By the time the 1973 oil crisis sent consumers running for smaller, more-economical vehicles, the Chevy Luv pickup truck was already in a position to scoop up buyers looking to save on fuel, but without sacrificing practicality. Although considered little more than a rebadged Isuzu Faster, the Luv (or “light utility vehicle”) managed to stay on sale in the U.S. until the 1982 model year, when it was shelved in favor of the new Chevy S-10. However, during that time, the Chevy Luv captured the hearts and minds of many enthusiasts across the U.S., some of whom saw fit to swap the factory fuel-sipping 1.8L four-cylinder in favor of a V8, as seen in the modified example featured here.
Outside, this 1975 Chevy Luv looks the part of a project truck thanks to a prominent hood scoop added up front, which was finished in flat black against the bright red paint. The flat-black offset stretches down towards the front grille, while black pinstripes along the flanks provide a nice complement. Towards the tailgate, the fenders announce the presence of a new engine with a graphic that reads “283 LUV.”
The interior looks pretty decent, and comes with red and black seat covers, as well as an upgraded dash with all-new gauges and a few modern equipment upgrades. It also looks as though an aftermarket stereo was installed.
Of course, the biggest draw for this particular Chevy Luv is under the hood, where we find a 283 cubic-inch V8 engine topped by a three-deuce carb setup. The ‘eight connects to the rear wheels through a turbo 350 automatic transmission.
Now, this modified 1975 Chevy Luv pickup is for sale, listed on craigslist at $9,995 in Tonawanda, New York.
Is this V8-powered 1975 Chevy Luv pickup worth the asking price? If not, how much would you pay to get it in your driveway? Let us know by posting in the comments, and make sure to subscribe to GM Authority for more Chevrolet news and around-the-clock GM news coverage.
Source: craigslist
Comments
Trucks are hot sellers in America and Mini Trucks are getting harder to find this one looks to be in good shape. So the price is fair with the upgraded V8 and straight body. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a Chevy Luv
looks like a lot of fun for a reasonable price…
I had a 78 luv about a decade ago now and it was similar to this one just not as clean same engine setup but the 283 I had was built and I had a 650 Edelbrock 4 barrel vs the triple deuces I honestly wanted to go that setup but anyways what I’m getting at is I paid 1200$ for mine sold for 900$ I definitely had 300$ worth of fun out of it race around and shocking guys with much nicer and more expensive platforms lol . So I know what it takes to build a car or truck in this case I been building a Mk4 turbo Jetta so I can understand the price tag but there’s no way I would even consider paying half of that maybe 3500 it’s a clean example but it’s a Isuzu it’s damn near 50 years old with no signs of improvement on the brakes which fyi they are not the best when u add 300lb to the front end . Plus the 350 turbo trans I had and 311 rear gear I was getting 9 miles to the gallon . So no not worth it in my opinion .
A modern day LUV is what Chevy needs.
I have a ’72 LUV with the rare stepside bed, with a 5.7 Vottec and th350 and Ford 8.8. Absolutely no rust. Body straight with new paint and interior, custom dash and guages. I really don’t want to sell it, but with the right offer…
Do you still have this truck?
Sounds nice…send sum pics
My dad bought anew luv in 1980. What a pickup. Indestructable!! He drove it the first 12 years. I drove it for 15 after that. Still ran like new the day I sold it. Wish I hadn’t.
Ford is supposedly working on a smaller truck than the Ranger, tagged “Maverik”, incorporating the old coupe’s name for their little p/up. I could see Chevy stepping up to match Ford’s effort with a relaunch of the Luv truck. That segment of truck line has been gone for years. Toyota’s Tacoma and Nissan’s frontier used to battle the S-10 and Ranger years ago in the small pickup class, but went the way of midsize production. I think a total all in truck, nicely equipped truck for under $20grand would do very well at market these days. Do it! And that’s coming from a Ford guy! KC
If you spend $ 10,000 a this truck then there’s something wrong with you . At very best this truck is worth $3,500 / $ 4000. If you spend more than that on this truck , then maybe you need a psychiatrist. Also with the v8 modification and all the weight it probably drives like a brick and without a roll cage and upgraded brakes it is probably not safe . It’s old and crappy technology . They discontinued the line for a reason .
How about a new turbo 4 instead of nose heavy V8?