The term “Limited Edition” is relative, with some vehicles proving more limited than others. Sometimes this is by design, while at others, it can prove the result of a lukewarm reception by the buying public. The 1971 Jeepster Hurst Edition falls into the “unexpectedly limited” category, with its sales total a fraction of the company’s expectations. They are a rare classic today, and spotless examples fetch healthy prices. Our feature Hurst isn’t pristine but appears to have good bones. That could make it an ideal candidate for a restoration project. Located in Wylie, Texas, you will find the Jeepster listed for sale here on Craigslist. It could be yours for $18,999. Barn Finder T.J. has used a well-tuned classic radar to spot this rare gem for us. Thank you for that, T.J.
When launched, the company offered the Hurst Jeepster in a single shade of Champagne White with red and blue stripes adorning its cowl and tailgate. The Jeepster rolled on wider steel wheels with full covers, the hood scoop featured a tachometer, while there were also special badges and a roof rack as part of the package. This Hurst features most of those items, although the tach seems to be missing from the scoop. The seller doesn’t overwhelm us with information, with their description amounting to three words! The paint shows the deterioration you would expect from any vehicle of this age, although the stripes are surprisingly crisp. Rust appears limited to spots in the lower tailgate, but they seem repairable without requiring panel replacement. The correct badges are intact, and the distinctive wheel covers are undamaged. The seller doesn’t mention underside rust, which may prompt interested potential buyers to negotiate an in-person inspection.
This Jeepster’s interior features “Trim Package B,” which saw the vehicle fitted with front bucket seats and a rear bench trimmed in Black vinyl. The defining feature of the Hurst is visible in this shot. Manual versions received the company’s “T” shifter, while the automatics rolled out of the factory with Hurst’s iconic dual-gate shifter mounted in a console. The steering wheel has always been the subject of conjecture because the prototype received a sports wheel with brushed aluminum spokes. I have seen the same wheel on a couple of production examples, but most feature the wheel seen in this shot. This Jeepster’s interior is serviceable, although it has a few flaws. The painted surfaces are tired and screaming for a refresh. There are also splits and flaws in the front seat upholstery. The buyer will need to source replacement covers if aiming for a high-end restoration. This is unlikely to break the bank because a complete replacement set retails for under $600. There are no aftermarket additions, so returning the interior to its former glory should prove a straightforward and satisfying task the buyer can tackle in a home workshop.
Powering the Jeepster is the company’s 225ci “Dauntless” V6 which produces 160hp and 235 ft/lbs of torque. The power feeds to the road via a three-speed Hydra-Matic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Outright speed is not this classic’s strong point, but it could still cover the ¼ mile in 18.3 seconds before winding its way to 93mph. However, with its maximum torque delivery at a relatively low 2,000rpm, the Jeepster could easily climb through some harsh terrain. The seller supplies no information on the mechanical state of this classic, although one of the provided photos indicates that it runs and is roadworthy. This is another aspect of this Hurst that may require clarification or an in-person inspection.
When the company launched the 1971 Hurst Jeepster, it planned a limited production run of 500 vehicles. They didn’t receive the warm reception expected, and it is believed that only around 100 of these beauties rolled out of the factory before the ax fell on production. Considering that figure and the decades that have passed since, it is surprising that 65 remain in existence, according to the Hurst Jeepster Registry. This one isn’t perfect, but it could represent a promising project. It is worth remembering that a pristine example commands a value of around $25,000, so the buyer will need to be prepared to do most of the work themselves to remain financially viable. If you fit that mold, maybe this is your next project.
I rarely see the author use the words “Holy Grail”. Perhaps it’s not customary where he comes from, but ask any Jeep nut, if there ever was a Jeep that deserves that title, this is it. As “Holy” as it may be, it was one of the biggest “swing and a misses” in vehicle history. To understand and add a bit, in the late 60’s and 70’s, Hurst, in America, was huge. Partially due to Linda Vaughn, who rode those convertibles hanging on to that giant shifter, sorry, there I go again just thinking about that, but I can just see in the ambitious execs at AMC, hot on their new purchase of Jeep,( 1970) why not a Hurst Jeep? The Jeepster being their top of the line, at the time. As famous as Hurst was, the Jeepster had a poor following to begin with, and we still hadn’t gotten over the corniness of the SC and Machine colors( hey, I’m as American as the next, but a RWB themed paint job is too much), and it failed miserably.
Today? Well, it’s an okay example, I think the word “Hurst” has all but fallen out of our vocabulary, and are probably more known for their crash products. I don’t see a lot of interest, as the 1st thing most will notice, it’s a Jeepster. Naturally, I like the vehicle itself, that V6, none better, I’m just not sure future generations will care if it’s a Hurst or not.
Howard, I, for one, really like the AMC red/white/blue color combinations, including the diagonal design on Javelins. SO THERE!
“we still hadn’t gotten over the corniness of the SC and Machine colors”
No, not “SO THERE”, Steve, you missed my point, as usual. We Rambler fans had come to expect the unusual from AMC, but outside our circle, it just wasn’t so. I lived with the Rambler jokes, took them with good candor, unlike here, but the reality was, AMC was the laughing stock and the butt of all car jokes, unusual paint jobs were almost a Rambler given to bolster that fact. I know we look at AMC today as this alternative to the Big 3, but let me assure you, among the Big 3 followers, and there were plenty, I was almost ashamed to say I liked Ramblers. Sorry, that’s just the way it was then.
Dang this thing keeps getting listed every other month…..if it’s not Dennis the Coffee Guy that owns it – he knows about as it’s in his back yard – so either the price is to high or the market for these is soft………
I’m guessing I’m about 10 years younger than you, Howard, so I missed her. Thanks for the Linda Vaughn reference, learned something fun today.
Always a pleasure dusting off old memories, part of my mission here, it seems. Yeah, I don’t think there’s a man alive that experienced that era, and didn’t know who she was. There were a couple of “Hurst” girls, but Ms. Vaughn was the most popular one. She graced many racing venues, and I’m not sure who the fans went to the races for, her or the race. She helped sell a lot of floor shifters, and Hurst knew what sells.
https://fuelcurve.com/linda-vaughn-the-first-lady-of-racing/
Excellent write-up as always Adam. Although, I wonder if this one is real? The photos are exactly the same as when I wrote it up back in 2018.
https://barnfinds.com/1-of-100-1971-jeepster-hurst-commando/
It is the same one! I bought in January 2019 and drove it from NJ to NC to TX. Also made a trip to MO, but back in TX now. I don’t have better pictures to advertise as I didn’t intend nor do I wish to sell.
My photos…
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1202583516420109/permalink/5536840912994326/
This looks like a scam – prior location was in New Jersey, present location is Dallas, but the photos are the same. Full description of car is: “1971 Jeep Jeepster.” Apparently, the lazy scammer can’t be bothered to put a lot of effort into it.
I saw one in pretty nice condition about 12 years ago very close to this one. here in colorado. Well i thought about it real hard – They only wanted 2500 bucks and I went to go see it.
In the end I could not get over that it was not one of the ‘cool’ jeeps and decided to hunt for more options. Well, I ended up seeing a lot of trashy rigs and decided to go for the jeepster – except it was gone.
too bad its the Hurst as unneccesary price is added. These do fine w/a slight lift, lill bigger wheel/tire. The auto is not a big draw-back & a + for some (i’d go a 4 tho as it’s OD). As a 1st gen bronk owner I say these look great/function fine w/minor mods. Several models all even w/windshield drops, but not easily changeable from vert to 1/2 cab or wagon top’n back. Near imossible w/o some real work~
Wouldnt mind if one came in for a customizing project or my own sales item. Like to wrk on the dauntless as gota ford fox waggy w/a 232 bent6 right now. 190HP / 220tq from 1983/6. In some ways I like the 1st gen better (2WD) as it’s got classy detail. See yellow & red’n white : …. …. https://blog.kaiserwillys.com/brief-history-jeepster-commando
I even don’t mind the last yr or 2 w/the stamped chrome frnt end cover (more than a “grill”).
That’s Dallas, Texas, Dennis Collins’s home turf…I can’t imagine him , a Jeep fan, wouldn’t know about this one….or let it get away…
He got one from Richard a few years back
Yeah.. I think this was from the house that Richard bought that had all the cars in the yard. Richard was more interested in the Honda 600 so he let Dennis take the Jeepster.
I would think a build date of July 1970 would make it a 1970….
That is sweet. Not a fan of the red, white and blue AMC’s but this is just cool. I miss seeing Jeepsters. They rusted away here in the Northeast. I have never even seen a pic of one in these colors.