One of the biggest struggles in reviewing sale candidate old cars is the listings. Some are endless in their micro-nausea detail, others are schizo in the way that they hop all over the place, and occasionally, they are dismissive as in, “Are you sure you want to sell this car or are you just trying to let the world know what a real dink you are?” I have stumbled upon some that seem more like an exercise from Legacy.com, “This Custom Deluxe Brougham ZZ500 was owned by cousin Lem’s second cousin, twice removed, who purchased it from Clyde, the failed candidate for Governor of Slamatopia who then sold it to Aunt Bea who drove it until she was 104 before passing it to her grand-niece who used it in a famous music video…” And finally, some listings seem to be in competition for the most laconic ever – you know, the sounds of silence. Well, move over bad listings, the one for this 1977 Chevrolet Blazer should be codified in the “Primer for Automotive Listings” or some other pseudo-academic publication. Read this one and you’ll see what I mean. As for the Blazer, it’s located in East Wenatchee, Washington and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $12,600, with the reserve not yet met.
Two different Blazers were available in ’77, a C10 two-wheel-drive model or a K10 with 4WD and that’s what our subject car appears to be. Parked in the ’90s, it served its second life as an orchard service vehicle in central Washington and still shows its provenance with its orchard logo. The current owner revived this truck in 2019 and has driven it only 2K miles in the ensuing three years. The two-tone finish is the commonly found combination of Buckskin and Frost White, separated by body line moldings. The seller says that it still looks great and adds, “There is rust through areas on the truck. Tailgate ends cracked and were welded up long ago. The top is showing fiberglass, it doesn’t leak but should be repainted at some point. It has paint chips and some dings, but that’s what you live with unless you want a restored blazer“. Also, note the passenger side fender and door, both were dented but have been somewhat pushed back out.
The engine is unidentified but the VIN indicates that a 165 net HP, 350 CI, four-barrel carburetor equipped V8 is responsible for movement. The listing claims,” It runs and drives great, 4×4 works, it’s quiet and very easy to drive“. The list of recently performed services on this 90K mile engine is extensive and detailed – be sure to check it out. The same level of detail is provided for the automatic transmission, transfer case, axles, and brakes; this Blazer has undergone a lot of recent rejuvenating work.
The interior is what one would expect – spartan. The upholstery was replaced 30 years ago and has been recently cleaned. The seller has even gone to the length of replacing the fuel level, water temperature, and volt gauges, along with a new gauge cluster lens – you don’t find that occurring very often! The original Delco radio has been swapped for a retro sound unit (looks old but has modern sound and features).
Back to the listing, it’s not only the order and level of detail, but it’s also the video presentations included such as this walk-around image montage, the seller has really gone to an extensive effort to promote his Blazer. There are three other videos included too so be sure to review them all. OK, so it’s not perfect, it has its bumps and contusions but 90K miles on a well-maintained Chevy from this era is no worry. I’d give the seller an A for effort, how about you?
As a K5 fanatic, it doesn’t get any better than this for something to actually drive. No ridiculous aftermarket anything!!
If I didn’t already have an ‘85 K5 that’s a driver, I’d be all over this, and willing to pay a lot more than the current bid!
“Amity Six?! This is Chief Brody! I’ll be there in six minutes!”
He’s gonna need a bigger write-up.
My ’88 K-5 (PS,PB, 4sp, 350 TBI, HD Coolling) plain-white wrapper had 1700 miles on it when I got it in early ’92. Bought from the US Navy and was assigned to a base commander in Hawaii. $5000. Amazing what some Vortec heads and bolt-on’s will do for these.
Once again it’s proven the PNW is the place to discover nice trucks – and what a sweet little Blazer! I know many (me included) will frown upon the abused ‘P’-word; however IMO this is a finish that SUITS a truck like this – not too nice so it can be used without many worries but still presentable. Also I really like that it’s the cheaper Custom DeLuxe version with its durable vinyl floor covering.
I will point out the exterior isn’t Buckskin – that’s the interior color- but Colonial Yellow. Also; while Blazers are indeed halftons they were never designated C/K 10 but had their own C/K 5 designation. RWD Blazers never recieved a unique fender badge (though they’re technically C5s), but had to make do with same K5 badge installed on the 4×4 Blazers