Datsun 620Nissan's vehicles were branded as Datsun for decades since the founding of the company in the 1930s. The post-war period saw the emergence of a robust manufacturing segment in Japan's auto industry, and small trucks would be one of the first exports sent to the American market. The first few models saw limited success, but the Datsun 620 of the '70s became one of America's favorite small trucks of the period.With the 620 model came more robust engine options with a base model 1.6-liter 4-cylinder able to be upgraded all the way to a 2.0-liter engine making 110 horsepower. While those numbers seem paltry by today's standards, they were plenty to haul up to 1,000 pounds of cargo, and these little frames could handle it. These trucks were bare-bones and simple, meaning the engines had no extra superfluous weight to haul around. They are also dependable, but when they did break down, repairs were easy and nothing blocked access under the hood.Today there are a couple of options for driving an old Datsun. Some may take one perfectly restored to its original condition just to enjoy the simplicity and the joy of a leisurely drive to the store to pick up some mulch for the garden. Others use these for custom rides and the options are endless. Regardless, it will turn heads on the street.Mitsubishi Mighty MaxChrysler maintained a longstanding technical relationship with Mitsubishi for many years and first introduced its trucks as rebadged Dodge and Plymouth models in 1979. Mitsubishi would later establish its own dealer network and sell small pickups in the U.S. Among those models was the Mighty Max, which many would consider to be among the best Japan had to offer at the time.The Mitsubishi Mighty Max was also imported as the Ram 50 or Power Ram 50 and could be had with 4- or 6-cylinder engines, among the largest offered at the time, and a regular or extended cab. These trucks were attractively styled and the interiors were well-trimmed, making them basic but comfortable places to spend some time on the highway.For modern purposes, a V6 model with four-wheel-drive and an extended cab in a retro Overlander sort of custom setup would be grand. Taking a tough little Mitsubishi out into the desert or up a mountain trail to set up camp for the night sounds like a perfect way to reconnect with nature and get away from it all. It would also be doing it in a fashionable and retro style.Chevrolet LUVBefore Chevrolet created the S-10 small pickup, it imported an Isuzu model and called it the LUV, or Light Utility Vehicle. With the new LUV, you got the most basic pickup possible. It came with a 1.8-liter engine pushing just 75 horsepower backed up by a 4-speed gearbox and a steering wheel. No power steering, power windows, or power locks, and bucket seats came optional. Just the minimum of instrumentation was installed on the dashboard. However, it could haul 1,000 pounds of cargo and the Isuzu engine proved very reliable.The LUV continued throughout the '70s unchanged but did receive front disc brakes in 1976 and an option for 3-speed automatic transmission. In 1981, the truck was redesigned with a more modern look but remained as basic as ever. A diesel engine was also offered at one point, and, being from Isuzu, the diesel is near-indestructible and offered fuel mileage modern cars would be envious of, although the 58 horsepower is less enviable. 1982 would be the last year for LUV as Chevrolet put all of its efforts into the new S-10.LUVs prices today can be surprisingly high, with examples in very good condition selling for more than $20,000. Despite being such a simple little truck, they appear to be very desirable to collectors. If one is found for sale, the best thing to do is to buy it and just drive it in whatever condition it is found.
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