This Jeep Commando has a 32-year history on and off with its current owner, who has kept it in stunning almost-faithful-to-original condition. It is for sale here on craigslist for $25,900, and it’s set up with a towbar in case the new owner wants to tow it home from Valencia, California. Kaiser first made the Jeepster for the 1967 model year, an extension of the Willys-Overland version launched in 1948. When American Motors Corporation bought Kaiser in 1970, management recognized a good thing when it saw it, and continued production… well, forever in some form by someone. The Commando came standard as a 4×4, with a Hurricane four-cylinder, and an optional six. Doors and roll-up windows civilized the ride. This ’72 is from the first year of the full-width grill. Rocco B. sent this tip our way – thanks!
In ’72, three AMC engines were available – two sixes and an eight. This engine is a rebuilt 304 V8 – numbers matching in case you’re picky about your Jeeps – generating about 150 hp. Virtually everything else under the hood has also been replaced. The aluminum radiator, air cleaner and finned valve covers are not factory equipment, but who’s complaining – this engine bay is pristine. The three-speed automatic was rebuilt about 25,000 miles ago; both it and the transfer case were serviced while the engine was out. Brand new brakes all around and a new wiring harness round out the mechanical virtues of this Jeep. The underside is said to be in original condition, deliberately kept clean of undercoating. The seller promises no drips, no leaks.
The upholstery has been replaced, the weather seals were all replaced, and the hard top has been repainted. The vinyl floor is original and is slightly worn on the driver’s side. Despite that very minor flaw, we have no complaints about this cabin. Here’s the long view from the way back.
The good news continues outside where the original President Red code 226 paint shines like new. Even the hubcaps are immaculate. The driving experience is primitive, and despite this one’s sparkling presentation, the bullnose styling leaves these last Commandos somewhat orphaned in the marketplace. Here’s a nice ’72 that’s quite comparable to our subject car, and it sold for just $19,500 a couple months ago. Dogged would-be owners can find nice examples for even less. What do you think of the seller’s price – good deal or no dice?
Nice write up Michelle, but now I’m going to have this ear worm for the rest of the day!
https://youtu.be/w-G7-yLFmCQ?si=luQOrDdYosolQNJr
Nice indeed. Now, with that said, anyone else irritated with the ads that crawl up from the bottom of the screen? I understand the need for ads, but making them this annoying is getting old quickly. Seems like the world has gotten more intrusive almost over night. What am I seeing here? Oh well, will be in a nice comfy casket soon enough.
I know the ads can get annoying. But for what its worth, if you get a subscription, all the ads go away, its way better. ( I’m not trying to be a salesman here, just letting anyone whos interested know.)
With my luck, there will scrolling ads on the inside roof of my coffin.
Rubber floor mat and a token bit of upholstery on the doors makes this a deluxe Commando, it seems like most of them have bare metal floors and doors.
I always thought these resembled a 7/8 scale Chevy Blazer. Cool Jeep.
Who wouldn’t want to go Commando!?
This is a very nice numbers matching vehicle and not priced bad considering others we see here. I just wish they’d designed the front ends and grilles on these models a little bit more “Jeepy” Looks like a short Bronco coming down the road.
any (even the 1st gen ’48/50) jeepster I like (stilla ford guy/1st gen bronk owner). The 1st as a nostalgia piece, the latter 2 with a 3 inch lift, mono-tone paint, etc…
http://jeepstercommandoclub.com
I owned one just like this but in brown back in 74, a lot of fun in the snow.
Jeep did not match serials/VINs.
I love these ugly Commandos. I have always wanted one. This one is almost too pretty. I need one in a tired shade of 70’s earth tone paint. Something that resembles a color that might come out one of the ends of a baby.
This is such an awesome find! The 1972 Jeep Commando 4×4 looks incredibly well-preserved, and it’s amazing to see a classic like this still in such great condition. I love the rugged design and the practicality of the 4×4 system, it’s a perfect blend of style and functionality. The photos really highlight the details, from the clean body lines to the vintage interior, which seems to have held up remarkably well over the years. It’s clear that this Jeep has been cared for, and it’s inspiring to see such a classic vehicle still going strong. I also appreciate the history and context you’ve provided about the Jeep Commando; it adds so much depth to the post. Thanks for sharing this, it’s great reminder of why classic cars hold a special place in automotive history. Keep up the fantastic work, and I can’t wait to see more barn finds like this!