Jeep Jeepster Commando (C101)
Kaiser revived the Jeepster name, unused since 1950, on a new compact 4x4 introduced in January 1967 on a CJ-6-based chassis with a 101-inch wheelbase, the source of its C101 code. Sold as a car and a 4x4 in one, it came as a convertible, roadster, steel-roofed wagon, or pickup, with four-wheel drive standard. The F-head four was standard and Buick's Dauntless V6 a popular option, with an automatic available. It competed with the Ford Bronco and International Scout, and the 1971 Hurst Jeepster is one of the rarest production Jeeps.
Engines
| Engine | Power | Torque | Fuel | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2 L (134 cu in) Willys Hurricane F-head I4 Gross rating; standard engine. |
75 hp (56 kW) | 114 lb-ft (155 N·m) | Gasoline | 1967 to 1971 |
| 3.7 L (225 cu in) Buick Dauntless V6 Period rating (Wikipedia, JeepTech); optional. |
160 hp (119 kW) | 235 lb-ft (319 N·m) | Gasoline | 1967 to 1971 |
Transmissions
- Warner T-90 3-speed manual (four-cylinder) (1967 to 1971)
- Warner T-86 3-speed manual (V6) (1967 to 1971)
- GM Turbo Hydra-Matic 400 3-speed automatic (V6) (1967 to 1971)
Sizes and weights
| Measure | Size |
|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 101 in2,565 mm |
A range covers the body styles and trims of this generation.
Trims and editions
- Jeepster convertible
- Commando
- Hurst Jeepster (1971)
Worth knowing
- The top Jeepster convertible had a deluxe interior, a power top, and an optional continental spare.
- About 100 Hurst Jeepsters were built for 1971, in Champagne White with red and blue stripes, a hood scoop with a tachometer, and Hurst shifters.
- 57,350 built from 1966 to 1971; best year was 1968 with 13,924.
Year by year, newest first
- Hurst Jeepster limited edition, about 100 built of a planned 500.
- Last year for the Jeepster name, the F-head four, and the Dauntless V6.
- 7,903 built.
- AMC bought Kaiser Jeep.
- 9,268 built.
- 11,289 built.
- Best year, with 13,924 built.
- Introduced in January 1967 as the Jeepster Commando in convertible, roadster, wagon, and pickup forms, with four-wheel drive standard.
- 12,621 built in 1967, after 2,345 credited to 1966.
Notes
Start date: Wikipedia gives model years 1967 to 1973 and an introduction in January 1967, but its production table credits 2,345 units to 1966; some sources call the first ones 1966 models. JeepTech's model page says 1962 to 1971, which conflicts with every other source. V6 output is 160 hp (Wikipedia, JeepTech) or about 155 hp (Hagerty UK for the CJ-5 version). Hurst output: about 100 (Wikipedia) or 100 to 103 (RealTruck). An SC-1 version appears in photo captions, but no details were found. Spain's VIASA built a Jeep-Ebro version under licence.
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Jeepster_Commando
- realtruck.com /blog/going-commando-a-look-at-the-kaiser-jeepster/
- terryhowe.github.io /JeepTech/models/jeepster/
- sportscarmarket.com /?p=768320
- terryhowe.github.io /JeepTech/engine/factory/hurricane134/
- terryhowe.github.io /JeepTech/engine/factory/dauntless225/