Enthusiasts seeking an off-roader will likely find this 1973 Chevrolet K5 Blazer an ideal candidate. It presents extremely well, with no rust or other nasty surprises. The first owner teamed the range-topping 350ci V8 with a four-speed manual transmission and dual-range transfer case, allowing the Blazer to plunge deep into the wilderness. However, the seller’s decision to offer the vehicle with No Reserve could be the icing on the cake. You will find the Blazer listed here on eBay in Hayden, Idaho. Intense bidding has pushed the price to $15,400, and the indications are that it could climb even higher.
Launched for the 1973 model year, Chevrolet’s Second Generation K5 Blazer remained on sale until the end of 1991. The company performed ongoing updates during what was a relatively long production run, before an entirely new Blazer emerged in 1992. This first-year example presents well, but it is worth noting that it isn’t a genuine survivor. The seller states that it was repainted relatively recently, but the paintwork is more driver-grade than show quality. They describe the color as Chevrolet Medium Blue, although that year’s Sales Brochure suggests it is a shade called Skyline Blue. Whatever the truth, it still presents nicely. The paint holds a healthy shine, and there are no significant paint or panel cosmetic shortcomings. The woodgrain looks virtually flawless, but the seller raises an intriguing possibility. Since it is vinyl, removal would be relatively straightforward without compromising the paint beneath. Therefore, if faux woodgrain isn’t your bag, eliminating it would be a piece of cake. The underside shots confirm the Blazer’s rust-free status, with only a few areas of dry surface corrosion. The trim and glass are in good condition, and the 15″ Rally wheels wear new Mastercraft tires.
One area of vehicles like this Balzer that are prone to deterioration is the interior. Mud and other “icky” substances can damage or destroy carpet and upholstery, while moisture damage is also possible. This Blazer’s interior looks remarkable, but the seller has helped its cause. They claim that most of the Blue vinyl is original, but they recently added new Black carpet and door sill plates. It is hard to find much deserving criticism unless we become ultra-harsh. The back of the back seat, facing into the cargo area, shows its age with scrapes, marks, and at least one tear. Otherwise, the presentation is comfortably acceptable for an older SUV. Recent additions include an upgraded stereo and a sturdy roll bar.
This Blazer’s mechanical specifications should make off-road adventures fairly effortless. The first owner teamed the range-topping 350ci V8 with a four-speed manual transmission, a dual-range transfer case, and power front disc brakes. The small-block wasn’t the most powerful on the planet, delivering a factory-quoted 155hp and 255 ft/lbs of torque. This motor wears a shiny new Edelbrock carburetor, so maybe the buyer might have a few additional ponies at their disposal. The seller recently installed new Rancho shocks on all corners, helping to control the lumps and bumps over harsh terrain. They state that the Blazer runs and drives well, making it a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
SUVs like this 1973 Chevrolet K5 Blazer can look pretty tired with age. It is not necessarily due to abuse or neglect, but because venturing into the wilds can exact a high toll on paint, panels, and trim. This gem presents extremely well, with no rust or other problems that could spoil the ownership experience. It isn’t pristine, but the buyer won’t feel embarrassed if they are seen in public behind the wheel. What is undeniable is the interest it has generated since hitting the market. Twenty-five bids have pushed the price to its current level, with seventy-three people adding the Blazer to their Watch List. The intense action suggests there could be a way to go before the hammer falls. That begs the question of what you might pay to drive this Blazer home. So, it’s over to you for comments.
These are my favorites of the Jimmy/Blazer crowd. I liked being able to pull the top right off and enjoy some time out in the open. Of course, living in the Chinook Belt curtails the amount of days you can actually be out in the elements.
Water leakage, wind noise and dust are definitely drawbacks for this arrangement. We sold some Jimmys (we were a Pontiac/Buick/GMC dealer) and there were some jackasses that were on our case constantly over Mother Nature trying to come to the party.
You would get them all fixed up then the weather would get real nice and the top would come right off and they would forget about it–until they put the top back on and it started to rain when they were coming home from a party…
You could park this at my place and it would become my daily driver. Of course I would shelve the carburetor and drop a Quadrajet back on. I could tune one of them up pretty good.
IMO ’73 and ’74, especially ’74, were the worst years for fuel economy for GM. I saw a lot of single digits that year. I had a customer buy a new 6500 3-ton and a new 1500 1/2 ton that year. The 6500 had a 366 and the 1500 ran a 454. The owner said that the 3-ton was a lot better in fuel economy and added that the pickup didn’t have a gas tank; he just poured the gas directly onto the ground. Some serious tweaking of the carburetor and advance curve straightened it up to the point where it was a couple of points ahead of the 3-ton…
Those are Dodge front seats.
I like the color, it would also look good on a base truck with white wheels, hubcaps and front bumper.
The ’73 -’75 models have always been my favourite as the entire top is removable. I have owned a ’75 for 20+ years and remove the top every spring. My wife and I love it for weekend antique (and barn-find car) hunting. It is a great ice-breaker & conversation starter.
The ’73 shown here looks like an excellent driver. Most of the ones I see are too rusty, badly modded/lifted, or minty/expensive.
2 points:
– The “range topping” optional engine in ’73 was actually a 400, although the 350 was the most popular.
– The original seats in these were very flimsy, and almost always bent. I bought my first new K5 in 1976, and I remember having the drivers seat “repaired” under warranty (I think they just bent it back). The repair did not last, and I experience the same problem on others until the later models with high-back seats.
If the price does not go too high, this may be a good ride for someone that appreciates the convertible style.
The 400 engine was first used in Chevrolet/GMC trucks in 1976. Only in 4 wheel drive models.
Front seats are from Dodge. Used in vans and Ramchargers. I have a pair in my ’78 Ramcharger, same color too.
I had one in the mid 80’s same color but white where the fake wood is on this one and it was an automatic the seats were woven fabric and vinyl That top was extremely heavy and difficult to remove and replace but man was it a cool beach cruiser with it off I put a lumpier cam dual plain intake 4 barrel holly and header and flow master exhaust and it ran much better
This one is very nice but I do not care for the wood grain
minty!
One of my fav views of these is top off above from 3/4 view, down into the cab. That aircraft carrier deck of rug looks 5 mi long.
Never saw these in sucha lght blue or w/the Di-Noc (together or separately). Not horrible to me. Also not sure I’d select them either, just ‘different’…
Great K/5 Blazer from the first of the square bodies. Love the ability to open the entire roof but not as keen on the exposure to rain which only happens when you are separated from your top. The color appears too light for sky blue and too light for Hawaiian blue. Could be medium blue from ’83-’84. The interior suggests a Cheyenne with the wood dash and doors and fuzzy floor but the identity may have been lost in the repaint. Personally I like the wood tone exterior that was uniquely GM. Kind of a continuation of the Southwestern graphics offered in ’72. IYKYK.
7 days left ,headed towards about $30k.Full verts are in demand due to fabulous fun factor .I
I’m lucky enough to have a couple !
Wrong front seats, needs blue carpet, blue door panels, blue center console and a blue dashpad to be correct. They sanded the texture off the top and put on the wrong mirrors. Not the right woodgrain vinyl outside trim either. Just my 2c.