This 1973 Jeep Commando hails from a point in time where the company utilized a very short-lived design that did away with the iconic seven-slot grille and went with a far more generic front end. Despite being a non-runner at the moment, this example is largely solid underneath and the venerable AMC-derived V8 still turns freely. The seller has listed an asking price of $2,500, but you may be able to score a better deal if you have some ATVs or Ski-Doo taking up space in your yard, as the seller will consider trades for certain models. Find the Commando here on craigslist and located near Somerset, Wisconsin.
Road & Track provided an analysis of this unusual era in Jeep styling, noting that it’s one of the rare times the company swung and missed at what customers’ wanted in their off-road implement. In fact, it almost looks downright posh for a Jeep product when you look at the interior, which has fancy – by Jeep standards – seating surfaces and light colors you wouldn’t normally associate with a brand designed for getting muddy. It’s a distinct departure from the Commando design of just a few years earlier, several of which still linger in my friend’s collection down in Georgia.
The engine bay doesn’t have the typical hallmarks of a mill that’s been sorely neglected or abused, but it isn’t exactly pretty, either. Then again, if the seller’s claims that it was running when parked are true, the grime seen here could simply be remnants of use from when the truck was still a runner. Fortunately, spare parts are prominent and AMC’s engines generally were long-lived, but I admittedly know less about the V8’s heartiness compared to the long-lived inline-six. The 304 is paired to a TH400 automatic transmission, and the seller obviously can’t confirm whether it still functions as it should.
So, to recap, if you have a 2007 or newer Ski-Doo Renegade, MXZ or Summit 600, or 800, or an ATV with a plow, the seller is interested in working out a trade. If you don’t have any of that machinery on hand, the asking price is $2,500 which also includes an extra hood, doors, transmission, and transfer case (which may help allay some fears if the current trans turns out to be busted). Despite the presence of some rust in the door jams, passenger side rocker, and tailgate, this Commando still looks quite solid and deserving of rejuvenation. While the design didn’t win it any favors with the Jeep faithful, its obscurity makes it a compelling purchase today.
I’m all out of ski-do’s this week!!! Nice little truck though!!!
Rare truck, for sure. Guy near me had one, rust free he was selling for $12,500, and I think they sold it. Great concept, probably the most practical Jeep for the time, but as shown, they didn’t do well in the salt. I remember some pretty wasted Commandos, and this one isn’t much better. Price is right, just a lot of work, if you’re into busting your knuckles on rusty beaters.
I bought a 72 Commando when I got out of college in the summer of 1975. Dad worked for the Chevy dealer and it came in on trade. It ran fine and didn’t make any bad noises until they put the missing air pump belt on it. Then it sounded like a couple rod bearings were spun. Dad calls me and says “I found you a winter beater, bring $1850. We took it home and cut the air pump belt off and it quit making noises. The 304 was a good motor.
I drove it winters, from October to April, until February 1977. Dad borrowed it to go hunting in December 1976, and happened to be going by the Chevy dealer (he used to work for at that time) so he asked what they would allow on trade for a new Chevy short bed 4X4.
They said $3100, but they appraised it in a blizzard. It wasn’t terrible, but Western PA salt was getting to it fast. Dad calls and tells me the deal, so I got there and signed the loan papers for $100/month for 30 months. Out of the deal I ended up with a new Chevy 4X4 truck ($6400 sticker) for $4850 total including what I paid for the Jeep.
I wasn’t that fond of the Commando when I had it, but it ended up being a really good deal when Dad and I traded it. BTW – NEVER ride in the back seat of one of them in the winter unless you’re dressed to ski. The heater is marginal for front seat passengers, not much heat gets to the back. I knew that, and my friends were told but not prepared, so I rode in the back on a few road trips while they sat up front. But my beer stayed colder back there, so it was good.
Only 25 minutes from me…..tempting.
Would be a cool little unique ride.
Lovely looking rig. I’ve always loved the 1970-73 Jeepster Commando. Assuming parts are available, I can imagine this would make an awesome restoration project. :)
I used to work with someone who had one like it. I can tell you these did not hold up well against winters in the Northeast. We nick named it the CoBondo.
Neat. I had my Grandparents 74 Matador with the 304. The rear gearing must have been low because it couldn’t get out of it’s own way. It was a cream puff but the NH winters rusted out the frame sold I traded it in. Someone bought a sticker for it and drove. I saw it go by one day. Hopefully the gearing is higher on this. I always liked these. With the V8 it could be fun.
I didn’t know a v8 was available in these. A TH 400? I thought by this point all AMC products were using Torqueflite transmissions.