This military truck, built for service in the late 1960s, was once the definition of spartan utility. But what happens when you breathe new life into the legend?
The Jeep Gladiator of the 1960s was an icon in its own right—but even it pales beside its military sibling, the Kaiser-Jeep M715. Designed for duty in the late ’60s, the M715 embodied rugged, no-frills utility. But what if that workhorse were reborn—not just restored, but reimagined with real muscle?
That’s exactly what happened to one veteran example, transformed into arguably the coolest Jeep-based pickup in existence today.
Utah-based Blacksmith Garage carried out a meticulous, ground-up restoration of a 1967 Kaiser-Jeep M715. Under its hood now lives a 6.4-liter Hemi V8, paired with a modern Mopar 545RFE five-speed automatic transmission. Power is routed to all four wheels through an Atlas transfer case and Dana Ultimate 60 axles with electronic locking differentials.
The build also incorporates a Bouchillon Performance ECU, Mopar wiring harness, and a custom Blacksmith Garage exhaust system. The result: a once-utilitarian truck reborn as a modern off-roader with both history and character.
The exterior has been fully restored and repainted in a stern gray finish with military graphics and red accents. Custom bumpers carry tow hooks, a Warn winch, and a trailer hitch. Amp Research power steps make entry easy, while removable roof panels deliver an open-air experience.
Lighting is serious business: 7-inch headlights, a windshield-mounted light bar, hood-mounted auxiliaries, and round LED taillights. It all rides on black 20-inch XD Panzer wheels wrapped in massive 40-inch Maxxis RAZR MT tires.
Inside, the M715 no longer hints at its spartan past. Leather seats with red stitching, black carpeting, power windows, and central locking create a cabin of comfort.
Vintage Air handles climate control, while a Rockford Fosgate audio system with amp and subwoofers delivers modern sound. A Momo steering wheel and Classic Instruments gauges—reading up to 140 mph—complete the blend of old-school heritage and modern performance.
Off-road is still its natural domain. A three-link front and four-link rear suspension with Fox shocks, Currie Antirock sway bars, power steering, and Wilwood disc brakes ensure capability, control, and safety in any terrain.
This one-of-a-kind project has hit the auction block, with bids already topping $100,000. But its creators are expecting at least $170,000—after all, this isn’t just a truck, it’s an investment in a painstakingly restored legend, where every detail reflects craftsmanship and deep respect for history.