Like with all other things in life, the end result of a custom vehicle job depends heavily on how much work and money goes into it. And that obviously means that when we're talking about thousands of hours and a no expense spared approach toward an idea, the result can't be anything less shiny and impressive than the 1971 Chevrolet K5 Blazer we have right here.
Not long ago we uncovered an SUV from this family and of 1972 model year lineage that looked like the most beautiful of its kind we've seen in a long time. Built for Captain Wild Bill Wichrowski of Discovery Channel Deadliest Catch fame, it has everything it takes to make a real splash when it goes under the hammer at the end of January 2024 in Scottsdale.
Our belief we won't come across a more beautiful K5 in the time left until the end of the year was shattered this week after we stumbled upon another example of the breed, it too scheduled to sell at the same auction in the same place.
A superficial look at the two would have you believe they are twins: almost the same color (in the case of our Blazer here that would be Boxwood Green), the same telltale white bottom stripe (of the Synergy White variety on the 1971 example), the same "I can do" attitude that comes with the massive tires and the suspension lift.
The two are not, obviously, twins, nor are they the same car. In fact, they were not even made by the same shop. This one is the frame-off restoration and customization work of Oregon-based Artistic Customs, a shop that's in the business of doing everything from engine upgrades to full custom projects.
As one of the most cherished vehicle platforms in the collectors' and customizers' worlds, the Blazer needed to be treated just right, and by the looks of it it was, with nothing left to chance or untreated in some way.
The paint job mentioned above was applied over a perfectly straight body, but not before it was acid-dipped. All over the original trim work, including in the wood grain that is to be found on the tailgate, the builders included, by hand, Ochre pinstriping.
Photo: Barrett-Jackson
Other than that, extra care was given to the SUV for it to have all the proper emblems and markings in their right place. A major modification is one that is not easy to spot: Artistic Customs hid the fuel-filler door into the driver-side rear marker light.
A restored and immaculately white hardtop hides underneath a simply beautiful interior in bright tan leather, the work of a big name when it comes to custom interiors, Jon Lind. Leather dresses not only the seats of the SUV, but also the dashboard, center console, and door panels.
Speaking of the dashboard, this element of the interior houses Dakota Digital instruments, in front of which sits a Flaming Rover tilt steering column.
The impressive appearance of the K5 Blazer is more than matched by what was done to the vehicle from a mechanical standpoint.
The chassis, the one original to the K5, was completely restored as well, and when it was all done a contrasting black paint was applied all over. Then, the important suspension and braking bits of hardware were added.
In this case we're talking about Fox Racing shocks that are backed by a 4-inch lift. These pieces of hardware support Detroit Steel Delray wheels, all four of them sized at 18 inches and dressed in Mickey Thompson Baja Boss tires with massive grooves. What's even more special about the wheels is that they come with the original center caps and steel beauty rings.
Photo: Barrett-Jackson
Behind the wheels there is a Classic Performance Hydrastop braking system, something that's more than required to keep the insane power of the thing's engine in check.
The Blazer no longer uses the powerplant it originally had on, and we have no idea which one of the four variants available back when it was made was fitted on it. What matters though is that we're now dealing with an LS3 engine that in this application is rated at an impressive 495 horsepower.
The engine works through a 4-speed automatic transmission that sends power further down to the wheels through an NP205 transfer case and 3/4-ton axles. The breathing needs of the engine are taken care of by a TIG-welded exhaust system.
As said, this Boxwood Green 1971 Chevrolet K5 Blazer is selling at auction next month. Barrett-Jackson has been tasked with finding a new owner for it, just like is the case with the Deadliest Catch captain-owned example.
Like all cars selling in January, this one too is doing so with no reserve, making it impossible for us to even make an estimate as to how much it might get.
Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies. Full profile
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