Featured here is a great looking 1967 Kaiser Jeepster Commando.
It All Began With Willys-Overland
Willys-Overland Motors first introduced the Jeepster which they produced from 1948 to 1950. Leftover 1950 model were sold as 1951 models. There were several different engines available during those three model years. The Jeepster however was never offered with four wheel drive during those years and was offered only as rear wheel driven. Sales during this three year period did not meet Kaiser’s expectations which some believe was due to weak marketing. During the three model years Willys- Overland produced 19,100 Jeepsters. Kaiser took over Wills-Over,and in 1953 and the
The Jeepster Commando
The Jeepster Commando came about in 1966 when Kaiser Jeep needed a vehicle that could compete with the popular International Scout, Ford Bronco and Toyoita Land Cruiser. Kaiser Jeep recognized that these competitors posed a threat to Jeep which up until that point had what some would say had a lock on that market.
The Jeepster Commando was designed by Kaiser Jeeps Jim Anger. Designed around the Jeep CJ-6 chassis. This new Jeepster however did have a new body. While the front fenders were CJ modified units the remainder of the exterior panels were all new. The grille had seven vertical slots and was wider, The Jeepster’s hood was actually the same width as the CJ 6 but being less tapered it had a wider appearance.
Coming up with a new model is a very costly endeavor. The smaller the automaker the cost to do this represented a much bigger percentage of available revenue Kaiser Jeep did not have an overabundance of money for development and retooling and as such utilized retooling in a creative way to bring out the new Commando model with a great deal of existing material.
The new Jeepster Commando came out in 1966 for the 1967 model year and was an extension from what Willys did during the the late 1940’s. The new model was rebadged as a C101. The Commando was offered in several body styles which included a station wagon, pickup truck, and The Jeepster Commando was produced until 1971.
The new Jeepster was meant to be a volume product, so it came in a full range of body styles. The lineup included a Jeepster Commando Roadster, Commando Pick-Up, and Commando Station Wagon. All of these vehicles had essentially the same sheetmetal between them with the design difference noted in the roof.
1967 Jeepster Commando Specifications
There were several engines available with these new Jeepster Commandos. The standard engine was the F-head Hurricane straight four cylinder. Optional was the Dauntless V-6 engine which produced 160 HP. The Dauntless was actually a Buick 225 with a heavier flywheel. Kaiser had purchased the build diagrams from Buick and ultimately bought the entire Buick engine assembly line and moved it to their factory. Kaiser started using this V-6 in the 1962 to 1967 Jeep Special. Commando’s with the V-6 had a badge to that effect on the exterior side panel.
Transmissions are a three speed manual or an optional three speed GM Hydra-Matic.
Brakes are four wheel hydraulic drums.
Dimensions include a 101.0 inch wheelbase, 188.4 inch overall length, 65.2 inch width, 64.2 inch height. Curb weight 3,100 lbs.
Total production over the 1967 to 1971 run was 57,350 units.
Related Auto Museum Online articles are on the links below…
1968 Kaiser Jeepster Convertible
Reference material for this article includes..The Story of Jeep..1st Edition by Patrick R. Foster…..Jeepster and Commando..Road Test Limited Edition by Brooklands…Jeep : The History of America’s Greatest Vehicle by Patrick R. Foster.
The Jeepster Commando Collector Car
Jeepster from the 1967-1971 era as well as the first Willys Jeepsters from the late 1940’s are very popular collector vehicles.
The late 1960’s Jeepsters are looked at as fun vehicles to drive along with their relative rarity. The classic Jeep design which goes back decades and which is still very inherent with the Kaiser Jeepster C101 is a one of a kind vehicle with very rich history.
The Kaiser Jeepsters from the 1967-71 period as mentioned were produced in several different body styles from pickups to convertibles. Examples in excellently restored condition, cosmetically and mechanically, and with relatively low mileage have sold in a range from about $32,000 to the $49,000. Many examples with higher mileage and lesser restoration have sold in the $15,000 to $29,000 range.
(Article and photos copyright Auto Museum Online)