Finally, the Jeepster Beach is a restomod off-road machine that started its life as a 1968 Jeepster Commando, but an infusion of modern drivetrain and interior bits transformed it into the unique vehicle shown here. The Jeepster Commando was the first compact four-wheel-drive vehicle to include doors, roll-up windows, a heater and a roof as standard features. The Jeepster Beach concept builds on that, adding modern comforts to the old school off-roader.
On the outside, the Jeepster Beach concept looks a great deal like the original, with the exception of the chrome roll cage, the modern wheel-and-tire package and, of course, the unique exterior paint. On the inside, the Jeepster Beach features a modern infotainment system, HVAC system, steering wheel and controls, along with custom low-back bucket seats in bright red.
Where the Jeepster Beach really stands apart from the classic is under the hood. The most powerful engine offered in a stock Jeepster Commando was a Dauntless V6 that delivered 160 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. The Jeepster Beach concept features the modern 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, sending 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque to all four tires by means of an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 4:1 transfer case system.
"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.
"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.
"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.
"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.
"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.
