Jeep

Kaiser Jeep revived the Jeepster nameplate in January 1967 with the launch of the Jeepster Commando, a modern take on the original 1948–1951 Willys-Overland Jeepster. The new model arrived with real versatility: pickup, convertible, roadster, and a two-door wagon, all built within the same compact footprint. Working with limited resources and a relatively small market segment, Kaiser kept development practical by reworking existing Jeepster tooling and pairing it with the 104-inch CJ-6 chassis. The result was a rugged, adaptable vehicle aimed squarely at the booming recreational 4×4 market, now heating up with rivals like the International Scout and Ford Bronco.

After American Motors Corporation (AMC) acquired Jeep in 1970, the model received a major redesign for the 1972 model year and was renamed the Jeep Commando. The most striking change was the front end: the traditional Jeep grille was replaced by a full-width, egg-crate design reminiscent of the larger Chevrolet K5 Blazer. The more substantial front end was one of the many upgrades to accommodate the longer and more powerful AMC engines. The wheelbase was also extended to fit the new engines and this helped to improved the ride and increase legroom. Four-wheel-drive with a two-speed transfer case remained standard features, emphasizing the Commando's off-road heritage and capability. Despite the updates, the Jeep Commando’s run was short-lived; production ended after the 1973 model year, making way for the full-size Jeep Cherokee.