BACKGROUND.
This 1966 Jeepster Commando is a vehicle which was first produced by Kaiser Jeep in 1966 to compete with the to compete with Toyota Land Cruiser, the Ford bronco and the International Scouter. Four different models were available: a pickup truck, convertible, roadster and a wagon. The Kaiser line remained in production until about 1969, when American Motors Corporation (AMC) bought Kaiser in 1970. After AMC's acquisition, the Jeepster Commando C101 (101" wheelbase) steadily grew in popularity. In 1972, AMC shortened the vehicle's name to Commando C104, extended the wheelbase to 104", and changed the front-end design to accept the AMC I6 and V8 304ci. The new configuration, formerly an AMC best seller, quickly caused the line to drop in popularity and was taken out of production in 1973.
THE CAR.
This 1966 Jeepster Commando convertible is finished in two-tone red and white with a white vinyl partial soft top that attached to the body by three hatches. The interior is black vinyl upholstery and is powered by a 134CI inline-four paired with a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Equipment includes 15″ steel wheels with white bumpers, and an AM/FM radio. The Jeep is said to have spent time in Virginia with one family since new and was placed in consignment at METOLIUS CLASSICS LLC and is at its showroom in Bend, Oregon. Subsequent service included changing the fluids, rebuilding the carburetor, replacing the spark plugs, and cleaning the points. This Jeepster has 1,400 miles after full restoration and it is selling by a private party in Bend, Oregon with manufacturer’s literature and a clean Oregon title.
The Jeep is finished in two-tone red and white with a white convertible bikini soft top. Additional features include white bumpers, hood latches, and hood hinges as well as a fender-mounted antenna, driving lamps, and a driver-side mirror.
Steel 15″ wheels with polished Jeep covers near new 8.45-15 Goodyear bias-ply tires. A matching spare steel wheel and tire are mounted to the right side of the vehicle.
The interior features front bucket seats and a rear bench upholstered in black vinyl with a body-colored dashboard and door trim panels. Equipment includes an AM/FM radio, lap belts, a lockable glovebox, interval wipers, a custom build tag, vent windows, and manual crank windows. The front seats fold forward to allow access to the rear seat.
The two-spoke steering wheel fronts a body-colored steel dashboard housing a 110-mph speedometer, a temperature gauge, and a fuel level gauge. The five-digit odometer shows 1,400 miles, a handful of which have been added by the selling dealer.
The 134CI Hurricane 4 inline-four was factory rated at 75 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. Service in October 2021 included fluid changes, new horns, a points cleaning, a fuel tank drainage, steering wheel maintenance and a thorough wash and polish.
Before placing it for sale, the oil was changed by special 10-30W for classic cars, the exhausts clamps were changed, the horns were changed, and the front wheel bearing hub was replaced. Now everything is in perfect working condition.
Power is sent to the rear or all four wheels via a three-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case.
Manufacturer’s literature is included in the sale, including aan article about "The History of the Jeepster".
