Older SUVs have often received the attention of owners who fit larger wheels and tires to improve their off-road ability. Interiors typically feature upgraded radios and other items to provide a more comfortable motoring experience. This 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer bucks those trends as an unmolested survivor. It hails from a dry climate, allowing it to remain as solid as the day it rolled off the line. The seller purchased it a few years ago, and having had their fun, they feel it is the right time for the Blazer to find a new home. It would be ideal for anyone who places originality high on their priorities list.
The seller located this Blazer a few years ago in Buckeye, Arizona. It spent its life in that location, helping to explain how it has remained rust-free and rock-solid. There is dry surface corrosion visible in a couple of spots, but no evidence of steel penetration. The surprise packet is the Placer Gold paint, which doesn’t look baked. It isn’t perfect, but if somebody seeks a presentable driver-grade classic, this Blazer ticks that box. A close inspection reveals a few panel bumps and bruises, but as with the paint imperfections, they don’t require immediate attention. One attractive characteristic is that this Blazer retains its original wheels, with nobody adding larger ones to improve its already impressive off-road ability. The trim looks acceptable for its age, and there are no visible glass issues.
Chevrolet offered buyers a choice of four engines to power their new 1972 K5 Blazer. This classic’s first owner selected the range-topping 350ci V8. The iconic small-block sends 175hp and 290 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a three-speed TH-350 automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case. Their decision to include power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes guarantees an effortless driving experience. It appears this classic is numbers-matching, a fact that will attract purists. The first owner utilized the same shop for servicing, with the trend continuing until it came into the seller’s possession a few years ago. All they have ever done to the Blazer is change the oil and fit a mandrel-bent exhaust and Flowmasters. Otherwise, it is as it left the factory. The only identified issue is a squeak from the power steering when it is on the stops. Otherwise, it is a turnkey proposition with no mechanical needs.
I was initially surprised by this Blazer’s interior because it could have suffered at the hands of the Arizona sun. However, its condition is easily acceptable for those seeking a tidy survivor. The armrests are discolored, and the paint on the rear floor is worn, but the Parchment seatcovers look clean, there are no significant carpet issues, and the dashpad hasn’t cracked. The wheel wrap is the only aftermarket addition, with the Blazer’s dash housing the factory pushbutton radio. It may not score luxury touches like air conditioning, but it still commands respect for its overall condition.
It is sometimes difficult to gauge a vehicle’s desirability, but this 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer leaves no doubt. Since the seller listed it here on eBay in Boaz, Alabama, it has received an impressive thirty-seven bids, pushing the price to $32,600, which is below the reserve. There is time for interested parties to stake their claim, and the interest it has generated might see the price hit $40,000 before the hammer falls. Would you pay the price, or do you have a lower figure in mind?
I wouldn’t pay the price now but I did buy a new one in ’72 for $4,400. Great vehicle that we used for everything. 350 floor shift and the only problem was rust starting on the inner side of all the panels 8 months after we bought it. Took it all apart, primered and undercoated all inside metal, put a second fuel tank in it to get through the ’73 gas crisis and hit the road again. Great rig! Nice one here.
My uncle had a pick up this color,he painted the insert white,boy did it make a difference!
Another AZ vehicle, there out here with no rust.Here in the retirement community the old folks die,the kids live in another state and don’t want the house so they sell it,the contents are sold at a estate sale and in some cases the car also.On our street a lady inherited a house,it’s still empty 10 years later,in the garage a 80’s Grand Marquis.
Crusty engine…
It may be “crusty”, but there’s no discernible leaks and it probably runs like Swiss watch. I’d take it.
If I had my choice of a K5 Blazer or a Bronco of this year, I’d pick one of these every time. They look better and they have the tried and true GM drive train.
My brother had first gen Jimmy , straight 6 ,3 on tree,4×4, in the late 70s
I’ve long favored this series of Blazer and Suburban. Maybe since our pickup was a ’72. The raised hood and drop fenders echo the forties and fifties designs. Although it doesn’t appear to call out everything points to the Cheyenne trim. This looks to be a solid and worthy rig.
Sorry. These were still called CST rather than Cheyenne in the brochure. The color may be called Spanish gold. Placer gold was a car color back then.
I helped a friend of mine bring one of these back to life in the mid 80s. It had a lot of rust but we patched it up. I think it was originally this color. 72, 350 4 speed. But the reason he wanted a 72 or earlier was because 72 was the last year you could get a posi front and rear. The posi front made a huge difference in snow and off roading. At least, thats whay he told me. Loved driving that Blazer too.
There is nothing more fun in the summer than a topless SUV/truck ,and the 69-72 is the unchallenged king of the hill .This one is a bit of a conundrum ; it looks ridiculously clean as a true survivor ,but wtf is going on under the hood ?Crusty is an understatement ,and for that reason ,I’m out .
Again my dumb as wishful thinking and nobody cares “I wish it were 2WD”
Like to see some underneath pics them frame rails purdy custy under hood
Like to see some underneath pics them frame rails purdy crusty under hood
That color is called Ochre, it is the same color I had on my 71 Chevy pickup, it was a easy color to keep clean and shined well when waxed. The price on this one is crazy though.
High bid of $43,100, reserve not met.
Steve R