It’s not uncommon to see collections of every sort pop up on craigslist, but this is the first time I can recall seeing a liquidation of a batch of Chevy LUV pickups. According to the seller, his father collected these captive import trucks and was in the process of restoring them. One has been sold; these remaining five here on craigslist are being sold as a package deal for $6,500.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Pat L. for the find. These LUVs are in varying levels of condition, but all we have to go on are the photos. The one LUV that sold was apparently completely restored, which you rarely see in this world of vintage light-duty pickup trucks. The truck in the top photo sports a cool period roll-bar and both it and the one pictured here may have been 4WD conversions at one point.
I was hell bent on finding a Ford Courier “Sasquatch” at one point in time (a pursuit I’m glad I gave up on), but I still find these imported and rebadged small pickups intriguing as projects. The LUV seen here has some excellent period graphics still attached, and the white “wagon wheel” rollers always look good on small trucks of this era. Every single one appears to be dry and rust-free.
This Chevy LUV collection is in Las Vegas, which explains the desert background and also the sunburnt (but dry) qualities all of the trucks seem to exhibit. I believe someday these captive imports will be worth more than the loose change they currently trade hands for, but for now, this seems like a good deal for the LUV enthusiast looking to have a stockpile of spares for years to come.
What is meant by captive imports?
The term refers to vehicles which are manufactured outside the US, but bearing the nameplate of a US manufacturer. In this case, the Chevrolet LUV was in reality the Isuzu Faster. Usually, but not always, the vehicles are not sold simultaneously in the US by the actual manufacturer. An example would be the Dodge Colt and Mitsubishi Mirage, which, for a period, were both sold in the US.
Thank you, much appreciated!
That’s a Whole Lotta Luv
My uncles caught on fire.
Yep, it was just a
chunk
chunk
chunk
of burning luv
Sorry Elvis………..
My work truck in the 1980’s
My Uncle Bill ran his 383 sbc powered LUV at memphis 1/4 mile track, He said ” I didn’t know what it would turn, BUT 134 mph with stock LUV front suspension is not safe at all. It was “PITCH & CATCH” under power and when he let off it was bobbing up & down plus “PITCH&CATCH”. It’s funny now, not then” RIP Uncle Bill.
I had one in the late 70’s and it was one fun little 4cyl. to drive.
I didn’t know Craigslist allowed anyone to advertise “Luv for Sale” anymore…lol
Someone must really love these…