Jeep Commando
Along with the Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Bronco, and a few others, the Jeep Commando was one of the first SUVs. It established a market for roomy vehicles that could go off-road in very limited situations but were almost exclusively for paved surfaces. Between 1966 and 1973, the Commando had a very nice run. It was available in several different body styles, such as a pickup, roadster, and convertible. The roadster was one of the more popular designs and is the vehicle that many people equate with the Commandos of this era.
Full-size Cherokees replaced the smaller Commandos in 1973. But the Commando lives on. There are a number of enthusiast groups around the country. Moreover, the modern Chrysler-produced Jeeps are direct descendants of the Commando.
Early “Jeepsters”
After World War II, Willys-Overland produced a few Jeepsters between 1948 and 1950. These vehicles were basically civilian versions of the M38, which the U.S. Army and other branches of service used during this period. The two-wheel-drive Jeepsters were available with either a V4 or V6 engine. Willys-Overland stopped producing these vehicles in 1950 to focus on passenger cars.
C101
C101 Jeepster Commandos were in production between 1966 and 1971. The C101 COmmando came standard with a Hurricane four-cylinder engine. A V6 engine was available and also quite popular, because it had almost twice as much torque as the standard propulsion system. The base models had few frills to go along with the free, outdoor spirit that Jeep represented. However, the Commando station wagon had a number of extras, like full interior trim and a sliding glass rear window.
Modified Hurst C101s appeared in 1971. Hurst is primarily known for its work with muscle cars, such as the 1969 AMC Rambler and 1972 Oldsmobile Pace Car. These upgraded C101s are quite rare today. Among other things, they featured roof racks, sport steering wheels, 8,000 rpm tachometers, and T-shift manual transmissions.
These specially-designed Commandos came in several different body styles, including Revival hardtops, convertibles, and roadsters. The hardtops were the top of the line in terms of extras. Their features included things like a Continental tire kit and deluxe interiors.
C104
After 1971, the company dropped the “Jeepster” name, but the vehicle remained in production until 1973. Other changes included a traditional-style grille. It was available in a 232-cubic inch V4, a 258-cubic inch V4, and a 304-cubic inch V8. These vehicles sold rather well for several years, as the plant produced over 20,000 C104s in 1972 and 1973.
A few upgraded SC-2s were also made. These Commandos had stronger suspension, larger brakes, and a sturdier front axle.
All told, however, the C104 never matched the C101’s popularity. Designers widened the wheelbase to 104 inches and also redesigned the front, thinking that the revamped vehicle would better compete with the aforementioned Land Cruiser and Bronco. However, customers largely rejected the changes. They seemed attached to the C101’s unique look. So, after 1971, sales declined steadily.
