When the captive import pickups started showing up to do battle with the Toyota Hilux, it was a glorious time to be shopping for a light-duty rig. You had numerous options for a compact pickup that was hardly limited in capabilities. Whether looking for a basic runner to do light-duty deliveries or a 4WD-equipped truck that could thrash the off-road trails while still delivering respectable fuel economy, the world was your proverbial oyster. This 1980 Chevrolet LUV pickup listed here on eBay is a desirable 4WD model offered for $6,500 or best offer.
The Ford Courier and Chevy LUV are the two models that most commonly come to mind when discussing captive imports. However, Datsun was also throwing its hat in the ring with the durable 720 model that offered features like extended cabs and 4WD, along with fuel-sipping 2WD models. Put it all together, and it was an impressive rodeo of small but mighty pickups that were relatively cheap to own and to fill the tank. If you lived somewhere with access to the coastline and beaches, you had a truck that could swallow surfboards and go jump the dunes that afternoon.
The seller doesn’t provide us with much info about this LUV, other than confirming it’s in largely original condition with no rust. It’s located in Luna, New Mexico, which is about as ideal as it gets, climate-wise, for keeping the sheet metal intact on an old-school ride like this. However, it does mean fragile interior surfaces can wear out after prolonged exposure to the sun, and I’m curious if this is why the seller hasn’t included more interior photos. He does note that the dash will need to be replaced; no word if the A/C works or if it’s been converted to R134.
The “Light Utility Vehicle” moniker may have undersold the truck’s capabilities a bit, given we still see a fair number of them on the road. They seemed to be quite robust, if you ask me. The LUV is powered by a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine that produces 75 b.h.p. and 88 lb.-ft. of torque. The seller notes that it benefits from a new carburetor but that it otherwise remains in stock condition. If it were mine, I’d repaint the wheels white to create the classic 70s-era look of white wagon wheels against the yellow paint, add a tube-style rear bumper, and install a roll bar in the bed with period off-road lights. How would you update or enhance this LUV?
Yes please!!