One of my habits when writing about a car for Barn Finds is to run a search to make sure it hasn’t recently come up on the website. This 1972 Chevrolet Blazer has not, but I did discover that I’ve written about two other 1972 Blazers in the last six months or so (one, two). No doubt about it, Blazers are hot, and their prices reflect that. This one-family-owned example runs and drives and has been the recipient of some brake and fuel system rehabilitation, but it could use some cosmetic help all over. Posted here on eBay in Saint Petersburg, Florida, the asking price is $18,500.
One of the greatest things that Chevy did for posterity was affixing this “Service Parts Identification” tag to the inside of their trucks’ glove compartments. The tag on this 1972 model shows that it was well-equipped for off-road duty, with a 350 four-barrel, four-speed manual, 3.73:1 gears, positraction, and heavy-duty springs.
Producing 175 horsepower and 290 lb.-ft. of torque, the 350 four-barrel was the hottest engine you could get in your ’72 Blazer. It’s tough to read the decal on the passenger-side valve cover, but this engine appears to be a GM “Targetmaster” crate engine. The original engine would have been painted orange, and this one is obviously blue, but aside from that, I don’t know if the replacement engine affects the value of this Blazer to any great extent. Most of what I’ve read about these replacement engines says that they were a quality product, and it might even be more powerful than the original. The Blazer has been treated to a new fuel tank, fuel pump, and battery.
It also has new brake hoses and a new master cylinder, but it will need a little TLC in the interior, especially the driver’s seat. This is one instance where not having the optional CST package will be a boon, as new front seat upholstery, a dash pad, and some steering wheel work might have the driver’s compartment looking presentable.
Unfortunately, however, the potential repairs aren’t limited to the interior; there is some fairly significant rust in the rocker panels and perhaps the floor pans. The seller does mention that “extra rear fenders and rocker panel [are] included” (is that just one rocker panel?), and that the frame is solid.
You can see the rust in the lower quarter in front of the rear wheel well, so it’s good to have some extra panels to weld in. Spot matching the dark green paint won’t be terribly easy, but there’s enough surface rust on the top side of the vehicle that you could simply leave it primered if you wanted. It’s nice to have choices, but given today’s pro-SUV market, is this one priced right?
Rather a hefty ask for all that rust. And that’s just the rust you can see…🔭
The plus is nobody has gone out of the way to cover up any problems. It’s a crapshoot when buying a “restored” car nowadays
Steve R
Our ’72 rusted through the bottom of the passenger door 8 months after buying it new. No paint or primer on any panels that had body color (white) on one side. Had to tear the whole rig apart to get to the rust on the backsides. Lot more rust on this one we can’t see.
Theres some mechanical options about this Blazer thats great. Many, many, many, years ago a friend was on the hunt for a ’72 or before Blazer because his BIL had one, I was told that ’72 was the last year for a true positraction differentials. ( If I’m wrong I apologize just going off what they told me) He borrowed it for a huge snow storm and it blasted thru everything. He got one equipped like this. 350 4 speed posi, the 3.73 gears is a great all around combo. It sure has rust, but this drivetrain it terrific.
Aaron, keep finding those old Blazers. These are on my bucket list.
And it’s gone!
No wonder – just watched the Mecum Auction this past weekend and Blazers were fetching a premium so I’m sure someone thought this was priced right no matter how much rust there was!
No surprise, these have been popular for decades, the 4spd is a big plus.
Steve R
Love the top rad hose. Looks like an iminent disaster
The replacement engine, IMO, does not affect the value of this rig one bit. Why? Because so many of these are being built into dream rigs with big blocks, high-powered SBC crate engines, LS and Vortech engines, etc. It will likely get a big dollar suspension and a lift, at least 35’s, all the goodies. And why not? Looking the business, even if you don’t off-road, is all the craze these days. Look at all the mall-crawler Jeeps out there.
It’s fascinating the way the hobby has evolved. Back when muscle cars originally started rapidly gaining value in the mid-1980s, it was absolutely critical to have the original engine. If the car didn’t have it, then it was probably worth half. And a lesser model would be worth a small fraction of the muscle model, because nobody would have even thought of making a clone – at least anybody who was serious in the hobby anyway.
That changed at some point. I don’t know exactly when, or why. Maybe it’s because the vehicles became more scarce, or maybe they started to appeal to a buyer who really doesn’t care about that.
Regardless, nobody really cares now except your old school, car show type guys. So I agree with you , I don’t think the lack of an original engine matters one iota here.
no surprise it sold for that price. people will pay over 200k for these if done right. those fools out in Scottsdale proved that last weekend
Hey hairyolds68 “those fools out in Scottsdale proved that last weekend”
No doubt about that…nothing like a big ego, a fat wallet, and too many Whiskeys to inflate the auction prices!
I have a pretty decent blue one setting in my yard out front. Drives people crazy cause it’s not for sale. I’ve had it 38 years or so, Kids use to ride around in it with the top off.