This 1971 Jeep Jeepster Commando SC1 is located in Walla Walla, Washington. Matt H. found it here on Craigslist with an asking price of $20,000. The Jeepster Commando was first manufactured by Kaiser Jeep in 1966 to compete with the Ford Bronco, International Harvester Scout and Toyota Land Cruiser. This Jeepster Commando SC1 was listed about 6 days ago and had had the drivetrain recently rebuilt.
The Jeepster Commando was produced in three different models: The Revival Jeepster, Commando Convertible and an open body roadster. The Jeepster was developed by Kaiser-Jeep and production was continued even after AMC bought the company in 1970. The name “Jeepster” comes from the Willys-Overland Jeepster that was produced from 1948 to 1950. The exterior and interior paint looks nice and the seats appear to have been recovered at some point.
The base engine for a Jeepster Commando was a inline 4 cylinder engine producing 75 horsepower and 114 lb ft of torque. The optional engine was the Dauntless V6 engine and a GM Turbo 400 automatic transmission. This one appears to have the optional V6 and, if so, it was rated at 160 horsepower in 1971. The engine developed 235 lb ft of torque from the factory. The drivetrain on these vehicles were known to be reliable.The seller states that this one has been rebuilt along with rebuilt axles, hubs and brakes. Power steering was also added and a 20 gallon fuel tank was installed. The seller has put about 2,000 miles on the engine since the rebuild.
The seller states that the Jeepster Commando runs and drives well. The wheels and tires were recently replaced. Nothing is stated in the ad about the convertible top but it looks nice. Since the interior is black and the Jeepster Commando has black stripes, I would think the top would be black but it looks appropriate in white. There were somewhere between 300 to 500 SC-1 models built in 1971 making this Jeep somewhat rare. I wonder how many have survived?
No convertible top.
This is the Jeepster Commando pickup variant – or at least the top is off one. IIRC, they could interchange – although, given that the pickup has a loadbed-wall, probably with some work.
The Jeepster (revivial) was the only one with a convertible top. The Jeepster Commando Roadster (open body) could be fitted with a dealer or aftermarket soft top (like a CJ) but not a convertible. And of course the Commando wagon, which had a removable top like the Blazer.
I don’t know how to identify the special models, or even what they are. It could be an SC1 clone, or have been built out of donor cars. Records were chaotic in those early years of AMC ownership.
This was on BF June 19th at $26k. Before it had just the pick up soft top
Yo, Bruce, a word or two about what a Commando SC1 is relative to a standard Commando would be useful. I know now, but only because I googled it.
All Commando SC-1s were wagons from the factory. There are a few half cab conversions floating around.
I had a 1968 Commando V6 auto just like this one great little toy. I see many updates like power dual circuit brakes power steering was an option it has been installed. Nice off roader. Most have rusted away Mine was crushed by a semi that blew a tire and fell on it when the truck jack knifed. Walked away but it was smashed in the front. Tough built little truck.
The 225 Buick Dauntless V6 is an odd-fire engine. I had one in a 1970 CJ5. Robust engine but I remember it being thirsty on gas.
I’m not a Jeep guy but this thing is cool!
Sweet. Most went back to the earth here in the Northeast. Keep it inside and dry..I didn’t know they had V-6’s. I figured it was the four or straight 6 like my parents AMC’s
I’d gofer the 256 i6. A fav engine for me (esp off rd).
Seen some real eye candy w/a slight lift and different paint.
Swap tops is easier ona Bronk as I remember gaps and swap
difficulties. The smaller the 4WD the better I say (livin ‘back east’).
So these fit the bill for ‘personal transportation’ (plus a lill). Just seems
awfully hi priced. Just dont know as own the bronk/don’t follow these to
know~
Nice, but expensive. Too rich for my me.
20k$ for that? A guy could easily source junkyard parts Frame Engine Trans etc & Body panels & bolt weld rivet a better unit together for 5k$ with more ground clearance 4X4 & it’d be way more fun.
No worry about impossible to find parts from a discontinued vehicle.
FrankenJeeps are the Future.
My mom bought a 66 commando new in Colorado. It came with a hard top, chrome roof rack, sliding side windows. We put 300,000 miles on that jeep. The dauntless was unbreakable. I still long for that Jeepster. Locking front hubs, automatic trans. My mom pulled a semi out of the ditch during the 1977 Ice storm. No one believes it today, but that little skinny commando had guts.
got 2–71 wagon, 67 convertible both w/V6 and turbo 400, 71 daily driver after brakes, springs, front floors, added PB, was offered $16K last week, turned it down, 18+ mpg, only had 75k when I got it, drive it like I stole it !!!