Twinned with the GMC Jimmy, the K5 Blazer was rolled out by Chevrolet for the 1969 model year on C/K underpinnings. The pickup-based utility vehicle is snapping at the heels of the old-school Ford Bronco in terms of valuation, especially if you can find a tastefully restored example.
No screw was left untouched on chassis number CKE182F170369, which is listed by Vanguard Motor Sales for a similar price as a well-equipped Cadillac Escalade for the 2021 model year. Currently showing 57,209 miles (92,069 kilometers) on the clock, this Blazer can be yours for a whopping $109,900.
Instead of a 350 engine, this 1972 model has been upgraded with the 400 small-block V8 produced by GM for just 10 years. Never intended as a high-performance motor, the 6.6-liter V8 still features the factory valvetrain. A flat-tappet hydraulic camshaft, the original head bolts, an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor, and a dual-plane intake manifold are worth mentioning as well, along with the electric choke and bone-stock heads painted in orange.
Overhauled with no expense spared, this gentle giant sends the suck-squeeze-bang-blow to the rear or all four wheels with the help of a three-speed automatic and a heavy-duty transfer case. The TH350 and NP205 is a match made in heaven because the tranny is regarded as a three-speed Powerglide while the two-speed transfer case is virtually indestructible.
Refinished in orange, the Blazer currently rolls on 33- by 10.5-inch BFGoodrich rubber wrapped around 15-inch wheels. Stopping power comes courtesy of power disc brakes up front and power drums out back, and as expected of a frame-off restoration, power steering is also present.
From the chrome trim of the exterior to the houndstooth interior and wood-accented dashboard, everything looks absolutely fabulous, much better than it did when the pickup-based SUV left the assembly line nearly five decades ago. Adding to the specialness of this K5 Blazer, the sale includes the original warranty card, Protect-O-Plate metal plate, and a clean Michigan title.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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