With Ford introducing the Bronco in 1966, Kaiser Jeep needed something to stay competitive. The answer was swift and simple—the Kaiser C-101 Jeepster Commando. Introduced in 1967, it was a basic resurrection of the Willys Jeepster built from 1948 to 1950. It was charming, fun and just the right size, fabulously slotted between the Jeep CJ and Wagoneer. Available as a convertible, pickup or wagon, there was a little something for everyone. Power for the Jeepster came courtesy of either the 75 HP Hurricane inline 4-cylinder or the 225/160 HP Dauntless V-6; an automatic was available only with the V-6, but a 3-speed manual could be had with either. A solid seller overall, the rarest was the convertible. Case in point, only 442 were built in 1968, this being one of them. Powered by the optional Dauntless V-6 engine and the standard 3-speed manual transmission, this Jeepster is finished in attention-grabbing President Red inside and out with black seats, carpeting and door panels. Sold new at Rocky Mountain Jeep Denver Company, this Jeepster comes with the original invoice, original window sticker, original owner’s manual, comprehensive maintenance receipts and the original Protect-O-Book warranty booklet. The Jeepster has only traveled about 900 miles since the restoration, and it features the Sport Trim package, bucket seats, center console, Continental kit, AO Smith Mag hubcaps, clock, AM radio and much more. All things considered, it’s very well equipped. While the Jeepster didn’t push back too hard against the Bronco, it did bring customers into Kaiser Jeep showrooms and it did give loyal customers something a little more useful, versatile and charming than the competition. The longer wheelbase and wider body offered more interior room than others in the field and provided a smoother ride. It also harkened back to the carefree whimsical days of the Willys Jeepster, which many fans appreciated and, overall, did help line the coffers of Kaiser, even if only for a while.
