Are those patch panels on each side of the Townside bed on this 1966 Jeep Gladiator J-3000 4×4 pickup? It’s hard to tell, but it almost looks like there’s a keyhole on the top of each one and two hinge locations at the bottom. Here’s a zoomed-in photo from inside the bed. Access panels, for if/when there was a camper on there, so you could stash a jack or other goodies in the bed? The seller has this faded 4×4 posted here on craigslist in Littlton, Colorado, and they’re asking $8,750. Here is the original listing, and thanks to T.J. for the tip!
I don’t know how I don’t remember those compartments before on Jeep pickups, but this is a long-wheelbase J-3000 (126″ compared to the J-2000’s 120″ wheelbase) and it’s perfect for a cabover camper to slide into the back for camping duties. We had a side toolbox on our ’69 Ford F-250 Camper Special pickup and it was handy, but these don’t seem to have a back to them, they just open into the open bed. Weird. One of you will know.
I believe this is a very faded Empire Blue Metallic paint color, and we saw a similarly faded 1966 Jeep Gladiator J-3000 pickup here on Barn Finds about five years ago, and I initially thought it might be the same one, but, not even close. Now that’s a bumper! Here’s a bigger photo of inside the bed, just for the record. And, talking about bumpers, here’s the massive front bumper complete with what the seller says is the original winch.
Jeep made the Gladiator pickup from 1962 through 1971 and this one looks pretty good overall. Although, is the driver’s side wing window broken out? There’s glass in the bottom of it. I don’t know if it would ever be restored to like-new condition, but not every vehicle has to be showroom perfect to enjoy them for what they are. The seller gives no information at all as to how it operates, or even if it does. It’s shown in the same location for all of the photos, so I have a feeling it isn’t something you’re going to jump in and drive around as a daily driver.
The engine is AMC’s 327-cu.in. OHV V8, which had 250 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque when new. It’s sent through a transfer case and floor-shifted manual transmission to all four wheels as needed. Hagerty is at $7,500 for a #4 fair-condition example, how much would you pay for this one?
good eye, Scotty. The wing window was busted for whatever reason but even at that if it runs/drives/stops, the underside looks ok and the price was talked down it could be a good one to just drive-after fixing the window plus any other absolute necessities.
Any resemblance to a AMC J series and these is strictly coincidental. Dropped these out of cargo planes, they did. The broken window was access to a locked truck, and those compartments are Colorado/ American ingenuity at its best. The winch and back bumper may indicate a municipal unit of some sort, and while I rip on the AMC ones, they are far better suited for everyday use than these. Like my Jeep, this is basically a military vehicle. A direct relation to the M715. Tough as an uphill climb in my Jeep, but these lack certain comforts some may be used to. Use it for what it is, more machine than commuter vehicle. While the 327( no relation) is a wonderful motor, in keeping with the overall toughness of the truck, it’s getting on and parts could be a problem. Remember that camper that was clearly too much for that Ford? Be no problem here. These were great trucks and if the military thought so, was good enough for me. .
In your neck-of-the-woods, maybe they would trade you for your Jeep!😁
These are almost identical to AMC vintage trucks! Dash, grill, and engines being the main difference. My dad had a 68 J-2000 and I’ve had a pair of ‘78s, a short bed J-10 and a J-20. Even the early 80s trucks can use the 4 eye grills!
Tough as a $3 steak 🥩
Good gravy what a peach. I agree, those look like home made access panels for use with a slide in camper.
this a real jeep pick up not that P.O.S thing Chrysler is pushing to the public now a days for over 45k
And the new one is ugly as sin.
This is a truck.