I have long admired small 4×4 Pickups. Admittedly, they don’t provide the load-carrying capacity or ground clearance of their larger brethren. However, their diminutive size allows them to access tight locations that can leave the opposition stranded. This 1980 Chevrolet LUV is a prime example of the breed, and the first owner’s decision to order it with the optional Mikado Package adds a welcome touch of luxury. It is a dry climate survivor needing a new home. The seller has listed the LUV here on Craigslist in Brentwood, California. It could be yours for $18,500, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beauty.
The LUV was produced by Isuzu. The First Generation models were sold in North America as Chevrolets from 1972 until 1980 before being replaced by a Second Generation that only survived until 1982. Our feature LUV is one of the final First Generation vehicles produced and makes a striking statement in Midnight Black with Orange and Yellow graphics. The seller describes it as a genuine survivor, suggesting it has never undergone significant repairs or restoration. The paint shines remarkably well for its age, and the vinyl hasn’t succumbed to the typical checking and shrinkage that often occurs due to long-term UV exposure. The LUV isn’t perfect because there is a dent in the driver’s door that extends into the rocker. Repairing this would not be a significant job, and the vehicle’s overall condition would justify the expense. There is no evidence or mention of rust, which is unsurprising considering the location. The trim and glass look excellent, while the original wheels are wrapped in new tires.
The LUV’s 1.8-liter Isuzu four-cylinder engine produces 80hp and 95 ft/lbs of torque, so it is unlikely to set the local drag strip alight. However, outright performance was never the object of the exercise with the LUV. Two-wheel drive versions could be ordered with a three-speed automatic transmission, although ticking the “4×4” box on the Order Form brought a four-speed manual and a dual-range transfer case. These little gems could carry a full payload surprisingly well, but they genuinely shine when the going gets tough. They don’t feature the outright power and torque of larger vehicles, but the smaller exterior dimensions allow these classics to squeeze into tight locations. As a point of comparison, this vehicle’s overall width is sixty-three inches. A 1980 Ford F-250 is fifteen inches wider, which can make an enormous difference as the track narrows, the foliage draws ever closer, or the owner faces the prospect of squeezing between a couple of immovable boulders. The seller claims this beauty has a genuine 70,000 miles showing on its odometer, and they may hold proof among the collection of included original documentation. They recently splashed their cash on a comprehensive service and fluid change, ensuring the vehicle is in excellent mechanical health. It recently passed its smog check and is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
The Mikado Package brought some notable interior upgrades to a vehicle that wasn’t renowned for its luxury leanings. Buyers could choose from three shades for the cloth and vinyl seatcover, with this LUV’s original owner selecting Red. The same upholstery combination coats the door trims and the Red carpet rounds out the package. I would love to state the interior is perfect, but it has one glaring flaw. The vinyl in the seat center has ripped to the point where a blind patch isn’t viable. Several companies offer reproduction covers in the correct color and material for around $300, but this classic demonstrates why it can be wise to don your Sherlock Holmes hat and play the detective. After a relatively brief online search, I found a seller with a NOS cover still in the box. They are asking $250, which seems a small price to pay for originality. Otherwise, this interior needs nothing. The dash is spotless, the carpet is exceptional, and there is no wheel wear.
The 1980 model year marked the beginning of the end for the Chevrolet LUV. Although a sales volume of 88,447 vehicles sounds respectable in isolation, it marked a sales decline that would continue when its replacement appeared. The LUV was a distant memory as 1983 dawned, which I have always considered a shame. This one is a very nice example with a low odometer reading. The drivetrain components are relatively bulletproof, meaning it should offer its new owner years of reliable service. It won’t appeal to everyone, but do you suddenly feel tempted?
We actually got them over here in Aus, great little utes for the time,. Dispite the silly name.
At the time Isuzu, wasn’t well known in Aus. They eventually became a Holden (GM-H) Rodeo.
wasn’t LUV an acronym for Light Utility Vehicle
Believe it was Lousy Ugly Variant!
People have called it many things, but I think that’s what Chevy called it.
I thought the name Light Utility Vehicle was clever. LUV. It fit the unserious diminutive pick up.
I think that’s what LUV stood for, Light Utility Vehicle.
From what I’ve gathered, the JDM Japanese version was called the Isuzu “Faster”. That’s a laugh! I can imagine better names for a ute than Faster. If you want a faster ute, I’d either install a small V6 engine or a turbocharger for the 4 cy.
If only our version of vehicles were designed, tested and built in Australia for the US market.
There’s two words that rarely go together. Bulletproof and Izuzu. These were rattletraps right off the boat. But, because Father Time has a way of sweetening memories, this truck will have a certain appeal to some.
Memories light the corners of what’s LEFT of my mind bringing wonderful memories of the OTT excessive chromed luxury American 🇺🇸 vehicles I fondly recall. Now, a Vintage Rolls Canardly (Roll down one hill and Can ardly get up the next ) I am fortunate to still be able to drive my 2007 Town Car Signature Limited, even (per my instructions) taking my cremains to my grave.
There is NO way I would want to 🎵 See the 🎶USA 🎶 In THIS 🎵 so called Chevrolet! 🤮. 😅 🤣 😂
I owned a blue 72 new from Auburn ky. In 1976 i sold it ; only major repair was the clutch…paid $2775…sold it for $3200…4 cyl. trucks sold well during the gas crisis…
Long time lover of The GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHTS, I have no Love for this LUV or any other truck. Unfortunately SUVS, crossovers and melted jelly beans now clutter the roads. Some even masquerading as Luxury vehicles. 🤮 🤮 🤮. Even LINCOLN and
CADILLAC no longer build real Luxury Sedans. Get so angry, I could scream 😠 Mitsubissshi 😡 Suuuzuki 😤NissssanHundaSolaris! Well, guess this is MY Saab 😣 story.
Another vehicle that was seemingly everywhere back then but never seen today. This one looks minty fresh in black & red with its wagon wheels and graphics. My brother had one until SIL wanted an LN7. My new niece necessitated a trade to an Escort wagon.
Ah, the LN7. Prettiest sloth I’ve ever owned. Thanks for the reminder.
I knew someone would recognize that.
Like a Ford EXP
Yup, LN7 was Mercury’s version of the EXP, think it also got the bubble-back hatch before the EXP did.
This was just another rusted out import within a few years here in CT. the thing that killed the LUVs and its import rival the Courier , was the frame breaking in half , right where the water would pour down between the cab and bed. We got some many of those in the salvage yard I worked at, all broken ,but the other import trucks like the Hilux and the Datsun had sturdier frames and didnt break – the bodies did rust away though
These, Courier’s, Lil’ Hustler’s & Hilux trucks we’re staples in my HS parking lot in 1978, seems like the only thing that could kill any of them was either Rust or a sudden stop courtesy of a thick tree, power pole or other immovable object. The S-10s, Ranger’s etc. that came after had better rust protection but less stout mechanicals and cost more. My buddy Danny’s blue Datsun Lil’ Hustler hauled us, our two dirt bikes and gear all over the SE and never let us down. A significant foundation of the now very stout Japanese auto business and the right product at the right time.
Not to mention (but just to mention) the Dodge D-50/Ram 50, which was a rebadged Mitsubishi Mighty Max. I rather like my 2nd-gen ’87 model, 173k on the odo but still rides and drives nice, frame and various underside bits do have a lot of surface rust scale (likely from its prior life in Minnesota) but no sign of perforation anywhere. 🤞
Awesome truck. My late uncle and aunt drove a Chevy LUV back in the 1980s. Theirs was 2wd. People complain that these compact trucks were uncomfortable. I reckon it depends on various things. I had no problem fitting comfortably in the cab of the truck. What made the truck uncomfortable was the seating material. Given the utilitarian nature you want the seating to be durable, and I’m fine with that. What bothered me is how hot the seating materiel got during the summer months! I might as well be sitting on the heating element of a stove inside the truck. That’s fine if you’re driving during the Fall and Winter months, but Spring and Summer driving, hell no!
Had one of these in the late 1980s, into the 1990s, a rebadged Isuzu Chevy Luv 4×4 of the second vintage. A DIESEL. This truck was more like a tractor one could drive to town, great on the ranch or in the back country. Too slow on the highway. Bought a newer, faster truck when I got a job requiring a lot of highway time, gave the LUV to one of my sons. Thought this truck might last forever, reliable, tough, but it only lasted a week. Young driver on a steep little logging road, rolled it over going about 5 mph. Still running, down the cliff, all the glass broken, all the sheet metal bent. The kids OK, a bit sheepish. Oh well…
The only one of these I ever wanted was 2WD shortbed stepside with a shortened Ford 9″ rear-end and a 454 built to a 460. Centerlines all around with more tire than rear-end under the back. Really cool custom 80’s style paint and blue diamond tuck interior. Man that was a cool hot rod. Cooler heads ended up prevailing and I bought a 74 shortbed fleetside Chevy that ended up being “almost” as cool and much more practical. Still wonder how much fun I could’ve had. Oh to be young again.
Man, that thing is in amazing shape. I miss the over the top graphics and colors manufacturers used to put on vehicles. “4X4!!!” Ok, we get it, it’s a four wheel drive lol.
Wow.. This brings back memories.. We bought a brand new one in 1980..Ours was a 2WD Mikado.. It took us everywhere with no problems.. Camping in New Hampshire, Vermont ..a trip to Alabama with 4 people and two dogs.. By then I had installed a fiberglass shell on back. My wife loved driving it to work and enjoyed the small size and easy parking… We enjoyed it for 6 years until we traded it for a new GMC Safari.. It was a Great little truck. No complaints here.