As we have noted how the values of ’67-’72 Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks have soared, it stands to reason that Chevy’s K5 Blazer from that era would be on an upward trajectory too. They certainly rate highly from a desirability perspective so let’s see if this 1971 example measures up. It’s located in Stockton, California and is available here on eBay for an opening bid of $8,500.

Launched in 1969, the first generation Blazer was offered through 1972 and saw a total yield of approximately 78K units – and a bit over 17K copies in 1971. While based on the C10 pickup, the Blazer rode on a notably shortened 104″ wheelbase. Early Blazers, such as our subject car, have fully removable tops which can create a wind in your air convertible experience while one engages in some off-road hijinx. Full-size two-door Blazers continued in production through the 1994 model year.

Claimed to be a top drawer CST (chrome bumpers, bucket seats, center console, carpeting,) equipped Blazer, this one looks like it has had a date with a sander. The finish is pretty worn through and is showing signs of rust in places, particularly in the bottom edges of the doors and the rocker panels. Considering the orange finished cargo bed, which isn’t in the soundest of condition, it’s not hard to imagine that this Blazer has worn more than one color. Another area of concern may be that windshield header beneath the roof attaching point – it looks like something is bubbling up there. The grille reminds me of one of those tubular pieces you could get from JC Whitney so many years ago.

This Blazer’s VIN validates the listing’s claim of being four-wheel drive equipped and it is powered by a non-running 250 gross HP, 350 CI V8 engine. A Turbo-Hydramatic three-speed automatic transmission makes the connection between the engine and the 4X4 drivetrain. Notice the firewall – more of that orange bleeding through.

Inside we are greeted by a non-original driver’s seat, a missing passenger seat, a mid to late ’70s Camaro/Vega/Corvette et al steering wheel, rusty floors, no accelerator pedal, and…more orange. The interior of this vintage Blazer is, at best, a pretty spartan affair so a barebones arrangement isn’t surprising (though a passenger seat isn’t an option). This environment, what can be seen of it, could definitely use some help – the white door panels are an out-of-character discovery.

While the popularity of these old two-door SUVs isn’t debatable, this one’s price, considering its non-running and aesthetic condition, seems a bit outsized and the fact that it hasn’t made its initial bid isn’t so surprising. Then again, you know what first-gen Ford Broncos trade for so perhaps this one’s initial ask isn’t too out there – we’ll know in two more days, right?