BODACIOUS BEATERS and Road-going Derelicts: LUV Hangover

Phil Coconis
by Phil Coconis
Expertly collected and commented by Phil Coconis, this is the first of many BODACIOUS BEATERS and road-going derelicts, an assemblage of the still driveable near-dead.

Straight out of the late-Disco era, this exhaustively coastal-aged example of GM’s early efforts in “badge engineering”—taking vehicles virtually completely manufactured by another entity (in this case ISUZU) and fitting them with their own (in this case Chevrolet) emblems—is truly a miracle survivor, on so many levels.

Firstly, there’s the obvious: extensive and serious visible rust; which at some point is going to play havoc with basic and necessary functions, such as electrical system operation (can you say “bad ground”?).

Secondly, that this is a California vehicle residing in an “enhanced emissions area” (read : subject to biennial dyno-style emissions testing), compounded by the fact that critical emissions system parts—let alone those needed for routine maintenance—are no doubt virtually non-existent in any form at this point in time.

The decay also impairs important structural functions (like body components remaining intact).

This unit is still sporting “Winston” brand tires (the late Sam Winston has been gone from the tire sales scene for a decade now), a plethora of stickers presumably holding the back window in position, and Hula Girl on the dash (driver no doubt acknowledging with ingenious cavalier resignation that efforts to employ St. Cristopher have been respectfully declined).

Phil has written features and columns for a number of automotive periodicals and web-based information companies. He has run a successful Auto Repair Business in the past for many years (See “Memoirs of an Independent Repair Shop Owner” on TTAC). Contact him through www.linkedin.com. Written and photographed by Phil Coconis / All Rights Reserved / Use by Permission Only.

Phil Coconis
Phil Coconis

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  • I remember a Guam summer in 1979 when my good friends father brought one of these Chevy LUV's home. It was a baby blue and he sprayed the bed with UNDERCOATING, the original "rhino-liner" except I recall it coming off on my shorts and my shoe soles... Awesome little truck to an eleven year old.

    • Porschespeed Porschespeed on Nov 18, 2012

      Troy D, are you J. Goldberg? Last time I heard that who that nasty old rode hard and put away wet skank was married to...

  • Acuraandy Acuraandy on Nov 18, 2012

    Awesome.

  • Jbltg The more time passes, the more BMW's resemble Honda. zzzz
  • VoGhost Doubling down on the sector that is shrinking (ICE). Typical Nissan.
  • Dwford I don't think price is the real issue. Plenty of people buy $40-50k gas vehicles every year. It's the functionality. People are worried about range and the ability to easily and quickly recharge. Also, if you want to buy an EV these days, you are mostly limited to midsize 5 passenger crossovers. How about some body style variety??
  • SCE to AUX The nose went from terrible to weird.
  • Chris P Bacon I'm not a fan of either, but if I had to choose, it would be the RAV. It's built for the long run with a NA engine and an 8 speed transmission. The Honda with a turbo and CVT might still last as long, but maintenance is going to cost more to get to 200000 miles for sure. The Honda is built for the first owner to lease and give back in 36 months. The Toyota is built to own and pass down.
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