When we usually tell you about a mean Jeep it's because someone has transformed it into the ultimate off-roader, but this custom-built 1970 Jeep Jeepster Commando is a little more about teaching others a lesson on the streets. Beneath desert camo-style paint is a custom chassis, lowered suspension, and a solid-built V8. It all makes for one of the most entertaining and distinct classic roadsters around.
The paint on this Jeepster reminds us of the kind of khaki that's ready to go on a safari. But really, there is no pretending this is an off-road Jeep. After all, this more modern application has the gloss of a street machine. This luster lets the sunlight show off the distinct Jeepster Commando style that takes the iconic flat front end that now progresses into a sleek body with well-integrated steel doors and a style line that wraps around the rear (something no CJ can claim.) Plus, more than just paint, this one has some great custom details, like the lowered suspension, LED headlights, and polished dual exhaust tips. It all has a sporty style that should have always been part of the Jeepster Commando legacy. To understand what makes this significant, you first need a small history lesson. The Jeepster was popular within Jeep, but it's certainly considered rare by most standards (Chevrolet produced more Chevelles in less than a week than the total amount of 1970s Jeepsters.) Jeep was also losing ground to the Broncos and K5 Blazers of the world. So it decided to upgrade to the newly-available AMC V8 power, and that required alerting the styling. The buying public wasn't happy when the Jeepster lost the iconic face that connected it to its military past, and the Jeepster faded soon after. So not only is this quite a cool setup, but it delivers the combination of V8 prowess and timeless style that Jeep never could. So it's a hot rod/restomod with a purpose.
The interior is clean, custom, and comfortable. The front seats are modern buckets borrowed from a late-model VW. They have terrific bolstering for all-day comfort and are finished in leather. It feels rather practical with nice upgrades like the shoulder belts mounted onto the roll bar and a bikini top that can keep the sunshine off your shoulders. There are other thoughtful details, like the full carpeting, a proper rear bench seat, and a retro-style AM/FM stereo with aux input. It's built to be a driver with a sports steering wheel on a polished tilt column, a Lokar floor shifter for the three-speed auto, and a full set of Dolphin gauges to keep you fully informed about what's going on under the hood.
The engine bay has the clean and polished look of a fresh build. And don't let the Jeep valve covers fool you, this is a Chevy 350 cubic-inch crate motor. Not only is the V8 upgrade significant, but this also has the best features, like a four-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock intake, and a sweet-sounding dual exhaust. And everything from the clean hood heat shield to the aluminum radiator with an electric fan is there to tell you this was made to be a true driver. As you look underneath, you can see more of this clean and solid driving attitude. That's why you have an upgraded Mustang II-style tubular A-arm front end, power brakes, front discs, and rear KYB shocks. It all makes for a nimble and confident driver.
Complete with build receipts, this is the powerful, fun, and unique build that also fulfills part of the Jeepster Commando legacy. So if you want a classic custom roadster with a story to tell, call today!!!
