Former Jeep Comanche Staff Manager becomes President of Kelpie Industries

Paul Cooper was Staff Manager for the release of the Jeep Comanche.  He worked at the Toledo Jeep plant from 1983 to 1988 as Staff Manager, then Facilities Manager.  He became the president of an independent truck company, Kelpie Industries U.S.A., in May 1989.

Source:
Toledo Blade - Jul 13, 1990
Page 19

Jeep Comanche smart looking and functional

Specifications for 1986 Jeep Comanche:
2,926 lb

Available engines:
2.5L 4 cylinder - 135 ft/lb of torque
2.8L 6 cylinder (V6) - 150 ft/lb of torque
Turbo-Diesel

Standard Gas Tank Capacity:
16 Gallons

Price:
Base: $6,999
Fully Loaded: $11,119

Standard Features:
Front Coil Springs
Rear Leaf Springs
Quadra-Link front suspension

Cargo Bed:
88.5 inch long
55.3 inch wide

Hauling Capacity:
Standard - 1,200 lb
Heavy-Duty Package - 2,205 lb

Available Extras:
Deep Metallic-Blue Paint - $161
Bucket Seats - $188
Automatic Transmission - $670
Air Conditioner - $765
Power Steering - $274
Sliding Rear Window - $111
Tinted Glass - $47
"X Package" - Fancy interior and exterior trim - $588
Tilt Steering - $118
Cruise Control - $205
AM-FM Stereo - $177
Dual outside mirrors - $54
Rear step bumper - $176
Intermittent Windshield Wipers - $57
Extra Large Gas Tank, 23.5 Gallons - $50




Source:
Boca Raton News - Jan 5, 1986
Page 6C

Comanche Target Market, Name Origin

The Comanche is aimed at a target market of "light construction, hauling, and farming, as well as pleasure - to transport motorcycles or surfboards, for example".

The name Comanche was chosen from a list of 11 finalists.  It ties in with the name Cherokee, the SUV which the Comanche is based upon.

The target market average annual income of a Comanche owner is $19,000.  This is compared to the normal target market for all Jeeps, 25-49 year old men with an annual income of $32,000.

Source:
The Milwaukee Journal - Nov 12, 1985
Page 1, 2

AMC Launches Pickup Truck

American Motors Corp announced a mid-size pickup line today called the "Jeep Comanche".  Per AMC, this truck is based upon the Jeep Cherokee.

Source:
San Jose Mercury News (CA) Sept 4, 1985
3F Business

Beach Boys to unveil AMC's Jeep Comanche

The Beach Boys signed a deal with AMC today to unveil the Jeep Comanche on stage at their Mother's Day concert in San Diego.

Source:
Montreal Gazette May 11, 1985
I-3

Jeep plans to release Comanche compact pickup

AMC plans to introduce for the 1986 model year a new pickup, the Jeep Comanche, available in two and four wheel drive.

Source:
The Milwaukee Journal - Jan 4, 1985

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