Jeep : Commando Convertible

I just bought this car a couple months ago with the intention of improving the cosmetics and flipping it for a profit but I just do not have time time or energy to run and around and take care of all the little items needed to get top dollar for the car.  These late 60's SUV's are really hot right now and this one in particular is the only one that is a true convertible.  One of these sold at Barrett-Jackson a few years ago and I was really interested in bidding on it so I waited around until Sunday afternoon before booking a flight home.  I was prepared to go up to $20K to buy the car.  I may as well have not even been in the room.  The bidding blew past my limit before I could even blink.  The Jeepster sold for $80K.  That may be an outlier but the potential to make real money with this car is here.  Drive it as it is. do a $3K cosmetic restoration or start over and do a frame up.  Any of the three options will work out fine.

Here is the description from the seller from whom I bought this Jeep:

"I purchased this super rare jeepster convertible in Maui a couple months ago. I own one in slc Utah and am familiar with what I have and what I am offering for sale. I have been touring around the island with it for the last few weeks. It has been a lot of fun. Extremely low production production numbers (less 3. 00 built) make this one of the most collectible. nostalgic jeep models in existence. This one is is an original California vehicle that was repainted once with its original desirable color combinations. red and white. It was garaged and pampered by its previous owner on the island. It does have a small amount of rust. lower rockers and a small spot here and there. Not a rusty island car. Still looks like a California car.  

Body/Paint:

Nice older restoration. I would estimate the paint is at least 10 years old. but was done well. Not a cheap $599 special. Looks flat and smooth looking down the sides.  Paint color looks correct.  Paint is nice "driver" quality. Not fresh show ready. Has several imperfections and areas with light wear. Underside looks solid. I wouldn't say it's completely "rust free". But it is solid and looks great. I can take any detail picture you may want from my iPhone.

Interior:

Complete. original interior. Looks like the seat upholstery has been redone in original style and pattern. Carpet and door panels are good. minor attention to the panels needed. Top was likely replaced at time of paint and is in good working condition. Not new. but has some life left. Rare Fiberglas rear panels are present and intact.  

Mechanical:

Jeepster is in great running and driving condition. Motor makes good power and does not smoke. Transmission shifts as it should. Suspension feels great. especially for a 45 year old jeep! Really drives well for what it is.  It does need some light tlc. as to be expected for a vehicle of this age. but nothing known that is urgent. All electrical works. but temp and horn are intermittent.  Windows roll up and down (rear 1/4 windows too).

Summary:

A rare opportunity to own a true #8701 Jeepster convertible in the desirable red/white color combo. "

Despite the seller's claims that it was in great running and driving condition. I had a LOT of work done to make it what I consider to be a safe driver: rear brakes were shot. radiator needed to be re-cored. throttle and shift linkage needed to be repaired.  I have a bill from my repair shop for $1. 00 from just last week that I will be happy to e-mail anyone.  I would not sell a dangerous car to my worst enemy.  My mechanic says the front brakes will need attention in the next 3. 00 miles but the car is safe to drive and enjoy in it's current condition.  It's a pretty cool rig. Needs a little TLC but it's a decent place to put your time and money if you were so inclined.

I'm not a dealer. I'm a regular guy who loves cars. The title to this one is still in the name of the guy I bought the Jeep from but it's clear.

The opinion regarding the condition of anything other than a brand new car is subjective. To eliminate any chance of disappointment. you really should see and drive the car before buying. Call me at (650) 430-2010 and let's make arrangements. If you are not comfortable buying a car sight unseen (perfectly understandable). then arrange for an inspection.

Please only bid if you are willing to honor your bid. The winner must Paypal or wire a non-refundable deposit of $500 to my account or hand me cash within 24 hours of the auction ending or your offer being accepted. Then. when you come to pick up the car. if you did not see it before the auction ended and are disappointed in any way. you will not have to pay the balance due. However. by winning the auction. you take the car off the market and all the other bidders turn their attention to other cars. Accordingly. your deposit IS at risk.

If you're serious about buying a car in this price range. I hope you will make the effort to pick up the phone and call Mark at 650-430-2010 to talk about the car. It seems strange to me that anyone would be willing to buy an expensive classic car sight unseen from a stranger without at least talking to him.

Also published at eBay.ca

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