Jeepster Junkie: 1968 Jeep Commando Convertible – SOLD!

January 6, 2022 Update – The seller of this 1969 Jeepster Commando apparently wants to save five bucks as they completely replaced the original ad for the ’69 with pictures and a detailed description of a different 1968 model.  Consequently, we’re assuming the actual Commando we featured has been sold unless we see the seller revert this same ad back to the original Jeepster.

Launched for the 1967 model year, the Jeepster Commando was Kaiser’s last new model before American Motors purchased the Jeep brand in 1969.  Technically all body styles of the Commando were convertibles as they featured removable hardtops. However, leaving your Commando’s hardtop at home was no fun if the weather quickly changed from sun to rain.  Kaiser believed some buyers would prefer the ability to have a convertible version, complete with a folding canvas top and rear quarter roll-down windows.  The true convertible version of the Kaiser Jeepster Commando was the rarest one Kaiser produced before being acquired by AMC.

The pictures some sellers use for their listings often provide clues into the background of what they are into.  In the case of this rare 1968 Kaiser Jeepster Commando originally listed in January 2022 on Craigslist in Roswell, Georgia (Atlanta), the pictures hint the seller knows a thing or two about the Kaiser Jeepster Commando and has the spare parts to prove it. The pictures hint at a nicely restored example featuring new paint and a rebuilt Dauntless V6 placed back into a detailed engine bay.  The only non-stock items are the polished aftermarket aluminum wheels, a center console, and a modern radio.

Once offered for $20,950, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is slightly below the one-year rolling average of this guide’s summary for Jeep Commandos of all body styles produced between 1967 and 1973.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can navigate to each comparable car sold as a way to help you evaluate the price of the truck featured here:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 Very Good” estimate of $18,500 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $28,800.

Kaiser introduced the Jeepster Commando in 1966 as a competitive response to the International Scout’s growing popularity and the launch of Ford’s then-new Bronco.  Featuring a longer 101-inch wheelbase, car-like styling, and more convenience features than the company’s venerable CJ-5, Kaiser offered the Jeepster in four body styles (pickup truck, convertible, roadster, and wagon) with either the “Hurricane” 132 cubic inch inline-four or the 225 cubic inch “Dauntless” V6 the example featured here is equipped with.  Following AMC’s purchase of Kaiser in 1969, the Commando remained in production until the all-new Cherokee two-door replaced it.

This Petrolicious video from several years ago provides a modern look at one of Kaiser and later AMC’s more unique offerings:

With the convertible top and four-wheel drive, Jeepsters still make an affordable classic SUV alternative to rapidly appreciating Ford Broncos and International Scouts.  This one appears to be in excellent shape based on the pictures provided, you’ll be able to enjoy it immediately.

Here’s the seller’s description:

Show or go: What would you do with this 1968 Jeep Commando?  Please comment below and let us know!