Very Tempting: 1968 Jeepster Commando

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I apologize for the quality of the photos, or lack thereof. They were almost thumbnail-size in the Hemmings listing so they’re pretty low quality. But, this 1968 Jeepster Commando was too promising of a vehicle to not show, bad photos or not. This one is located in Exeter, California with a $5,500 or best offer price, just over NADA’s low retail price. This could be one to check out.

A black Jeepster Commando with the classic Jeep grille in black over red with a power convertible top? Upon first glance this seems like an absolute no-brainer. Even upon 2nd, 3rd, and 57th glance it looks like a great rig. Better photos, again, would have done so much more in getting the seller his/her asking price, or maybe even more.

NADA is at $8,900 for an average retail value, this one is priced several thousand below that. The seller does say that it has “some rust”. In fact, here is their entire listing: “powertop convertible, 225 V6, auto transmission, continental kit rear bumper, all original interior, all original fiberglass in perfect shape, totally complete car, some rust, all California non-op up to date.”

Mmmmm mmm good, man, I can not buy this one, I can not buy this one, I can not buy this one.. (someone stop me!) Again, without better and/or bigger photos it’s almost impossible to tell what condition things are in on the interior, but it sure looks great from these pixelated photos. It’s an automatic and there is no mention of how many miles it has and there are no photos with the top down or of the rear of the interior. Still, it looks like a good, solid vehicle from what can be seen.

This is a Kaiser-built Buick Dauntless 225 cubic-inch V6 with around 160 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque, more than enough power for today’s roads. The 225 V6 is probably the preferred engine for the Commander, at least from what I’ve heard from owners. Kaiser owned the tooling for this engine by 1968 and they were used until AMC bought Jeep and retired them in favor of their inline-six. This really is a tempting vehicle. It has everything going for it other than photos and being $1,000 in shipping fees away. What are your thoughts on this Commander?

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Comments

  1. DrinkinGasoline

    The ‘Vette wheel covers alone are worth at least 500.00 if they are in decent shape. The last set that I sold went for 600.00 with knock-off’s but were mint.

    Like 0
    • Angel_Cadillac_Diva Angel Cadillac DivaMember

      O M G !
      I love these! The first time I saw one of these was around the mid to late 90s. The was small used car deal in my town and he had a white on white on white 1967 convertible parked behind a building. I really want that vehicle, but even then it was in very rough shape and way too much for me to handle at the time.
      I like this one and maybe I’ll check it out.

      Like 0
      • Little_Cars

        Listing was from March of 2018. Doubt the vehicle is still being offered for sale. :)

        Like 0
  2. LAWRENCE

    Is it gone yet ? Looks like a good buy on one of these……..!

    Like 0
  3. Drew V.

    My parents had one of these ’76-’77 along with a 72 Olds Vista Cruiser and a ’70 Mustang Convrt… The Jeepster was a light Blue with White/Blue interior… My dad traded cars quite often,rarely keeping one for more than a few years, the Jeepster only stayed for about a year but man was it fun on the weekends to remove the hardtop and load Mom, Dad, Myself and my Younger Brother & Sister in it and run around the back roads outside of Springfield,Mo

    Like 1
    • DrinkinGasoline

      I’d like to have that Vista Cruiser today ! :)

      Like 0
  4. DrinkinGasoline

    The GM 231-(insert code here) will go down in history as the best GM V6 mass production power plant during the 20th Century. Add the RPO L67 and it gets even better.

    Like 0
  5. Terry F

    Looks like ’65 Corvette hubcaps, a $ 250+ to the lucky buyer.

    Like 0
  6. Rodent

    Not sure what you are saying. A 225 is not a 3800. The only acceleration time I found for one of these is 0-60 in 12.6 seconds. That is not enough power for today’s roads, at least not in California.
    That said, it seems like a rather nice example of the breed.

    Like 0
    • Scotty GilbertsonAuthor

      Thanks, Rodent. I was thinking of the descendant of this engine not this one. Fixed now, thanks for catching that.

      Like 0
    • xrotaryguy

      What?! Top speed in LA is like 35 mph ;)

      Like 0
      • Mountainwoodie

        On a good day…..

        Like 0
    • Angel_Cadillac_Diva Angel Cadillac DivaMember

      Thanks, Little Cars
      I tend to forget to look at that.

      Like 0
  7. classic Steel

    I wish it was closer to buy!

    I like it!

    Like 0
  8. Blyndgesser

    If only it didn’t have that continental kit.

    Like 0
  9. Howard A Rube GoldbergMember

    All time favorite Jeep. It had military mechanicals with an attractive body, a classy interior and a tad higher gearing for the road, and I disagree with Rodent, these had plenty of snap. One of the best V-6’s ever made, in a relatively light body, was a perfect combination. Ol’ Brooks knew what he was doing when he designed this. I’d find a hardtop and make it into a Hurst Jeep Commando clone,( hate black cars anyway) possibly the rarest of the Hurst vehicles, the ultimate “Holy Grail” for Jeeps. Very cool find.

    Like 1
  10. Jbones

    1965 corvette hubcaps….

    Like 1
  11. OA5599

    Great find at a very fair price.

    I would pull the trigger if it was closer.

    And… the V6 can keep up with traffic and mud bog it too.

    Like 0
  12. David Ulrey

    Why do people always say…if only it were closer? I’m not well off by any means but if I see something I honestly want that is out of state I just figure it into the cost. Am I the only one that does that? Is that abnormal?

    Like 0
    • Tyler

      For me it’s about actually being able to lay my hands on it in an inspection. Or in the case of a running vehicle, listening and/or driving it. And I just don’t have the time to take a road trip halfway across the country, whether I actually want it or not. I can’t remember actually wanting something bad enough to drive more than 8 hours round trip for.

      Now if I were to locate my dad’s 65 GTO or my grandmother’s 60 Impala convertible, then I would probably change my mind!

      Like 0
    • Mark Phillips Nice jeep

      I agree with you if you want something bad enough you’ll go get it no matter where it’s at I just bought a Jeep commando in Arkansas and I live in Sacramento California I wish I would have found this Jeep here though cuz it looks a lot clearer than when I paid $8,500 for whoever don’t snap this Jeep up it’s crazy that thing needs to be snapped up quick nice find

      Like 0
  13. Little_Cars Alexander

    What a great color combo and p-tina. Those ‘vette caps need to stay on this ride. Makes all the difference IMO. Funny how many said they are worth between $$$. Buyer better lock ’em on if you keep them with the Jeep!

    Like 0
  14. Stuart Rogers

    PLEASE don’t call it a Commander. It’s a Commando or a Jeepster. I’ve had ’67, ’69 and ’73’s.

    Like 0
  15. Mark Phillips Nice jeep

    I agree with you if you want something bad enough you’ll go get it no matter where it’s at I just bought a Jeep commando in Arkansas and I live in Sacramento California I wish I would have found this Jeep here though cuz it looks a lot clearer than when I paid $8,500 for whoever don’t snap this Jeep up it’s crazy that thing needs to be snapped up quick nice find

    Like 0

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