Factory Options and Rare Features: What Made '70s Mini Trucks Unique?

The 1970s mini truck scene wasn’t just about utility—it was about personality. Compact pickups like the Datsun 620, Toyota Hilux, Mazda, Chevy LUV, and Ford Courier were more than basic haulers; they became blank canvases for customization, expression, and innovation. But even before these trucks hit the streets and driveways of DIY enthusiasts, manufacturers were already offering some surprisingly unique factory options and features that made these rides stand out from the crowd.

Let’s take a deep dive into some of the rare trims, special factory accessories, and quirky details that made ‘70s mini trucks so distinctive.

Special Trims & Limited Editions

Many automakers saw the potential in adding flair to their compact trucks. These weren't just stripped-down workhorses—some came dressed to impress.

• Datsun 620 “King Cab” (Introduced in 1977)

  One of the first compact pickups to offer extended cab space, the King Cab gave extra room behind the seats for gear or even small jump seats. It was a game-changer in utility and comfort.

  
  

• Toyota SR5 Package (Hilux)

  

  Aimed at sport truck enthusiasts, the SR5 trim added bucket seats, woodgrain dash accents, tachometer, upgraded upholstery, and even chrome touches. For those who wanted a truck that looked as good as it worked, the SR5 was it.

• Chevy LUV Mikado Package

  Built by Isuzu and imported by Chevrolet, the LUV (Light Utility Vehicle) brought Japanese engineering under a bowtie badge. The Mikado trim added carpet, deluxe interior appointments, woodgrain accents, and two-tone paint—making it one of the more stylish options in the mini truck segment.

  
  

  

  
  

• Mazda Rotary Pickup (REPU)

  

  A rare beast with a Wankel rotary engine, the REPU was aimed squarely at performance enthusiasts. It came with flared fenders, sporty stripes, and a tach redlining at a screaming 7,000 RPM.

  
  

• Ford Courier Decor Package

  

  Though the Courier was Mazda-built and shared DNA with the REPU, Ford added its own flair. The Decor Package included body side moldings, chrome bumpers, styled steel wheels, and upgraded interior trim. Later models even had available bucket seats and a sliding rear window, bridging the gap between work truck and personal vehicle.

  
  

2. Rare Factory Accessories

Beyond trims, manufacturers offered a variety of accessories that are hard to come by today—but were cutting edge or just plain cool back then.

• In-Dash Clocks and Tachometers

  Seemingly minor now, but many base-model trucks didn’t include these, and they were prized upgrades for those wanting a more “car-like” dashboard.

• Sliding Rear Windows

  Available as a dealer or factory option on some trucks, this feature was both functional for airflow and iconic for style.

• Factory Air Conditioning (or lack thereof!)

  A/C was a rare and costly option in the early '70s. Trucks that came with it from the factory—especially in working condition today—are highly collectible. To make up for the lack of AC, some models came with wing windows to help with the air flow.

• AM/FM Radios and 8-Track Players

  Optional audio equipment helped define the truck's vibe. A factory 8-track in working condition is a unicorn now.

• Bed Rails and Chrome Bumpers

  Often part of dealer-installed appearance packages, these gave mini trucks a more finished and flashy look.

  
  

3. Unique Features by Model

Each mini truck had its quirks—some mechanical, others stylistic—that helped define the brand and era.

• Datsun’s “Bullet Side” Design (1972–1979)

  The signature character line along the side panel gave the 620 its nickname. It’s a defining design element that fans still obsess over.

• Toyota’s Column Shifters on Early Models

  Before the bucket seat craze, some early Hilux models came with three-speed column shifters—a throwback to a different era of driving.

• REPU’s Center-Mounted Gauge Cluster

  The REPU placed the tach front and center, reinforcing its sporty DNA. A subtle nod to its performance roots.

• Ford Courier’s Raised Ride Height & Dual Badging

  Early Couriers stood out with a slightly higher stance compared to some imports, plus a distinctive grille and Ford-specific badging—even though it was built by Mazda. The combination of Japanese engineering and American branding makes it a unique piece of truck history.

  
  

Today’s trucks might be packed with tech and horsepower, but there’s something undeniably charming about the simplicity, style, and character found in ‘70s mini trucks—especially when they came with those rare factory goodies. If you’re lucky enough to spot one in the wild (or in your own garage), take a closer look—you might just be looking at a piece of forgotten automotive gold.