Mint-looking 1966 Jeepster Commando Is a Family Treasure: Throwback Thursday Presented by the All-New Nitto Recon Grappler™ A/T

Kate Cook restored this 1966 Jeepster Commando with her father. She also met her husband in it. It will forever be part of the family.

There is just something about a Jeep. They tend to form such strong bonds with their owners that they become like members of the family. It is not unusual for a Jeep to be in the same family for decades. This 1966 Jeepster Commando is the perfect example. It was a father daughter project at the start but then it became a whole lot more. It introduced the daughter to the man she would eventually marry. The Jeepster even helped inspire her career in the automotive field. It will never be sold.

This week’s “Throwback Thursday” Presented by Nitto is all about this family heirloom 1966 Jeepster Commando. It is currently owned by Kate Cook. She and her husband Morgan were recently featured in a segment of Why I Drive presented by Hagerty. The video has been posted on the Hagerty YouTube channel. It is a heartwarming story about family, love, career and of course the Jeepster that is the center of it all.

The Beginning

Kate Cook’s father had only one requirement for her first car. It had to be four-wheel drive. Her mind immediately went to the Jeepster. When it was bought, she didn’t know how to do even simple maintenance like an oil change. However, her father was there to teach her everything as he was a mechanic his whole life. Sadly, in the middle of building the Jeepster Cook’s parents came down with serious health issues. But through it all the Jeepster was the perfect distraction. It took the mind off of the heavy health issues and allowed everyone to focus on the build instead. It brought the family even closer together. “The Jeep is way more than just four wheels and a hunk of metal.” Says Cook.

Marriage

“My Jeepster has brought me from California to Texas. And the coolest thing it has brought me is my husband. We met through a local Jeep club.” Explains Cook. There you go ladies. If you are looking for a man, get involved in your local Jeep club. The Jeepster has been a central character in the Cook marriage. One of their wedding photos is in front of the Jeepster. But more then that they were determined to make their own memories in it. They would be taking it camping everywhere. It was more about the journey than the destination.

Career

Cook began to take the Jeep to various car shows. It was there that she realized the connection between her art and the automotive scene. So, with that she began to get involved in doing custom pinstriping. Next thing she knew she had a career that combined her Jeep passion with her art passion. To say that this simple 1966 Jeepster Commando changed her life would be an understatement. It is as much a part of her life as anything else.

Jeepster Future

You can’t sell a family member so Cook will never consider selling the Jeepster. “I always joked that if I ever couldn’t drive it, I would just park it out front and plant flowers in it.” Says Cook. It has a value far more than whatever money it would bring. And that is what owning a Jeep should be all about. Watching this video, you can sense the true love the Cook’s have for each other but also for the Jeepster. If you like a Jeep story with a personal side, then you will really enjoy watching the video below.

Join the JK-Forums now!