Eventually, auto manufacturers will tune in to what customers actually want. The Ford Courier, based on the Mazda “B” pickup, was a response to the resounding popularity of the compact Nissan and Toyota pickups that hit our shores in the 1960s. Other than import competition, the Courier went head-to-head with Chevy’s Luv. (Today, my local Home Depot and tavern parking lots are full of giant Rams, F-350s, and Silverados, but buyers are hankering for “lesser” again, so the Ford Maverick is selling like hotcakes.) To boost its appeal, Ford gave the Courier a front end that copied its F-series styling, with a chamfered hood line and split grille. Here on craigslist is a serviceable 1975 Ford Courier advertised for $6500. It’s located in Portland, Oregon, and prospective owners should know it has a “rebuilt” title. Thanks to Ray M. for the tip!
The Courier nameplate was recycled: Ford called its 1950s delivery vans Couriers as well. That’s where the similarities end: the old Courier was equipped with a six- or eight-cylinder, not many were made, and if you can even find one today, most likely it’s a resto-mod. The pickup was launched in 1972 and sold in the hundreds of thousands worldwide. First-gen examples (until 1977) came standard with Mazda’s 1.8-liter overhead cam four cylinder, good for about 74 hp, backed by a four-speed manual. Drum brakes were still found at all four corners – the Courier was one of the last holdouts against front discs. This example’s odometer reads over 68k, but who knows the real tally. On the other hand, the water pump, brakes, clutch, pressure plate, and shocks are new. A new Weber is installed, so with the aftermarket air cleaner, the thermostatic air handler for the carb is gone. The flywheel was resurfaced. The truck just completed a 250-mile trip with no hiccups.
The interior has been dolled up for frequent use, with a neatly installed bench seat cover, an aftermarket steering wheel, and a console caddy. The passenger-side door panel is missing. The floor pans have been replaced, and the windshield, along with its gasket, is new. The car rides on new tires.
The paint is said to be original with some touch-ups here and there. The bed has been cleaned, painted, and rubberized. From its appearance – including the shiny rear bumper, crisp lettering, and intact lenses and badges – this is no beat-up project. Its price sits about in the center of the range: top-shelf Couriers sell for low teens, while project trucks can be had for a few thousand dollars. What do you think: is the seller’s ask reasonable, or does he need to give a little?
Another good catch Ray. You’re spot on about the smaller pickups making a comeback, Michelle-Ram groupies have been talking about the new RAM Rampage based on the Jeep Compass frame in 2026 along with a mid size Dakota too.
These were great little trucks that seemed unbreakable and were so cheap that if anything broke that couldn’t get fixed with chewing gum and baling wire it’d get parched out behind the corral and left for decades.
Let’s hope we get a new Rampage and / or a Dakota and let’s also hope Chrysler / Dodge / Ram / FCA / Stellantis- whatever we call them these days- listens to the public and offers a small pickup w/ a standard cab as a less-expensive option, or at least a (just) extended cab. Not everyone wants a crew cab truck.
And, as long as I’m wishing for things, let’s also hope for an ICE w/ a simple manual transmission!
You hear me, Chrysler / Dodge / Ram / FCA / Stellantis?!?
I work at a Jeep dealership in Nevada and heard a midsize pickup will be out in about 2 years a Dakota. Its amazing this little Ford has survived as I haven’t seen one in years and in this good of shape. Just get rid of the steering wheel on this one.
Nice write up, Michelle. Huge fan of all mini-trucks, specially my ‘74 Datsun 620 pickup, bought in ‘78 and sadly sold in ‘85. The L18 had 96 hp IIRC, and it was a ton of fun to drive. On and off the road. Cranked the torsion bars up and oversized tires all around, it was nearly unstoppable.
A buddy of mine had one of these back in our late teen years. It was bulletproof. There was almost nowhere it couldn’t go. Too bad they were never offered with 4-wheel drive.
Great write up Michelle. I’m with all the above about being a huge fan of small pickups. The new Mavericks have certainly caught on, and it would be nice to see more offerings from other manufacturers too. This one looks great, a lots been done to it, and it really is something that you can just hit the key and go. I’m wondering where that missing door panel went?
These were good little trucks I had one same color years ago and I still have the soft tonneau cover I use it as a paint drop cloth and tarp to cover a load when needed
I currently have a nearly identical ’75 blue Courier for sale in Virginia right now (Facebook marketplace) for those on the other coast. These are fantastic trucks.
I used to have the corresponding Mazda B-1800. Great truck although a little too small for me (I’m 6’2″). Bought it new and had over 150,000 miles when I sold it. Never had to do anything except change fluids and new brakes and a tune-up or two. I wish I still had it.
It’s pretty cool how Ford designed the grill of the courier to be like the f150.
love the single layer beds, 2 door and 4 cyl motors,
just needs
king cab, 5 speed’n 4WD, no?
Interesting article Michelle. One note: early Nissan products were called Datsuns. Other than the Nissan Patrol, the Nissan label was not used in the US until mid-year 1983. In 1972, my dad and I looked at the new mini-truck offerings, Datsun, Toyota, Courier and the Chevy LUV. We chose the LUV because it felt the most solid and also was the best looking. The build quality was not very good though and he ended up wishing he had bought another Datsun.
I like that it has had a Weber carb conversion done to it Oughta be a pretty peppy truck for the next owner.