Does it seem like certain vehicles have the ability to become family heirlooms, even when in the hands of non-car enthusiasts? The Chevrolet K5 Blazer and Ford Bronco are two examples that come immediately to mind. In other words, these vehicles are seemingly just as likely to be preserved in the care of a midwestern farm family as they are in the hands of a fierce collector of vintage vehicles. Similarly, square body 4x4s are almost always among the type of vehicle that emerges as crown jewels in a family collection, as this exceedingly clean 1982 K5 Blazer listed here on eBay goes to show. Bidding is just over $20,000 with the reserve unmet.
I suppose that’s a credit to the universal appeal of old square bodies. These were adventure machines for many owners, perfect for a camping getaway or driving across the dunes. That do-anything-go-anywhere attitude is what makes this truck, the Bronco, the Scout, and the Ramcharger such darlings of the collector car world at the moment. The K5 Blazer is routinely selling for $30,000 or better when found in condition like this, which wasn’t so much done in hopes of making a big splash at an auction, but simply because the long-time family owners clearly loved the hell out of the thing.
The Blazer has just 45,000 miles, and it shows. The listing notes it was purchased out of an estate sale, so kudos to the lucky buyer who stumbled on this incredibly clean K5 hiding out on the family’s property. The Blazer was spec’d with the Deluxe interior when new, and it remains in exceptional condition – there cannot be too many trucks with this interior option left and in such fine condition. The red carpeting looks excellent as well, and there’s no obvious issues with the door panels or the dash. Options include air conditioning, tilt steering, power tailgate window, gauge package, deluxe interior trim package, cruise control, and more.
The 305 V8 is paired to an automatic transmission, and it’s safe to assume with the low miles and cosmetic condition, this Blazer likely runs like a top. The engine bay presents well, and since it’s not overly-detailed, you can’t help but appreciate the K5’s honest appearance – there’s nothing to hide here, no tarting up necessary. With original paint and interior, low miles, and great colors, it’s hard to see this Blazer hammering home anywhere near the current bid price. The challenge with selling a vehicle like this is there are tons of cheaper, lower-quality Blazers for sale that will absolutely get the job done, so you have to count on finding someone who wants to pony up for a survivor.
With prices being what they are, this one is going to sell for a lot of money, even with the 305. Might top 40,000
I understand many will compare that kinda homely upholstery with Grandma’s table cloth but I’ve always liked this pattern. Kinda puts the vehicle in a specific time frame almost in a humoristic way (which I doubt was GM’s intended purpose though).
Anyone remember how long K5s were offered with this Houndstooth fabric and whether there are any aftermarket vendors selling complete upholstery with this pattern?
You can still get the material from SMS Auto Fabrics. It is NOT reproduced.
While I haven’t been in direct contact with them I’ve checked their web site and there are no cloth materials listed for Chevs after ’78… but I’d take it that if someone should have it then SMS should
I sure agree, I totally love that interior! There’s so many of these on the market now, from dilapidated to pristine, going for crazy amounts of money. I would be quite happy with this one, but not for the $30 grand it’ll probably get. Back in the 80’s, my parents and us kids had a slough of vehicles for all different purposes. Don’t get me wrong, none were expensive. But my favorite though, to pull our little ski/fishing boat, and my grandparents travel trailer on occasion, was our 78 Plymouth Trailduster Sport! With a 440 and ac, bronze and white two-tone with a plaid type cloth interior, and the whole top available to come off, we had so much fun with that thing! Great high school memories. I’d love to get my hands on a Trailduster just like it!
I’m either never going to get one of these or I’ve got to wait for the “boomer bubble” on these to burst so the prices return to reasonable levels.
Like a lot of other things, when the “boomer bubble” bursts, it’ll likely be replaced by a “millennial bubble”, rather than a price bust. In fact it’s my guess that the pricing on vintage SUVs is being driven entirely by Millennials, who are not quite in their peak earning years but are established in a career at 24-40 years old (if you figure birth years at 1980-97) and starting to buy up the vehicles they wanted in their youth or their childhood.
There are lots and lots of Millennials out there. When the Boomers became parents, they continued the long-term decline in birthrate per capita, but because there were so many of them, they gave birth to the second-largest generation in U.S. history.
Like it,but the gutless 305 would have to go!,350 crate engine for sure,or 383 stroker,and if not a 400 transmission in there,than a built 700r4,or 200 4r would replace it, but I’ve always loved 2 door American SUVs from when they were available.
If you take a look at the SPID label it states a 4spd auto (ie TH700) however the shifter quadrant says ‘D-2-1’ only. Don’t know if the overdrive ‘O’ was printed on the quadrant when these first came about. ’82 was the introductory year for the TH700 and I understand they suffered from cooling issues and associated bugs for some years which led to many owners replacing them with the aging(but more reputable) TH350/400 transmissions.
Would be interesting to learn exactly what transmission is really there, and if that’s still the factory TH700 whether it has been upgraded
I agree with Kevin, needs bigger motor. Other than that
I love it !!! Absolutely Gorgeous !!!! Would love to own it !!!
Something is odd with the engine. It is orange and should be blue. It also has Mickey Thompson valve covers. The rest of the truck looks awesome and original. I wonder what the story is with the engine though.
I wonder if a 305/700R4 was swapped at some point for a 350/350, given the D-2-1 shift quadrant? I don’t think the 700R4 ever came with anything but a D-3-2-1 or OD-D-2-1 quadrant.
i had a 1983 blazer it was black and silver all leather inside it was the most comfortable ride i ever had i wish i had it today
This Blazer was for sale in Eastern MT about a month ago for a $12k asking price which I didn’t think was a bad deal at all.
I remember it because of the plaid interior and all the deluxe options but it had a 305 which I found very odd
It sucks that flippers have driven the prices way up on Squarebodys in general the past few years
High bid on ebay was $22,3. Dealer has the K5 listed on their site for $44,9
A swing and a miss!
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