1982 Isuzu P’up Diesel 4×4: Discover a Rare Gem in the Junkyard
In the 1970s, Detroit manufacturers sought to sell small pickups without the expense of designing their own. They turned to Japanese partners, resulting in Ford selling the Mazda Proceed as the Courier, Chrysler offering the Mitsubishi Forte as the Plymouth Arrow Pickup/Dodge D-50/Dodge Ram 50, and GM bringing over the Isuzu Faster as the Chevrolet LUV. Eventually, each Japanese manufacturer began offering their own badged versions of these trucks, and Isuzu introduced the P’up. Recently, an early P’up was discovered in a Colorado self-service boneyard, representing a rare find.
During the late 1970s, Isuzus were sold in America with Opel badging. However, it wasn’t until 1981 that Americans could purchase I-Marks and P’ups under the Isuzu brand. Sadly, the final new Isuzu-badged vehicles sold in the US were rebranded Chevrolets.
The 1982 Isuzu P’up Diesel 4×4 being analyzed is essentially identical to the 1982 Chevrolet LUV, which was also available with four-wheel-drive and diesel power. Equipped with a 2.2-liter oil-burner engine, it boasted a rating of 58 horsepower and 95 pound-feet of torque. Isuzu also provided the 51-horsepower diesel engine for the Chevette Diesel. While an automatic transmission was an option, pairing it with the 58 horsepower engine would have made for a miserable driving experience. Fortunately, this particular truck is equipped with the base five-speed manual transmission.
What makes this truck a standout is its genuine four-wheel-drive capability, complete with a range selector and locking front hubs. Additionally, it features an enormous extra fuel tank in the bed, accompanied by dual fuel filters. With this setup, it’s estimated that the truck could cover a range of 1,000 highway miles. However, due to the negative reputation surrounding non-Mercedes-Benz oil-burning engines during the Oldsmobile diesel V8 fiasco of that era, Americans lost interest in such engines for several decades.
Upon inspecting the truck, one might expect to find a high mileage reading on the odometer, but surprisingly, that’s not the case here. Adding to the authenticity of this find, the original owner’s manual was still present, offering a glimpse into the truck’s history. It started its journey approximately 600 miles east, in a suburb of Kansas City.
Interestingly, while most of Joe Isuzu’s commercials aired after the P’up was renamed as the “Isuzu Pickup,” it remains the same truck. The Thai-market ads for Isuzu pickups were particularly renowned for their excellence, showcasing the truck’s capabilities and durability.
The 1982 Isuzu P’up Diesel 4×4 found in the Colorado self-service boneyard is truly a rare gem. Its history as a Japanese import rebadged under various American brands adds to its uniqueness. With its four-wheel-drive capabilities, fuel efficiency, and sturdy build, it’s evident why this truck remains sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike. Discovering such a well-preserved example in a junkyard is a testament to its enduring appeal and the passion it continues to evoke among truck enthusiasts.