Two of the most venerated names in the automotive world are Hurst and Jeep. Put them together and you get today’s Nice Price or Crack Pipe 1 of 100 Commando. You need to decide if its seller has named a price that’s equally esteemed.
In modern parlance “going commando” means leaving your Fruit of the Looms at home. Back in the day however it meant taking a drive in a derivation of the jaunty Jeepster, the progenitor of the modern SUV. While still under the mantle of the Kaiser Corporation, Jeep partnered with Hurst Performance on a special model of Commando, somewhat unimaginatively named the Hurst Commando.
The Hurst package actually made its debut for the 1971 model year, after AMC bought Jeep, and it’s possible that the model’s limited run was the result of the restyle AMC planned for the Commando the following year.
Just how limited was its production? Well, originally Jeep and Hurst planned on 500 of the special editions - 200 sticks and 300 slushers - to be built. In the end, supposedly only 100 actually left the factory with the white paint, red and blue stripes, and iconic H logo.
Those weren’t the only exclusive elements of the Hurst package, there were also Goodyear Polyglas street tires, and a functional hood scoop containing a tach in its trailing edge. Hood-mounted tachs are like Steve McQueen-level cool so that might just be the Hurst Commando’s best feature. That is of course unless you totally jones over its shifter.
Manual transmission editions of the special Commando received the Hurst-branded T-handle knob on the standard three speed, while the TH400-equipped ones were anointed with the full-on Hurst dual gate shifter.
The ad for this 1971 Hurst Commando doesn’t say which tranny it is packing, but since there were supposedly only 10 built with a stick we should probably assume that it rocks the auto. And yes, I know about assuming making an ass out of you and me, but give me a break.
This one also sports the Dauntless V6 a 160-horse 225-CID 2bbl engine originally sourced from Buick, as all the Hurst Commandos came with this adopted mill. Supposedly they all also came with the chrome roof rack and this particular Commando one ups that bit of brightwork by having its entire nose plated and polished, along with its bumper. Yeah, it’s pimp.
The seller claims everything on his Commando is for all intents new. From his somewhat cryptically written description it sounds like he’s some sort of Jeepster polygamist and spit-polished this one for a customer who in the end decided for whatever reason not to go Commando.
The ad does note that this one is fully optioned out, and while no interior shots are provided it’s possibly safe to assume (there’s that word again) that it’s in similar shape to the outside, which is pretty damn nice with one exception, that being the scoop.
What’s up with that scoop? Why is it bowed down in the middle like that? It’s hard to believe that someone would go to the trouble of restoring such a rare vehicle and then wouldn’t make sure that its most visual of differentiators isn’t right.
Regardless, the seller seems done with this one, seeking either to trade for a Coke Bottle GTO, or a more liquid $20,000. Since we're only down with the dollars, what do you think about that twenty grand for this rare Commando? Does that seem a deal, or does that price not Jeep-stir your soul?
You decide!
Denver Craigslist, or go here if the ad disappears.
H/T to Bigblockbear for the hookup!
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For $20,000, What’s The Hurst That Could Happen?