Jeepster Commando

Kaiser Jeep revived the Jeepster nameplate, introducing the Jeepster Commando (C101) in January 1967. The company had limited resources to design an all-new vehicle given the small market segment at that time. Kaiser was able to develop the new model by revising some of the tooling from the 1948 through 1951 Willys-Overland Jeepster and using the wheelbase chassis from the CJ-6. This iteration was designed to compete in the burgeoning recreational vehicle market that now included the International Scout and Ford Bronco. The C101 was initially powered by the F-head "Hurricane" I4 engine, a descendant of the original "Go Devil engine" used in World War II Jeeps. An optional "Dauntless" V6 engine was also available and proved popular. Four-wheel drive was a standard feature, enhancing the vehicle's off-road capabilities. The C101 was offered in various body styles, including a station wagon with a full-length metal hardtop, a convertible with a soft top, a pickup truck, and a roadster with optional half- or full-length soft tops. The deluxe station wagon model featured sliding rear windows, full interior trim, and optional two-tone exterior paint. Three trim levels were offered: the "Jeepster" (also referred to as "Revival Jeepster" or "Jeepster Convertible"), the "Commando Convertible," and the open-body roadster. The "Jeepster" was the flagship model, featuring deluxe interior appointments, a powered convertible top, and an optional Continental tire kit. The "Commando Convertible" offered the same body style with more basic equipment. Following the acquisition of the Jeep brand in 1970 by American Motors Corporation (AMC), the Commando continued production. Engines: • 1966–1971: F134 Hurricane I4 , Hurst Jeepster A notable variant is the 1971 Hurst Jeepster, a limited-edition model produced by AMC in collaboration with Hurst Performance. File:1970 Jeepster Commando.jpg|1970 Jeepster Commando File:COMMANDO JEEP.jpg|Jeepster Commando hardtop File:1971 Jeepster Commando SC-1 pickup orange b-Cecil'10.jpg|1971 Jeepster Commando SC-1 pickup File:1971 Jeepster Commando SC-1 pickup orange i-Cecil'10.jpg|1971 Jeepster Commando interior File:Jeep Ebro Comando.jpg|Jeep-Ebro Commando (Spain) ==C104 (1972–1973)==

The 1972 and 1973 model years represent the second generation of the Jeep Commando, known internally as the C104. The new version was a significant departure from the previous C101 due to the changes implemented after AMC acquired Jeep in 1970. The "Jeepster" part of the name was removed; it was now called the Jeep Commando. Most noticeable was a new front end that departed from the traditional Jeep grille. The Commando now features a "conventional" full-width egg crate-type grille that mimicked that of the larger Chevrolet K5 Blazer. This redesign has described as the most uncharacteristic of what was expected of Jeep styling. The rear flanged-shaft rear axle was strengthened along with an increased capacity open-end front axle and ball-joint ends. bore, stroke, and • 1971–1972: AMC 258 I6—, bore, stroke • 1971–1973: AMC–304 V8—, bore, stroke 1971: , 1972: ==Legacy==

The Jeepster Commando is significant in Jeep's history despite its relatively short production run. It bridged the gap between the early military-derived Jeeps and the later, more refined recreational vehicles now called SUVs. The Commando also offered diverse body styles and off-road capabilities contributing to the evolution of the Jeep brand and wide variety of models. By the 1970s, the market had shifted to larger-sized four-wheel-drive vehicles. The compact Commando was discontinued and replaced by the full-size Jeep Cherokee (SJ) (a two-door version of the Wagoneer) introduced for the 1974 model year. The longer wheelbase CJ-7 was introduced to fill the compact market segment occupied by the Commando as well as the Scrambler CJ-8 with a wheelbase. ==References==