The hot, old pickup truck market continues its strength and has spread to full-size SUVs such as this 1970 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. We’ve featured these first-gen Blazers before and they, along with the second-generation full-size Ford Bronco, are not lacking in popularity. This particular example has undergone an update from its original incarnation, and it may now seem dated too, but it’s a neat truck worthy of consideration. Hailing from Spotsylvania, Virginia, this four-wheel driver is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $10,800 with two bids tendered so far.

Introduced in April of 1969, the Blazer got off to a slow start but by ’72 it was hitting its stride with production numbers in the 40K+ range and climbing, continually through the end of the decade. Based on a shortened C10 pickup chassis, the Blazer featured a neat removable fiberglass roof and quickly became known for its “go anywhere in style” capability. Our subject truck looks as if it has been well used as it’s suffering from quite a bit of surface rust and panel perforation. The seller states, “Extra front clip can go with right price” but the real problems are in the doors and rocker panels. The finish itself might clean up OK but with all of the rot, it probably doesn’t much matter. Holding up all four corners are aftermarket alloy wheels of some sort – they’re a nice addition.

This truck appears to have been originally powered by a 255 gross HP, 350 CI V8 (RPO LM1 – one of Chevy’s most basic and toughest engines, it was used in passenger cars and light trucks alike) but it now features a fuel-injected (TPI) 350 from a ’92 Camaro. There’s an extremely brief video of the powerplant idling but that’s it, no word as to how it runs or drives. The drive train includes a four-speed manual gearbox which works in tandem with the 4X4 transfer case.

I don’t have much to show you from inside, just this image from the tailgate forward. There’s no backseat and the cargo bed appear to have seen its fair share of hauling around whatever. As with all trucks or utility vehicles from this era, the interiors are very basic affairs, but what’s there can be easily replaced with reproduction parts. As for a backseat, don’t know about sourcing one of those.

Often, today, we hear the continual proclamation of, “Put an LS in it” but before the ’97 introduction of that famed V8, Chevy’s SBII, such as this TPI fueled motor was a reasonable choice for those looking to escape the vagaries of a carburetor. I have to admit, the bidding on this Blazer is stronger than I would have thought; it appears to be a good start but noting its condition and outdoor location (lots of tree mung), I’d suggest a thorough inspection be performed by any interested party. It’s what you don’t see (like the interior and the floors) that can really ring the register, wouldn’t you agree?