Dry Body! 1971 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Custom V8
The Blazer was Chevy’s tour de force – sniping sales from Ford and International immediately upon its launch in 1969. With its upscale interior – while the competition was still feeling truck-like – the Blazer tripled its production in just three years and approached 100,000 units per year in a decade. Here on eBay is a 1971 Chevy K5 Blazer, bid to $12,300, reserve not met. Decked in orange and missing a few lower-body trim pieces, this Blazer is a half-ton Custom sporting a 350 cu. in. V8. It’s now located in Macon, Mississippi, but apparently came from New Mexico.
Through 1975, a removable fiberglass hard top was available. This example could use restoration but is certainly tolerable as-is. The seller provides a photo of the cracked windshield, though other photos show off the very dry, solid body. I’ll put up with replacing glass all day long before I’ll put up with rust – but each to his own! This truck’s VIN indicates it was originally equipped with a V8; the current engine is a 350 cu. in. and it’s paired with a three-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive is on tap, and ’71 was the first year of front disc brakes. No word on running condition.
The interior has its issues. Trimmed in the base “Custom” vinyl/rubber combination, there’s nothing sexy in here, though it’s nice to see the rear seat still with the truck. I have to give a nod to the floors, too – we’ve certainly seen much worse on Barn Finds. I can’t compliment the left rear quarter, though, where it looks like someone had a close encounter with a solid object.
The back glass is missing from the hard top – that, or it’s incredibly clear – and that rear tail light is damaged thanks to the fender knock. With all its niggling faults, if I were shopping for a Blazer, I would make a call on this one. So many have rotted off their frames or been robbed of parts, while others have been resto-modded to the nth degree. We don’t know what the reserve is on this handsome beast, but the current bid relative to market prices seems low. What do you think?
Auctions Ending Soon
2006 Ford Mustang Saleen S281 SCBid Now4 hours$16,000
2002 Subaru Impreza WRXBid Now3 days$333
1975 Chevrolet Corvette ConvertibleBid Now3 days$3,000
1964 Ford F-100 Camper CustomBid Now3 days$2,000
2006 Jeep Wrangler SportBid Now5 days$10,500
Comments
One of my favorite vehicles owned. But first, HAPPY HOLIDAYS to all the Barn Finders who keep us entertained, informed, and happy we are in the automotive game. Looking forward to 2024.
Price is not off if there is no rust on this truck. The 350 was the base engine during his period and after over 60,000 miles the only thing we ever did for the engine was change belts, oil, and filters. Fix all the glitches in the body and interior and you’ve got a good truck.
It looks like it had its share of abus!
That’s what they were made for.
Looks like it is pretty solid, top looks good also, $13,600 with 5 hours to go, I think the bidding will go a lot higher. I wish my 2wd 72 was half as solid.
I’ve seen prettier off road Mud Boggers than this thing, and the Wayne County MI orange is a real turn off for me! This thing is missing the grill, side moldings, and many other trim pieces that would make it worth about HALF what they want for this one IMO! Wanting anything over $10k for a small block version in this condition to me is just WAY TOO MUCH considering it’ll cost a small fortune to put it back together and worth what they want for it AS IS! Not a fan!
This is a CST (custom sport truck) which isn’t base trim. It would have had carpet, not rubber floors, as well as chrome transfer case shifter and bright trim around the accelerator, brake and e-brake pedals. Standard power was a 307 V8 while the 350 was optional and the largest power plant available. Restoration parts are readily available for both interior and exterior. I have a 71 GMC Jimmy in the same Hugger Orange as this vehicle that is in great driver condition. My guess is this truck’s reserve is in the range of $17-20k if it runs and drives.
$18,400 ending with RNM
Hi all, and happy holidays! Although I’m a big fan of the Blazers and Jimmys of this era, I really can’t see paying 20 grand for one just because it is what it is, this one’s been beat on a bit much and is missing too many pieces to fetch that kind of money, imo.. only to turn around and put another 10-15 in it to tidy things up.. sure, it’s in great shape for it’s age, and I’m sure it could be enjoyed thoroughly as-is, but not for the premium price they’re asking.. it didn’t belong to Ted Nugent or somebody else famous, did it? That might change the dynamic a little bit..