If the first-generation and early second-generation Blazers and Jimmys have gotten too far out of reach, perhaps one like this clean 1980 example can meet your needs without breaking the bank. This Chevrolet Blazer was sent in by a Barn Finds reader who found it here on eBay in Meridian, Idaho. After 33 bids the current high bid is $15,700 on this no reserve auction.
Chevrolet introduced the Blazer for the 1969 model year. Initially offered in 4×4 only, it targeted the International Scout and Ford Bronco as its main competitors. In 1970 a 2WD option was offered and GM introduced a GMC counterpart called the Jimmy. Through 1975 all Blazers and Jimmys had a full convertible top, but for the 1976 model year they switched to a fixed roof over the driver and passenger with a removable rear portion. This style ran through the 1991 model year.
Not only is the dark green and white two-tone paint on this Blazer a great look, but it appears to be in great shape. The seller does not offer any description of the exterior, but if the pictures accurately tell the story it’s held-up quite well over the past 40 years. There are some rock chips, but the paint still shines and the brightwork is still bright. I commend the seller for sticking with the factory GM rally rims and wrapping them in some BF-Goodrich All-Terrain TAs.
The tan interior also shows well. With just 71k miles logged since new, it’s sparing use is evident. There are some stains on the carpet and the driver seat shows a bit of wear, but the dash is crack-free. Front bucket seats are divided by a short center console. The seller says this Blazer has “a very nice stereo” with “a very great sound.”
Under the hood is the original 350 cubic-inch V8. Power is sent to the rear wheels – or all four when engaged – by a column-shifted automatic transmission. The seller tells us it “sounds great,” “runs excellent,” and is “mechanically sound.” It is equipped with power steering, power brakes, and cruise control, so if you want to “drive it right now across the map” as the seller suggests, you’d have some modern amenities on-board.
This is one of those collector cars – or SUV in this case – where clean, original examples seem to be more of an exception than the rule. With no reserve, I’m curious to see where this one ends. What’s your best guess for the final high bid?
The very last of the best in a beautiful unusual color combo. I always expected there would be an endless supply of squarebody K5s available at reasonable prices, this one proves just how extremely wrong I was.
I’m confident this is a great buy but it’s still a lot of $ for a truck with the level of interior wear seen here. Still I understand why people would buy it as this one looks like such an unmolested K5. Best wishes to the next owner! 👍
Nice truck! It appears rust free in the underside door/rocker and frame pics. Much more fun to own than a new SUV.
I love the color, but I doubt it’s original. Never seen this color before.
Never seen it either, however I happen to have OE sales brochures for all Blazers ’73-’80. If it’s indeed OE it has to be Emerald Green – simply because it’s the only green listed as available for ’80 Blazers and a solid color. However I’ve not found any pics of ’80 Chev trucks wearing it.
A peek at its spid label would reveal the truth
That color is 1980 #43 Emerald Green, also referred to as #43 Bright Green. Totally agree it’s an extremely nice, unusual yet simple color indeed. Scroll down to the middle of this link and you’ll find a very nice ’80 K30 wearing it:
http://forum.73-87chevytrucks.com/smforum/index.php?topic=29353.0
I had a 78 blazer looked just like it blue and white Bought it brand new for 10k I loved it Only problem was it got 10 miles to the gallon highway or city and pulling a trailer didn’t matter
Same here, you can set your watch to our ‘71 my dad bought new 10mpg. Always.
I bought a brand new 1979 in the fall of 78 for $8500. Had a lot of fun with it but payments were half of what I made at the time. I ordered it with a 305. Very under powered. I’d be lucky to get 10 miles to the gallon.
So I’m the only one who noticed the speedometer is in KPH?
That might explain the unusual color.
The color is original, though the paint almost certainly is not. The paint has far more orange peel than Even these did new. I had one friend with a K20, same color combo, it was truly beautiful.