Hidden in this garage is a 1971 Chevrolet Blazer that poses a mystery or two. It is unclear why a previous owner placed it in storage, but it has sat for over three decades. They also performed a color change which many won’t like. It is a solid classic with a desirable drivetrain combination, making it a prime candidate for restoration. The Blazer is listed here on eBay in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Bidding has reached $17,877 in a No Reserve auction.

There are many mysteries to unravel with this Blazer, and the first is why a previous owner performed a color change. The existing White isn’t particularly ugly, but we must believe it would have looked stunning in its original Hugger Orange. Returning the exterior to that shade would not be challenging and should help increase its potential value. The buyer will commence that project from a sound foundation. The panels wear a few minor bruises, but the best news is the complete absence of rust. The panels are clean, and the floors and frame show little beyond some easily-treated surface corrosion. The glass is acceptable for a driver-grade car, but some exterior trim and the rear bar require replacement. Parts are readily available and affordable, and considering the potential value locked away in this Chevy, the investment should be worthwhile.

Buyers could walk into their local Chevrolet dealership in 1971 and choose from a wide array of engines to power their new Blazer. This one went to the top of the class by ticking the box beside the 350ci V8. It would have produced 250hp that fed to the road via a four-speed manual transmission and an NP205 transfer case. That combination would have allowed the vehicle to cover the ¼ mile in 18.9 seconds, but that wasn’t the primary focus of the Blazer’s creators. With its V8 churning out 350 ft/lbs of torque at 2,000rpm, it was right at home, crawling effortlessly over rocks and harsh terrain. Once the fun and games ended, it would cruise happily on the open road at highway speeds. The Chevy doesn’t run, and it may not have since the previous owner parked it in 1992. If the small-block turns freely, the bulletproof nature means that coaxing it back to life might not be difficult.

The Blazer’s interior is missing its AM radio and ashtray, but it is otherwise complete. It requires a total restoration, although the seller indicates the back seat upholstery is excellent. It will require front seat upholstery, door trims, a dash pad, and a rubber mat or carpet set for the floors. The Hugger Orange painted surfaces have some marks, and a repaint would form part of a high-end restoration. The required trim, upholstery, and other pieces will lighten the buyer’s wallet by about $1,500, but the end product would be worth the cost and effort.

The First Generation Chevrolet Blazer was a toe-in-the-water experiment for the company, and initial sales were modest. Chevrolet sold 17,220 Blazers in 1971, but that year marked a turning point in the Blazer story. It would be the last time the figure dropped below 20,000 until 1990. Recent sales results suggest that if the next owner completes a high-end restoration, they should have no trouble achieving a value of more than $60,000. As we watch the subdued bidding on this classic, that is food for thought. If the action doesn’t increase on this No Reserve auction, someone could walk away with a bargain that could eventually turn a tidy profit. Does that tempt you to watch the action until the hammer falls?