The Chevy LUV (an acronym for “Light Utility Vehicle”) was a small pickup made in Japan by Isuzu. Chevrolet imported it for several years until their own S-10 compact truck was on the market in the early 1980s. The seller has a 1978 edition of the LUV, which has a lot of new key components, like the engine and transmission. From its home in Golden Valley, Arizona, this truck may only need new paint before being put into your service. It’s available here on craigslist for $3,500, far less than the seller has in it. Bravo to “Barney” for sending this tip our way.
In Japan, Isuzu sold the LUV as the Faster and struck a deal with Chevrolet to rebadge and import it beginning in 1972. These workhorses were powered at first by a 1.6-liter inline-4, succeeded later by one displacing 1.8 liters (probably the one in the seller’s pickup). A 4-speed manual transmission was standard, and a few buyers went the route of an optional automatic. The first generation of the LUV was on the market through 1979.
The seller’s plan was to restore this truck, and he managed to get all the mechanical stuff done before declining health got in the way. New and installed parts include the engine and transmission, clutch, and tires. The fuel tank was cleaned out, and we’re told the little truck runs great now, ready to go to work.
We’re also told that all that remains is to apply a coat of new paint, and the seller is including the materials needed for that job. You could probably drive the LUV as-is, but since the seller has gotten this project so close to completion, why not take it across the finish line? If you’re looking for an economical truck for work or fun, this LUV could be it. I had a friend who owned one years ago, and it ran and ran without any problems.
Neat truck! Looks good! 👍🏻
21 years ago I was working at a Chevrolet Dealership.
LUV parts were made of unobtainium THEN.
I had several LUV ignition key blanks. sold them for 50.00 a piece.
I luv it.
Very sturdy little trucks. They still have quite the following these days. I always found them to be underpowered. But, so were the early AND second edition Mazda trucks.
They had durable engines, but they weren’t very sturdy if you live in an area where it rains and snows. These little trucks rusted quickly and badly – the Luvs were well known to have to frames break between the cab and bed , right where the water would drip down on it
Yes, yes, they would been there with one.
Cool little truck that has survived the times just get rid of those hubcaps.
Throw in the paint and you gotta deal.
I lost my 79 to the KY road Dept. Salt and brine..
Should it have cloth seats ? I used drive Dad’s 81 ford courier. It was pretty bare bones. Vinyl. Not sure I’ve ever seen even a deluxe with cloth. But that’s the courier. Just curious what others thought . Any who I really like it. Wrong side of the country for me though
That is not a stock seat. They had a bench seat that was bare bones.
There was a 1984 Chevy Chevette 4: Dr body sitting on a 4 WD LUV chassis in Apex NC several years ago . It was powered by an Oldsmobile QUAD 4 HO with a 5 speed manual transmission. I was told it was wicked to drive. Was tempted to do this to the Wife’s Chevette but never did.
Too bad. Would have been the best thing that ever happened to it.