This 1968 Jeep Jeepster convertible, Model 8701, is for sale on Craigslist as a restoration project near Columbia, South Carolina with the asking price of a mere $2,900.
The offering is a Jeepster, but not a “Commando” model. The Commando is similar and was produced at the same time—from 1966 to 1973 by what was then Kaiser Jeep. The owner is candid about what needs to be done. The car is “mostly original, only missing a few trim parts. It does have floor rust and will need work.” It’s also partially dismantled—the original blue-and-white seats are on a rack. And the title is missing.
“Great potential,” the owner says. The good news is that the Jeepster, last registered in Tennessee, is well-equipped with the optional V-6 engine (a four was standard), four-wheel drive, and an automatic transmission. An extra engine is also part of the deal.
Who says southern cars don’t rust? This one certainly did, but not catastrophically so. Some underbody shots would have been useful, but we can see surface rust on the hood and some cancer spots on the rear quarters. The interior shot is murky, but the floorboards, although afflicted by surface rust, may be salvageable. There could be horror stories lurking underneath, however.
Let’s look at the history. The original Willys-Overland Jeepster came out in 1948, and stayed around through 1950. It was snazzy-looking for the period, and for $1,765 it came well equipped with whitewalls, deluxe hubcaps, sun visors, and a continental kit. But the pricing was similar to a Ford Super Deluxe Coupe, which had roll-up windows and a V-8. The Jeepster was offered only with rear-wheel drive. The 1966 to 1973 Jeepsters came with a continental kit, just like the original. The Commando got a spare mounted inside the vehicle, and a simpler bumper design. The Jeepster had the same 101-inch wheelbase as the CJ-6, on which it’s based. The example below is a model, but it gives a sense of the lifestyle usage.
The Jeepster had a relatively nice interior—more carlike than previous Jeeps. Clearly, regular consumers were being targeted for what had been seen strictly as work vehicles. Roll-down windows improved on the original model, and the convertible top had a rear glass window that could be zipped down. The top on this one is in tatters, so that’s got to be part of the budget. Rear-seat passengers sat on a relatively Spartan bench.
The base four-cylinder engine produced 75 horsepower, but the Buick-derived 225-cubic-inch Dauntless V-6 (with the same displacement as the larger Chrysler Corporation Slant Six) in this one was good for 155 horsepower and could reach 60 mph in 12.6 seconds. The three-speed automatic was also via GM. The top speed was 87 mph. A total of 77,000 Jeepsters were built in the seven-year period, but that figure includes the Commandos. Fully restored, a Commando is worth $24,198, with a declining trend, says Classic.com. So, despite the low purchase price, if this Jeepster needs it all—bodywork, engine and transmission rebuild, all new suspension, brakes, and fuel lines, plus a new top and interior refurbishment—you might well come out upside down. But you’d have a very fun weekend traveler. Thanks to Chuck Foster for this find.
Regardless of anything, I don’t know why, I’ve always seen the Jeepster more sympathetic than the Bronco.
Respectfully of course.
First off, I owned this unit for 18 years, 1994 to 2012. How do I know? The placement of the crest in the middle of the front grille (look at the factory advert and see that crest is low and offset), the 2 Fiamm horns in the engine pix, the cassette player radio and the locking gas cap.
It was a victim of the flood that came with superstorm Sandy, under 4 feet of water.
I was in tears when the insurance company flatbed took it away.
And it’s not a 68, it’s a 67….no a i r pump, and that’s a 3 speed stick not an automatic. All the good parts are gone like the continental rear bumper and tire mount as well as the top frame and factory wheels, trim rings and hubcaps. Probably got real good money for those. Last time I saw it online it was in Texas. No title because it was salvage from Jersey after spending 6 tides in Salt water.
Most defiantly an auto plus no clutch pedal. Shifter up front is for the 4X4.
not your old one, sorry–auto trans, continental bumper, tire mount included, top frame in good shape–just bought it yesterday
No title, no thanks those are rabbit holes I’m tired of chasing best I would be able to do is sell off parts and cut up the rest for scrap
There should be a rule , no title no sale. Any vehicle that has been in a flood is going to soak you but good, the wiring and instruments are going to be shot. The best you could hope for is a salvage title, in order to tag and register a salvage title vehicle is you are going to have to have it inspected by a state certified inspector . the state will notify you who to take it to and you better not drive it there. Also some states will not register a salvage vehicle. Best you could hope for on this one is a parts car.
When the author said that after the restoration you might be ‘upside down’ perhaps he should have said, “under water” – oh, and “permanent Move Permit.”
In some states, like GA, you only need a bill of sale to register a vehicle of a certain age. That’s a shame about it being flooded in Sandy. No telling what rust problems going on underneath. When I first saw the price I thought this was a CL scam, but now I understand.
It is definitely a stick, I owned it. The thin gearshift gate is because it is a remote control speed. Look it up. Either the pedal and cable were removed and sold off or the picture is so blurred that it’s hard to see. I owned this jeepster, period.
The cable for the clutch is still there, it comes through the firewall under the master cylinder in the engine pic.
Tried to look it up but only regular manual trans showed up. No listing of any electronic shifter in a Jeep. Hard to believe Jeep would make such a complicated thing for an offroad vehicle 50+ years ago. They kept things simple so you could fix it on the trails. Could not find anything on what you are describing. If you have info would love to see it. Never say never!
Southern cars for the most part don’t rust. But who said this Jeepster was down south its whole life? And even the ones who have always been down south their whole life will get rust if they are in mountainous areas where they salt the roads a lot. Not to mention the cars that are in coastal areas where they are exposed to salt air constantly.
I always find it humorous when someone advertises a car as a southern California specimen. But I bet they have no idea of where all that car has lived its life.
Yeah with only 2 pedals and an automatic shifter it certainly doesn’t look like it was ever a manual to me
Foster, the last digits in the s/n for mine were 1612997. What are yours? Good luck with the resto.
017 12721 is what’s on the plate–just to let you guys know, the body is actually in good shape, only the floors need replacement, and I’m a welder/fabricator by trade!! Both motors are free, got Offy valve covers, an Offy 4bbl intake w/Holley carb ($900 value on eBay) never been installed! will send pics as I go