In the late 1970’s, I had a 1977 Chevy Luv pickup truck. It was the era of “sport” trucks, like the Subaru Brat, the Toyota and others. The others were all listed as sport vehicles, so insurance rates were much higher.
The Chevy Luv was listed as a small work truck. My insurance was less than half than that of my friends’ trucks. I
The other trucks were not built to carry much at all. They weren’t built to handle hauling anything heavy, pulling trailers or being of much utility at all.
The Chevy Luv was built of steel, so it was heavier. It could carry a half ton (1000 lbs) in the bed or towing. I frequently carried hay, topsoil for my horse’s stall, feed, wood shavings and just about anything else needed. The long bed allowed better steering than my friends’ trucks. The Isuzu engine got better gas mileage than my friends’ trucks unless I had a full load in the bed.
The shorter beds on most sport trucks of the day were harder to handle, especially on wet roads. Drivers without much experience often fishtailed- that is, the back end would sway out of control, causing the truck to leave the road, roll or hit something. I never had that problem with my Luv.
During the snow of 1985 in San Antonio, Texas, I drove through the slush, snow and ice to get neighbors to the store and back. Other vehicles had a lot of trouble, even if the drivers were experienced with the conditions.
When I received orders to go to England, I sold it. I have always regretted that decision. I was stationed in England from 1985 to 1987. When I returned, the truck was no longer being manufactured. Other trucks were on the market, made from aluminum and plastic instead of steel.
None had or has had the heart or strength of the Chevy Luv.
A few years ago I drove past a car salvage yard. A white Chevy Luv pickup was parked beside the road. I nearly slammed on the brakes. I slowed and noticed the license plate. I remember thinking how nice it would be if it were my old truck. Since I had somewhere to be, I didn’t stop and make an offer. I told myself I wouldn’t have been able to get parts anyway.
I loved that truck. It hardly ever broke down, carried everything I put in it, and I never got stuck. Since it was a light truck, getting un-stuck would not have posed much of a problem.
I wish they still made it. I’d be the first in line.
Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects and more.
