Mixed in with all the shiny, fancy new cars appearing at the upcoming 2017 Philadelphia Auto Show, will reside the focus of this week's Throwback Thursday - a 1967 Jeepster Commando.
Of course, they do have the vehicle's name spelled wrong in the show's promotional release. Or, at least, we think it is spelled wrong. Maybe the photo design folks are just from Boston.
Anyway, some of you probably have seen this Jeep before and maybe even owned one. For those who haven't, here is the story.
The '67 Commando, Jeep code C-101, was Kaiser-Jeep's response to a market that was skewing radically towards sporty, roomy, utility vehicles. One of those vehicles Kaiser wanted to compete with, ironically, was the Ford Bronco which debuted in 1965, albeit as a '66 model. Sounds a bit familiar, doesn't it?
The Jeepster name originally was tied to an automobile produced by Willys-Overland from 1948-50. However, while that vehicle borrowed many features from Jeep, it did not incorporate four-wheel drive - instead touting itself as a 'sports car'. It didn't work well at all, especially considering the Jeepster's Go-Devil engine only pushed out 60 horsepower.
Reviving the Jeepster name to compete in a crowded new market meant Kaiser-Jeep trying to re-capture a sporty image for the brand while utilizing a longer wheelbase. So Kaiser employed its current CJ-6 chassis, powertrain and suspension, then freshened up the interior and gave it a base 134ci Hurricane engine. Optionally, you could upgrade (most did) to a 226ci Buick V-6, Spicer axles, and floating Dana 27 front/Dana 30 or 44 rear axles.
First edition Commandos were offered in three versions; a roadster, pickup and station wagon. A fourth convertible version came around a few years later. For the base '67 Commandos, suggested retail was $2,322.80. The V-6 option added $184.36, while whitewall tires were an additional $58.50 and a heater/defroster (optional back then) was $66.85. Add in another $75.70 for a rear seat and sticker price wound up at $2,708.22. In 2017 dollars that means $22,807.
For those in the Philadelphia region, the Auto Show runs from January 28-Febuary 5 at the Philly Convention Center. Weekday hours are noon-10 PM, while Saturdays are 9 AM-10 PM. Sunday January 29th is 9 AM-8 PM, and Sunday February 5 is 9 AM-6 PM.
Additionally, Jeep will again offer its popular 'Camp Jeep' experience to show-goers that features six available driving Jeeps including the Cherokee Trailhawk, Wrangler Unlimited, Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and Jeep Renegade Trailhawk. Riders can choose their vehicle and ascend an 'offroad' track that rises to a 13’ high peak, and also features a new nine-step stair climber that will be used to demonstrate each vehicle’s ground clearance.
