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Gilbert & Sullivan Meet Chevy: 1976 LUV Mikado

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In addition to being the title of a Gilbert & Sullivan comic opera, the Mikado was an upscale edition of the little Chevrolet LUV (Light Utility Vehicle) pickup. Actually, it’s a slightly restyled Isuzu truck, but they were sold in the US market as Chevrolets. This particular nice example is located in Salt Lake City, Utah and is being sold here on eBay, where bidding is starting at an incredibly low $1,000 without a reserve.

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No, it isn’t perfect, for example you can see a small dent here in the tailgate. But the owner characterizes it as “pretty much rust free,” and they aren’t far off. Sure, there is some surface rust in the bed where the paint has been scratched, but remember, this is a pickup truck!

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I love the period graphics…the truck has original paint except on the roof, where some touchup has been done but the seller recommends repainting it. The Mikado edition was the top of the line LUV and was introduced in 1974. Options included the obvious stripes and badging, striped upholstery and a three-spoke steering wheel. Yup, it didn’t take much to create an option package in the “Malaise Era”, did it!

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And here’s that fancy upholstery! You also see the automatic shift control in the center. Motor Trend timed a LUV automatic 0-60 in 17.4 seconds, and that was a manual shift model. Which leads to the question whether or not this one can even get to 60! Since the magazine also quoted a quarter mile trap speed of 64.3 miles per hour, my guess is yes. The seller also notes that this truck has had it’s engine replaced with a 1978 model with a new cylinder head, and that all the emissions equipment is still in place.

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And here is that engine. Gee, it looks nice under there, as well it should. It’s showing 56,177 miles, which the cosmetics certainly back up. I wonder what happened to the original engine? Regardless, I will be interested in seeing what price this truck ends up selling for. What would you pay for it?

Comments

  1. Avatar Rick

    Hard to believe these trucks are now 40 years old, I was already out of high school when this one was sold as a new car – Jesus, I must be getting old . . .

    Like 1
  2. Avatar Charles H.

    I’m pretty sure that is a later model steering wheel, and not original to the truck. I don’t think they even offered leather wrapped steering wheels on too many American vehicles in that era…..but very nice condition for it’s age, very interesting and well preserved, nice truck!

    Like 0
    • Avatar Casey

      That’s what I thought. I’m the one that bought it. After some research, some Mikados actually did come with 3 spoke leather wrapped steering wheels

      Like 0
  3. Avatar AMCSTEVE

    I would’ve bought this if it was a stick. Funnest truck I’ve ever drove!

    Like 0

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