A low-cost Chinese-built 4-WD 1-ton truck attracted crowds at the recent Farm Fest show near Redwood Falls, Minn.

"It doesn't have the creature comforts of domestic-built pickups," says Orv Gilyard, distributor. "It's just a simple, practical vehicle that's a lot like pickups built in the U.S. in the 1950's and 60's."

Made in Beijing, the 2032 utility truck is powered by a 2.44-liter, 4-cyl., water-cooled gas engine rated at 85 hp and 3,800 rpm's (a diesel engine is also available). It has an 8-speed transmission with two reverse speeds. It measures 15 ft. 4 in. long by 5 ft. 8 in. wide and has a 108-in. long wheelbase. It rides on 16-in. high tube-type tires and has a 7-ft. long, 45-in. wide bed that can haul up to 2,005 lbs. The rig is available with a hard top or a removable canvas top. By removing the canvas and unbolting the side windows from the doors you can turn it into a "convertible". A padded roll bar mounts behind the cab.

"It goes 80 to 85 mph on the highway," says Gilyard. "Comes complete with an AM/ FM radio, cassette player, emergency signal flasher, tool kit that includes wrenches, a screwdriver, pliers, tire pressure gauge. It also comes with a fire extinguisher and 30 ft. of hose and nozzle for washing the vehicle. It even has a hand crank so that if the electrical system fails and the battery goes dead, you can crank start it. It won't leave you stranded.

"When you open the hood the engine compartment is completely exposed, which makes it easy to work on. There's an adjustable screen in front of the radiator. By pulling on a lever inside the cab you can control air flow across the radiator and regulate the heat inside the cab.

"The bed has stake holes and tie-downs, and the rear tailgate folds down for easy loading. The bumpers are made from spring steel. The front bumper has twin tow hooks and a brush guard above them that's fabricated from tubular steel. The rear bumper has a military style hook."

Available in six different colors.

 Gilyard also sells Chinese-made 2 and 4-door Jeeps. He says he's looking for dealers.