Today we offer some love for Mr. Myers’ pickup truck, the Pick of the Day, a 1976 Chevrolet LUV Mikado, being advertised on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Hopedale, Massachusetts.
Despite its age, the dealer says the truck’s 36,170 miles is the accurate total since Don Myers purchased the truck on June 18, 1977 , from Kardon Chevrolet in Mt. Holly, New Jersey.
“Don treated this LUV truck like one of the family,” the dealer reports.
And after Myers’ death in 1999, the dealer says Myers’ wife, Virginia, cared for “his beloved truck” until 2003 when, with 29,744 miles on the odometer, the truck was sold to someone living in East Dennis, Massachusetts.
That owner kept the truck until 2013, when it was sold with 31,599 miles showing.
Compact pickup trucks – truly compact, not like today’s almost-full midsize pickups – were popular starting in the fuel-crisis era. To compete, Chevrolet offered a panel version of the Vega and in 1972 put the LUV badge on a small pickup, produced by Isuzu in Japan, where it is known as the Faster. The LUV badge is shorthand for Light Utility Vehicle.
For the 1976 model year, the LUV, built on a 102.4-inch wheelbase, was offered with a 3-speed automatic transmission, which Mr. Myers selected for his truck.
“Today, this wonderful example has only 36,170 actual miles,” the dealer points out, adding that maintenance receipts, title, owner history, owner’s manual, warranty book, shop manual, sales brochure, even the manual for the Toshiba AM/FM/cassette stereo have been retained.
“Beautiful rust-free body that’s straight as a pin,” the dealer adds. “Original Crimson red paint that is absolutely beautiful. Awesome black tonneau cover. Killer original red plaid interior from top to bottom.
“Under the hood is textbook, as it was new. The bed of this LUV truck is mint.”
Under the hood is a 110cid 4-cylinder engine rated when new at 75 horsepower and 88 pound-feet of torque.
The dealer notes that 1976 was the first year for the LUV to be equipped with a 3-speed automatic transmission and front disc brakes.
Factory options on Mr. Myers’ truck include a rear step/tow bumper, the Decor package, and the Mikado package, which features a nameplate on the glove door and rear quarters. 3-spoke leather-grained steering wheel, leather-grained shift knob, deluxe kick/door panels, color-keyed carpet, seat belts with retractors, dome light, dual horns and special cloth interior trim.
“I will venture to say that this particular LUV pickup is one of the best anywhere,” the dealer insists. “The overall condition is amazing. Driving this truck is a pleasure.”
Mr. Myers’ LUV Mikado is offered for $18,500. To view this vehicle on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
You see some cars as the “pick of the day” and know that it is priced too low and will sell today. Sure enough, I clicked on the link and yes, it is sold.
Wow! That was very quick! So I guess it really turned out to be the ‘Pick’ of the day!