Chevrolet got into the compact truck market in 1972 with the LUV (Light Utility Vehicle), a rebadged Isuzu Faster from Japan. It did its job until a decade later, when the GM division decided to build its own in the U.S., the S-10 (followed by the Colorado). These trucks were for lighter jobs and powered by inline-4s. This one from 1974 has been upgraded with a 383 cubic inch V8 and an automatic transmission. From Oroville, California, this running work-in-progress is available here on craigslist for $6,200. A nifty tip brought to us again by Tony Primo!
The payload of the LUV was about 1,200 lbs., which should have been ample given its smaller size and the amount of space in the bed. Typical LUVs had a 1.8-liter 4-banger with a 4-speed manual, and we assume that’s what was extracted from this truck a few months ago. It now sports a 383, which we assume was donated from a Chrysler product. It’s been rebuilt, and the TH-350 tranny is from GM and the rear-end from Ford. So, you could say this really is an international vehicle.
Rebuilt last year, the 383 has lots of performance goodies like the camshaft, pistons, intake manifold, carburetor, and more. And the engine is from the pre-smog era in CA, which may make the engine itself older than the pickup. The seller estimates the motor produces at least one horse per cube. The tires are either new or almost new.
The interior has been redone, at least in terms of the upholstery and door panels. And it has an aftermarket stereo for cruising. The body is probably where the remaining work lies, as the right front fender is crinkled (and has rust), and the yellow paint below the belt looks newer than what’s inside the bed, which at least has surface rust. If you’re looking for a good project to finish off to your liking, what about this hot truck?
It’s a 383 Chevy stroker w/turbo hydro
Wow, this must be a screamer on the street. Seems like a good price for this toy, but a little scary when you adopt a mutt…