The end was near for the Commando but it received a refreshed look and more room for bigger and longer engines for the 1971 model year shortly after Kaiser was bought by AMC. The makeover didn’t go over too well and the Commando model went away in 1973. This 1972 Jeep Commando looks like a nice example and the seller has it posted here on craigslist in Roseville, California. They’re asking $8,250 or offer.
In 1971, the wheelbase was stretched to 104-inches from 101-inches for the Jeep Commando C104, hence the C104 reference. The first Jeep Commandos were actually known as Jeepster Commandos until the 1971 redesign and chassis-stretching. The big design move for the 1972 C104 Jeep Commando was the full-width grille. A lot of sources say that it was an answer to the Ford Bronco in particular and there is a distinct resemblance.
The seller only gives us five photos of this example which is a crying shame. It looks great in those five photos other than a few hopefully minor issues. There is some rust visible at the base of the tailgate as seen in the rear 3/4 view photo above, and it appears that the spare tire is missing. There’s no word on if the seller has it or maybe it’s in the rear cargo area which they don’t show a photo of. The seller’s asking price is less than half of NADA’s average retail value, as a general reference.
There are only two interior photos so it’s hard to tell what the condition really is, but from those two photos, it looks great to me. The driver’s seat has some damage and this one has a GM Turbo Hydramatic (THM-400) automatic transmission. A three-speed manual was also available with the AMC-sourced 304 cubic-inch V8 which this Commando has. Very cool. I sure wish that they would have included an engine photo, arrrrrrghhh. They say that it runs well with many new parts and has a small oil leak that’s a $600 fix. The gas gauge isn’t working but otherwise, it sounds like it’s ready to go.
The back seat looks like new and I think the blue color is a trick of the camera rather than the actual color. They also have the soft top, or bikini top, which is great to hear. I really like the Jeep Commando or Jeepster Commando. Having the 304 V8 would be something somewhat unusual as they were only offered on the C104 Commandos from 1971 to 1973. Here’s the question: Good buy or good-bye? I vote for good buy.
I had a 73 as my first car! Might have to reach out!!
I have really wanted one of this generation because you could get the 304. My first Jeep was a 1972 CJ5 with the 304 and 3 speed standard shift. It was great. Definitely wish there were more photos.
Awesome looking Commando. I hope whoever buys this enjoys it and cares for it.
I love the pics. If only more were posted. When you sell a car, the more pics, the better.
Neat old jeep you barely see anymore, needs to be bought and used.
One of the ugliest/most generic looking front ends ever.
Looks like it was designed by a 10 year old.The earlier one
were rally nice looking.
Now this doesn’t make a lick of sense. Commandos command unrealistic prices. I looked at a couple here, they were a novel idea at the time, just not what I want in a Jeep. Somebody should slap( or thank) this person, they go for more than this. One guy wanted $12,500, and I think they got it. Most of these had the “Dauntless V6”, a V8 is a bit much, but a classier Jeep, for the time, I doubt you’ll find AND, it has an automatic, almost unheard of at the time with any Jeep. Great find and even WIKI claims it was one of the 1st SUV’s.
1st gen? 2nd gen? (16 yrs between) I go back and forth (even the 1 is w/o 4WD). This frnt end refresh of gen 2 almost makes me think itsa “gen 3”.
I all way say the CJ-8 is the only 1 to have (mostly due to the rarity of these right here). I’d snap this 1up if I didn’t have a category match (’70 bronk). I like them even asa rest0mod. Seen some mighty fine examples…