Two categories of older classics that are prone to becoming tired and battered are Pickups and off-roaders. This isn’t typically due to abuse or neglect but is an almost unavoidable consequence of the role they play in their owner’s lives. That makes this 1972 Jeep Commando an interesting find. The seller describes it as “all original,” and if that indicates it is a genuine survivor, it certainly deserves a close look. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this beauty for us.
Kaiser Jeep released the Commando for the 1966 model year, with AMC electing to continue production following its purchase of the Jeep brand from Kaiser in 1970. Jeep offered 1972 Commando buyers a choice of twenty paint shades to adorn their new purchase, with this classic’s first owner selecting Jetset Blue. A close inspection would undoubtedly reveal minor paint and panel imperfections, but the overall first impression is extremely positive. This is further reinforced by the seller’s claim that this Jeep is rust-free. Therefore, the buyer won’t face spending thousands on restoration or repairs once this gem is parked in their garage. The contrasting White soft-top doesn’t fit as tightly as I would typically expect, but it should still offer occupant protection during inclement weather. There is also a factory hardtop for those wishing to guarantee that they remain warm and dry during the wetter months. The trim condition is consistent with the Commando’s survivor status, and the glass looks pretty good.
Lifting the hood reveals where things become slightly confused with this Jeep. The listing indicates that this is a V8, but that is clearly not the case. The company offered buyers a choice of two AMC sixes, with capacities of 232 and 258ci. It is unclear which this is, but it is bolted to a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Depending on which engine this is, the buyer will have either 100hp and 185 ft/lbs or 110hp and 195 ft/lbs of torque at their disposal. Those figures are all modest by modern standards, but with the Commando only weighing 3,020 lbs, it is quite nimble in harsh terrain and can bowl along happily on the open road with the needle nudging 70mph. This Commando continues a recent trend that we’ve experienced at Barn Finds, with the seller supplying no information on this classic’s mechanical health. However, their emphasis on the vehicle’s overall excellent condition should mean that the news is positive.
The interior shots bring us to what I would consider this Jeep’s low point. There is nothing obviously wrong with the Black vinyl trim, the painted surfaces, or the pad. However, the carpet genuinely detracts from the presentation and is something that many might struggle to live with. The fit is poor, and I’m unsure whether it would respond positively to tweaking and stretching to achieve a better look. I would put some time and effort into that endeavor because, at around $750, a replacement carpet set isn’t cheap. However, some readers may view that purchase as the final piece of the puzzle to make this Commando stand out in the crowd. Most people will welcome the AM/FM radio and, with the hardtop in place, the heater should keep things toasty during any winter adventures.
If this 1972 Jeep Commando is all the seller claims, it is a pretty impressive find. The lack of rust is good news for potential buyers who cannot tackle a restoration project. You will find the Commando listed here on Craigslist in New Harbor, Maine, with an asking price of $22,000. That places it at the upper end of the market, but many readers would argue quite rightly that the figure is justified. However, the fact that this Jeep has been on the market for eighteen days suggests the seller hasn’t been inundated with potential buyers. Are you tempted to change that situation?
Go for it Howard..
Thanks, don’t mind if I do,,,
Adam,
The “Heater should keep things toasty in the winter” is correct, except that it’s a Jeep. “Should” being the key word. I bought a 72 Jeepster for a winter beater when I got out of college in 1975.
The heater was capable of keeping the passenger compartment 30 degrees above ambient, but in NW PA, it could be 40 or 50 degrees in there in winter. Of course it was ten degrees colder in the back seat. I just learned to dress warm and deal with it. After two years with it I bought a Chevy 4×4 pickup with a real heater.
The Jeepster was at least a step up from the 55 Willys wagon I had in high school. That heater barely did anything, so the friends who rode to school with me dressed like they were walking to school.
Jeep = Howard. I guess it’s nice to be known for something besides hemorrhoids and a crabby father. The Commando by all rights, should have been a hit. The ’71 was the last year for the Dauntless V6, and was dropped when the decision was made to go with a longer hood for the inline 6 and V8, I believe. The Commando had an impressive list of options, and still held true to its Jeep heritage, and they sold over 52,000 66-71. The most collectible Jeep, ironically, is the 1971 Hurst Commando, with under 100 sold and a handful exist today. Try as Jeep might back then, they just couldn’t shake the ubiquitous CJ workhorse image. The Commando was a CJ in an evening dress, kind of, yet few noticed. It just wasn’t what people wanted in a Jeep, apparently. Naturally, they are dreamin’ on the price, someone had one here, sat on a main highway, $15,000 on the window, sat for months, Colorado, mind you, and was pushed back behind the shed, where it still sits today.
Today “Jeep” people would lose their minds over that Chevy Blazer face. Me, I think it lends a more sophisticated appearance. As Howard said, it wasn’t what people were looking for. I think it looks like summer fun, and only certain days since it gets rainy on play days in Michigan.
I love the front end appearance of this Commando. Given its condition I’d be more willing to pay between $10k and $15k for it.
like em all inc the 1st gen (’48/50).
Single rather than tu-tone paint.
A mild lift (1-3 inch).
This blue is OK (face lift model). Unfortunately
the top change (if it’s gotta hrd top) is not for the
shy (it was not avail, oem) any thing like the ease
of my 1st gen bronk (still ‘involved’)…
Still, the only 1 to have is the cj-8/scrambler (ideally
w/the alaska postal or world cab alu top). This model
is a 2nd place for that.
These could be optioned as a half cab pickup and as a convertible with a funky little tonneau/ trunk lid in back I guess it was where the top folded into I have only seen the convertible in photos
Christal is correct about the hard top it is all metal and glass and weighs a LOT I had to rig something up with a winch to get it off
The ad for these when new was “Holy Toledo what a car”
I bought a 73 with a 304 3 speed and restored in back in 95 gave it to my nephew as his first car he did not understand about drum brakes when damp in Florida mornings and sold it because it scared him
It had headers and glass pack exhaust exiting out in front of the rear wheels soft and hard tops huge steel bumpers I welded up aluminum wheels 31×10.50 s as nd was lifter 2 inches it was a demon on the beach
He sold it for $2500
Max Klingers hometown. I read, it was called “Holy” Toledo, because it had more churches per capita than any other city. Kind of like the number of bars in LaCrosse, Wis.
I had a 72 Commando with the V8 and automatic. Liked that Jeep and ended trading it for a new CJ-7 in 76.
I owned a 73 for over 30 years. I can’t believe this one is rust free and is in Maine. Mine was the 3 speed 304. I replaced the engine when it went over 100 k with a 370 wagoneer engine. It looked exactly like this one. There were a few 72s around no other 73s.
There were only around 3800 sold in 73 and about half were 304 and half of those were 3 speed I used to have the exact stats somewhere
I’ve always wanted one of these later Commando’s with the ugly (depending on who you talk to) grill treatments. I’d want the 304, ideally, and I’d promptly ditch the carpet for rubber floormats and install 31″ AT tires. It looks a little too cutesy with the whitewall tires, in my opinion, and carpet in a Jeep with a soft top is just a mildew farm waiting to happen anyway.
I’ve always loved the grille treatment of this year Commando.
I had a ’73 Commando with the AMC 258 straight six, hooked to a TurboHydramatic 400 transmission. I never worried about breaking the tranny. :D
like it but up fora 2nd day?
OK, 1 body color no tu-tone,
2.5 inch lift, 33 inchers, no spare
mounted, 258 motor only, AND…
here’s the ’48/50 1st gen mentioned
on today’s page. Still wanta WC CJ 8 most…