Choosing a worthy candidate for restoration can prove challenging, and there are many factors for buyers to consider. If the new owner doesn’t possess highly-developed welding skills, one with minimal rust will generally be a priority. That makes this 1971 Chevrolet K5 Blazer CST look attractive. Its exterior is tired, but it is a mechanically healthy and solid vehicle that should represent a straightforward project. With winter fast approaching, I can’t think of many better ways to occupy the cold months than hunkering down in a workshop to weave some magic over this classic. If that sounds too tempting to resist, you will find the Blazer listed here on eBay in McCloud, California. Bidding has raced past the reserve and sits at $25,000.

The seller indicates this Blazer has no accident history, but the best news is its lack of significant rust. The only issue the seller notes is a small area in the lower passenger-side door. It isn’t bad, and a simple patch should address the problem without the buyer needing to raise a sweat. Otherwise, the floors and frame are rock-solid. The Medium Blue paint is well past its best, and applying a fresh coat may represent an excellent way to pass the cold winter months. Alternatively, the buyer may elect to treat the surface corrosion to prevent further deterioration and apply a clear coat to protect the aged survivor appearance. Some trim pieces may prove beyond salvation, but the rest looks like they would respond well to the old-fashioned application of polish. The tinted glass seems fine, and the larger wheels add a sense of purpose to the Blazer’s appearance.

The Blazer’s interior is a mixed bag, and while the original seats are gone, the seller includes another set in the deal. Someone removed the radio, but it is there for the buyer to refit. The gauge lenses are cloudy, and the buyer may need to source a replacement lens set. They will probably also elect to refresh the painted surfaces if they pursue a total vehicle restoration. If they don’t follow that path, those surfaces are presentable. Even if they retain the survivor-grade exterior, returning the interior to a factory-fresh state would offer a stunning contrast guaranteed to draw favorable comments. It is a task they could tackle in a home workshop, and they should derive enormous satisfaction from the finished product. The Blazer originally featured air conditioning, but the engine bay components are gone. Sourcing replacement items is possible if the new owner wishes to crank up the comfort levels.

There is more good news when we delve below the surface of this Blazer, with the seller stating it runs and drives. The engine bay houses a 350ci V8 that produced net horsepower and torque figures of 165hp and 280 ft/lbs. The ponies feed to the road via a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. This Chevy is no muscle car but should happily cruise all day at highway speeds. When the going gets tough, the mountain of torque and the four-wheel-drive system will allow it to find its way into some hostile terrain. Those journeys will be easier thanks to the original owner’s decision to order this classic with power steering and power brakes. While the seller indicates the vehicle runs and drives, they don’t mention whether it is roadworthy. If it isn’t, it appears the buyer will commence the process of returning it to our roads from a sound foundation.

The dry California climate has done its best to preserve this 1971 K5 Blazer’s steel, leaving the buyer with only minor rust repairs before they apply the fresh paint that would return it to its former glory. If they tackled the work during winter, that would allow them to hit the road for a life of high adventure when the warm weather returns. The straightforward nature of the required work means that the build shouldn’t consume mountains of cash. Spotless examples are regularly selling for more than $55,000, making it a classic worthy of a closer look.