does the '82' look the same as the '71'

The B120 shape never changed ... The grille changed every once in a while (not yearly).

1971-? stainless sedan-style grille
197?-1984 plastic coupe style grille, but with upright rectangular center emblem

Japan made the ute until 1994 (B122 "Sunny Truck"), they switched to square headlight grille in 1986

A long-bed version came into play somewhere along the line (L-GB122)

South Africa made the extended height cab (B140 "Bakkie"), but does anyone know when this started? They had the B120 to start with. The 2003 ute continues with short or long wheelbase models.

some of the body aspects on the utes did change from the early 70's models to the 80's in OZ. The earlier utes dont have rear bumpers below the tray, where as the 80's the rear body was had indents for these bumpers, i also found that the earlier utes rear back panels were different they were cut back alot straighter where as the 80 models were rounded at the back.

Then there are alos a few diffences in the interior of older utes, dash, inside door handles. also some differences like battery holders some were staright and someon angle etc

its a bit easier to spot these things when you have my ute 80model and two mates utes next to it 74 and 81

But other than those small things the utes were the same

my 76 ute has the little rear bumpers.... you'll probably find that most utes have had the indents for these straightened when resprayed at some time through the years..... the sad thing is its generally done with body filler so look for cracked paint in these area's when buying anything thats been resprayed.....

my mates its 74 model and we reckon it has not been tampered with, we if think it came like that factory........but, any one else got one 74 or older? with no bumpers?