The compact pickup truck market heated up in the 1970s. Chevrolet responded by importing an Isuzu pickup they dubbed the LUV (Light Utility Vehicle). Ford followed suit and imported the Courier, which was based on the Mazda B-Series. It wasn’t until the 1980s that the U.S.-produced Ranger would take over those responsibilities. Located in Shelby, North Carolina, this almost-running project has a lot of rough cosmetic edges and is available here on craigslist for $4,500. Shout out to “Barney” for this workhorse tip.
When the Courier pickup debuted in 1972, Ford hadn’t used the moniker since the 1950s on a commercial vehicle. Ford partnered with Mazda to make this happen, and the second generation of the little truck was marketed between 1977 (the year of the seller’s edition) and 1985 (though U.S. sales stopped in 1982). These workhorses used the 2.3-liter inline-4 that also propelled the Ford Pinto, Mustang II, and a couple of Mercurys. Most were supported by a 4-speed manual tranny.
The seller’s Courier is far from pretty and is almost a runner. It will start up, but not stay going, so some reliability issues need to be sorted out. The odometer has rolled over, but we don’t know how far past 100k it has gone. That mileage alone might suggest the drivetrain is tired and in need of a refresh.
The black paint (primer grey in the bed) is past its prime, and there is surface rust. Has corrosion followed it down to the undercarriage (that would be worth an inspection)? The interior is also rough, as the door panels are wrinkled, and we guess the aftermarket seat cover may be hiding a worn bench seat. The seller has other, more pressing projects and doesn’t have time for this Ford/Mazda, so he/she just wants it “gone.” Is the seller’s asking price a make-it-gone figure?
That’s not the same engine as other Ford products.
I agree. Not a 2.3 Ford engine. The frames, and suspensions are very robust on these early Mazda/Courier trucks. The Mazda engine, not so much. A very popular and easy fit. The small block Ford. I have been watching for an early one of these to build. As I still have a Repu bed with the flared fenders.
I’d go $400.
Or $40.
Nice little truck and not too far gone considering its years. However, it is incredible what the minor flares and of course rotary engine did for Mazda’s REPU version. I like partnerships like this where companies partner with the same base vehicle but offer something very different. Asking price is only high if it doesn’t sell. Good luck to the seller, and I hope it finds a home that respects this “rare old truck”.
The engine was 1800 cc’s and all Mazda…This one’s value would b determined by how much it weighs or how much gas is in the tank…
The Ford Courier of the 1950’s was a sedan delivery, no windows on side rear and fold out rear door, rarer than the similar wagon.
4500.00 they are nuts. 100.00 at the most. between the mold and all dirty crap inside cut in 1/2 make trailer out of it.
Wow, some replies sure play up to wanting this little workhorse to just die and go away. Yes, it’s being offered to be sold to someone who will clean it up and continue driving it. In doing so, drawing people to comment favorably.