During decades of involvement in the classic scene, I don’t remember hearing an owner saying, “I wish my vehicle had less power.” Many crave something extra under their right foot, and the owner of this 1971 K5 Blazer made that dream a reality. It would have offered adequate performance when new, but the supercharged monster hiding under the hood lifts it to a far higher level. All good things must end, and this tidy Blazer needs a new home. The seller has listed it here on eBay in Sandpoint, Idaho. Bidding has raced to $45,850 but remains shy of the reserve.

The First Generation Blazer appeared in 1969, and many believe its styling was more modern than that offered by the Ford Bronco. It was also significantly larger than its rival, winning it limited appeal for those craving off-road adventures. That may help explain why Chevrolet only sold 17,220 examples in 4×4 form during the 1971 model year. Sales climber significantly during subsequent years as potential buyers recognized it represented a viable alternative to a station wagon. This Blazer wears most of its original Medium Bronze Metallic paint. It is above-average for its age and generally retains a healthy shine. There are a few dull spots and flaws, but most buyers would consider them acceptable. Given the changes this seller has made elsewhere, the new owner may elect to perform a cosmetic refresh. They won’t face hours of rust repairs as part of that process because this classic is rock-solid. The panels are also straight, allowing the new owner to perform a repaint effortlessly in a home workshop. The trim is impressive for its age, as is the glass. If it weren’t for the massive 15″ alloy wheels and the 2½” lift kit, there would be little to differentiate this Blazer from mere mortals. However, they indicate that all isn’t as it first appears with this classic.

If buyers in 1971 were willing to spend the extra money, they could order their new Blazer with a 350ci V8 under the hood producing 250hp and 350 ft/lbs of torque. Combined with a three-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and power steering, it offered an effortless driving experience when the going got tough. That would have satisfied most owners, but not this seller. The 350 has been consigned to the pages of history, and the formerly empty space now houses a 396ci big-block. That would have provided a significant performance improvement, but the seller lifted that potential further by adding a B&M 177 supercharger. The power and torque outputs are unclear, but I would estimate them to be somewhere in the region of “a lot!” I suspect that if the driver floored the gas, the power provided by that V8 and the grip offered by the upgraded wheels and tires could almost rotate the planet on its axis! If the thought of delving into the wilds with such a package sounds intimidating, it’s worth noting that the vehicle features a hitch and Tow Package. It could be the ideal candidate if you wish to haul your trailer or boat effortlessly. Of course, having mountains of power and torque can prove pointless if the vehicle can’t effectively apply it to the road. It does so via a rebuilt TH350 transmission with a shift kit and the original NP205 transfer case. The seller refers to the big-block as strong, and it appears this classic is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.

While this Blazer’s exterior remains largely original, the seller treated its interior to a dose of TLC. Its original front bucket seats wear new foam and covers, while the back seat received the same treatment. There is new carpet throughout, new rear side trims, a new dash pad, a new wheel, and a rebuilt tilt column. Naturally, that means the overall presentation is pretty good. Someone added an aftermarket radio/cassette player that is missing some controls. The buyer may elect to source a factory radio to slot into that spot, although they may also decide that a modern retro-look stereo is a better alternative. Otherwise, this interior needs little.

If this 1971 K5 Blazer featured its original drivetrain combination, it would undoubtedly generate interest in the current market. The fire-breathing monster under its hood lifts it to a higher level, helping explain why it has already attracted thirty-six bids. There is time remaining on the listing for those wishing to stake their claim, and it will be interesting to see if we have any sorely tempted readers. What do you say?