During a tumultuous time in automotive historical past, simply earlier than the oil disaster — when emissions requirements sharply elevated — Chevrolet debuted the LUV. The compact LUV pickup is clearly impressed by the vehicles Japanese producers had been promoting on the time. The LUV stands for “Light Utility Vehicle,” and has a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine. With a smaller engine, the LUV could not deal with the extra rugged duties of a full-size truck, however was extra gasoline environment friendly. LUV consumers acquired 75 horsepower and 88-pound toes of torque, which wasn’t all that spectacular. However, the little truck did obtain over 32 miles per gallon on the freeway, saving drivers cash on the pump.

Not solely was the LUV extra environment friendly by way of gasoline economic system, but it surely was additionally pretty cheap. In 1972, you would drive a brand new LUV off the Chevrolet lot for simply $2,196. Adjusted for inflation, the LUV would price $15,477 right this moment, which is a far cry from the price of a brand new 2024 Chevy Colorado (Chevy’s smallest truck), which begins at $29,500. Fondly remembered, the LUV is the classic mini-truck we wish Chevrolet would bring back.