMC engineers overhauled the aging chassis, upgrading it with larger brakes, a stronger front axle, and a more robust front suspension. Two new optional engines were introduced: a 258-cubic inch, 110-horsepower six-cylinder, similar to the 232 but with seven main bearings, and, for the first time in a Commando, a V-8 option: AMC's 304-cubic inch, 150-horsepower engine (all 1972-1973 horsepower ratings were net, not gross).

The lineup was streamlined, offering only the Pick-Up, Roadster, and Station Wagon. The "Jeepster" name was removed, and the vehicles were rebranded as "Jeep Commando." The series was now designated C-104, reflecting its extended wheelbase. After three years of declining sales, production of the redesigned Commandos rose by 35 percent, supported by a growing four-wheel-drive market.

Few updates were made for 1973. Axle joints were reinforced, and tires were improved, but the market had shifted toward larger Blazer-style vehicles, signaling the need for Jeep to develop a new model.

The Blazer dominated the sport/utility market, highlighting Americans' preference for larger four-wheel-drive vehicles. Consequently, after 77,573 units were produced—averaging just 11,000 per year—the 1973 Commando was discontinued. It was soon replaced by the new Cherokee, a two-door version of the larger Wagoneer, marketed as "A Jeep and a Half!"

Product Planner Jim Alexander adds a final note: "The CJ-7 Jeep, introduced in 1976, effectively took the place of the Commando. With a longer wheelbase than the CJ-5 [94 inches], it offered options like automatic transmission and a fiberglass hardtop while maintaining its off-road capabilities. While the Cherokee targeted the mass market, the CJ-7 catered to traditional enthusiasts."

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