Feb 2, 2022  •  For Sale  •  9 Comments

4X4 Equipped: 1971 Chevrolet K5 Blazer

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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?

Comments

  1. bobhess bobhessMember
    Feb 2, 2022 at 8:09pm

    Based on condition alone I wouldn’t put more than 3 to 4K to buy it. Pretty rough everywhere more than any where else. Lot of work ahead to make something nice out of it. Owned a ’72 and had a lot of fun with it.

    Like 4
  2. Jim in FL
    Feb 3, 2022 at 9:27am

    I paid $800 for my 72, which was about equally ratty as this. Or course it was 1996 before the values took off. After I blew the rear out on a beach drive, I sold it for the same 800. My thought was that I really liked it and would like to find a nicer one and restore it. Turns out there really just aren’t that many around so I gave up and bought a Jeep. If people are restoring ones that are in this condition, I made a mistake. I should have just kept mine and slowly restored it. Many of the parts are available now. I hope someone strikes a reasonable price and keeps this one on the road.

    Like 2
  3. bobH
    Feb 3, 2022 at 9:36am

    For whatever it’s worth, I can offer up a 74 4×4 blazer, non-running, and probably rougher than this one, and it’s free. Just needs someone to come get it. My point being, I believe the opening bid price is ‘dreaming’.

    Like 2
  4. Sam Shive
    Feb 3, 2022 at 10:26am

    Someone is smoking something good. $8500.00 for this, Good Luck

    Like 0
  5. Tyler
    Feb 3, 2022 at 11:05am

    It’s the Barrett-Jackson effect. Bidding is up to $8800 & I suspect it will go much higher.

    Like 0
    • John S Dressler
      Feb 3, 2022 at 12:11pm

      I had a 72. Great vehicle, could crawl up a telephone pole with it and I had a lot of fun years driving and off-roading it and with a 327 engine, driving it and having fun with it didn’t break the bank. Having said that, this Blazer is not that. I don’t know if the $8,800 bidder has ever owned one or not but this is another perfect example of a vehicle that will cost much more to even minimally restore than it would ever be worth. There are much better candidates for restoration – pass this rolling parts car up!

      Like 1
  6. CaCarDude
    Feb 3, 2022 at 12:40pm

    Same year Blazer in White and a complete restomod beauty just sold a few days ago on BJ auction, a mere $400k was the final selling price.

    Like 0
  7. Rw
    Feb 3, 2022 at 1:38pm

    In late 70s my brother had a 69 4×4 Jimmy,6cyl. 3 on tree,3 in suspense lift ,35 in. Gumbo Monster Mudders, Remember 6 of us going to Ted Nugent concert, with large cooler of little Miller bottles.

    Like 3
  8. chrlsful
    Feb 6, 2022 at 7:39am

    like these. Esp from behind, roof off, 3/4 above – that 100 mi of rug.
    Might even try’n shorten it all up (off rd) but could be just cuz I’m a ’70 bronco owner.

    Like 0

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