Early 4x4s didn’t offer owners a particularly luxurious motoring experience. Most were based on commercial models, and creature comforts were a secondary consideration to practicality. However, vehicle manufacturers soon realized there was an untapped market, and the result was classics like this 1979 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Cheyenne. It is loaded with the options exclusively found on high-end passenger cars a few years earlier while also providing excellent off-road or towing potential. This Blazer is a one-owner survivor that is as solid as the day it was born. It could be a rewarding restoration project, especially for someone considering a first build. It is listed here on Craigslist in Lake Balboa, Los Angeles, California. It could be yours for $7,900, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting it.

Chevrolet’s Second Generation K5 Blazer enjoyed a long production run, gracing showrooms from 1973 until 1991. This Blazer is a one-owner survivor ordered in a combination of Colonial Yellow and White. The Californian sun has done its worst to the paint, with the vehicle looking tired. However, the lack of rust allows the buyer to contemplate their options moving forward because no urgent issues require attention. The Blazer is rock-solid, a fact that is unsurprising considering its location. The panels sport a few minor bumps and bruises, but the overall impression is that the grinder and welder can stay in the cupboard, and the buyer won’t need to spend a dime on replacement steel. Some trim pieces are missing, but those remaining are generally in good order. The tinted glass shows no signs of problems, and the larger wheels and tires should enhance the Blazer’s off-road ability.

The tired and baked exterior makes this Blazer’s interior condition unsurprising. The Camel cloth upholstered surfaces have deteriorated beyond the point of no return, while the carpet is badly worn and stained. The pad has cracked badly in several spots, and I don’t think even patient work with a product like Polyvance will bring it back from the edge. That isn’t the end of the world because reproduction pads retail for under $300. Throw in $600 for a complete set of replacement seatcovers and $370 for a carpet set, and the new owner would be on the way to returning the interior to a presentable state. It deserves that attention because the factory options ensure a comfortable motoring experience. The Blazer features air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a center console, sliding side windows, cruise control, and a tilt wheel.

The seller supplies no engine photos, confirming that lifting the hood will reveal the range-topping 400ci V8. This motor is mated to a three-speed automatic transmission and a dual-range transfer case, with power assistance for the steering and brakes lightening the load when the going gets tough. The engine should churn out 170hp and 305 ft/lbs of torque, with both figures only slightly better than those produced by the 350ci V8. However, those numbers only tell part of the story because the larger V8’s power and torque peaks significantly lower in the rev range, making the vehicle far more effective when hauling a load or climbing over inhospitable terrain. Potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition that is ready to provide some summer adventures.

This 1979 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Cheyenne isn’t perfect, but that is unsurprising at the price. Lifting its presentation significantly would not be complicated or expensive, but leaving the exterior untouched means that any scratches or marks accumulated while delving into the wilderness won’t cause too much distress. It is undeniably affordable, which is why I believe it will find a new home fairly quickly. Are you tempted to make it yours?