Chevrolet LUV

The Chevrolet LUV pickup was a rebranded Isuzu that was introduced in America in 1972 to compete with the compact pickups by Datsun and Toyota, as well as the Ford Courier, which was a rebadged Mazda. The LUV was powered by a 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine, rated at 75 horsepower through 1976, then rising to 80 horsepower in 1977. Originally featuring quad headlights, the LUV was restyled in 1978 as shown here, and four-wheel drive was introduced in 1979. A second-generation was introduced in 1980 alongside its Isuzu counterpart, which made its American debut in 1981. The LUV was replaced in America by the domestic-built Chevrolet S-10 in 1982, but the LUV continued in South America with the name being passed on to subsequent Isuzu designs into the 21st century. The example pictured here features aftermarket modifications including a rear axle with dual wheels and a flatbed.