The amount of vehicle destroying salt applied to roads by state and local highway departments here in Upstate, New York each winter is obscene. Keep in mind that “winter” stretches from when the very first snowflake flies in late October/early November to mid and sometimes late April. Even those of us intending to never allow a vehicle we plan to preserve see snow (or rather, salt) are easily caught off guard by a poorly predicted autumn precipitation event. And since a lot of Upstate New Yorkers tend to throw a snow plow on the front of their 4×4 to keep their driveway open, it takes a uniquely determined individual to keep their truck away from the brine year after year. Enter the owner of this K5 Blazer who bought the truck new and has kept it “garage stored” for each of the last 30 winters. Diligence has paid off and this “unmolested” classic is available here on Craigslist near Binghamton, New York for $18,750. Interested buyers better hurry – there are only a couple of months until “winter” sets in.
The seller states the truck’s paint is factory original and I think that of the two-tone color combos offered by Chevy for the K5, the midnight black/apple red is by far the sharpest. It allows the truck to maintain a classic appearance while not looking outdated. I love the look of the stacked headlights, the original 15″ rally wheels and even the aftermarket running boards. Although the owner doesn’t specify, this is the Silverado package. The chrome bumpers, mirrors, and trim accents look to be in beautiful condition throughout the truck, helping maintain it’s pristine appearance. These Blazers came with removable fiberglass tops allowing for a half-cab look, but the seller states this K5’s bonnet has never been removed.
The 1987 K5 Blazer saw the reintroduction of Chevy’s 210 hp, 5.7 liter, 350 V8 engine which also was the first year to offer throttle-body fuel injection. Perhaps the owner should have used a step ladder to get a better angle of the engine bay? Regardless, things look well cared for. This K5 comes with the 4-speed automatic transmission and no mention is made by the seller of any known engine issues. Other than the conversion of the AC unit to an R134 kit, the motor is assumed to be all original and approaching 89,000 miles.
Although a bit cramped in focus, the interior photos provided by the seller still adequately provide enough of a view of the front cab area to demonstrate that things on the inside are commensurate with the beautiful condition of the outside. The burgundy cloth seats look plush and amazingly clean. One would expect that after traveling almost 89,000 miles there would be some wear showing on the driver’s seat upholstery, but that’s not the case whatsoever. I can’t see any stains in the carpeting and the dash looks to be in perfect condition with no cracks or blemishes. Disappointingly, there are no pictures provided of the rear seats and cargo area.
Is the seller’s price of $18,750 a bit steep or right on the money? For someone in the Northeast looking for an immaculate example of a classic 4×4, not having to pay for transportation costs for a “never-seen-salt” vehicle from the Southern or Western U.S. might make this K5 worth the asking price.
“Never seen salt”? Prove it. No underneath shots.
Reading is a skill Boatman. The seller never said that this truck has never seen salt nor Jay B
Upstate, New York? Never heard of it. Although I’ve been in upstate New York.
Yeah that’s funny right there I don’t care who ye are.😄
WHY ?? Would anyone buy a 4×4 in the midwest or northeast and not use it as intended. They are not musclecars to store away for financial gains later in life. Like the first generation Broncos I can’t bring myself to pay musclecar prices for old 4x4s.
Not everyone’s a muscle head👅
I recently picked up a 60k mile 1985 Jimmy for $1,500. All stock with no lift, even still has the full time hubs up front and open rear axle (!) (The 305 still runs as good as it ever did!) and the AC blows cold. Unfortunately, it has some “minor” rust issues, but after I get into it, I will see how “minor” it is! LOL
I was working at a Chevrolet dealer when this truck was new.
I never thought they would go up in value from new price.
We got rather spoiled out west in the Chinook Belt. It’s quite common to see a truck of this vintage or even much older not to accumulate much in the rust end of things. Fortunately we often have open winters with brown Christmas seasons where the pavement is dry the entire time. My ’35 Ford pickup is 83 years old and other than the surface rust, the only part that’s showing rot is (1) rusted stake pocket….
This is a nice unit. I wouldn’t hesitate to bid on this one for a daily driver/fun vintage truck. But I’ve got enough daily drivers to warrant a traffic cop so I’d better just sit on my hands.
I just looked on Binghamton Craigslist to see a location to check it out in person. I am about 2 hours north of Binghamton and I see the salt free 87 K5 Blazer.Barn Finds, please send me information of the listing. Thanks, Chevy guy.
Chevy Guy (Jim), I just sent you an email with the CL link and seller’s phone number. Looks like his location is in Maine, NY. Good luck!
PS, Grant, you’ve probably been to Maine but have you ever been to Maine, NY? My bad on the wrongfully placed comma in the write up!
Jay
Why all of a sudden are these thing 5 figures did people not know of these vehicles before? Never would have consider preserving a blazer. Should had stored hundreds of them, when they went for 500 a piece.
I agree with many that this is a rare vehicle to preserve or have such value but maybe that’s why this one does?
Most I remember we’re beat down plow trucks or raced til their death in the back 40 by teenagers (of which I was one).
Simply though, they aren’t making anything comparable these days. Want fun and simplistic 4×4 functionality in a relatively compact package? Try finding a new comparable that’s cheaper.
This will sell and the buyer gets something, in my view, that isn’t replicated today.
Perhaps you should check out the 2019 Bronco. It was featured in the film Rampage with “The Rock” starring (just saw part of the movie on a flight this past weekend). Chevy is coming out ‘supposedly’ with a new Blazer that will be comparable to the Trailblazer 4 door. I have owned 4 Blazers/Jimmy’s/Tahoe 2 door and now have a 1997 Yukon GT 2 door as my daily driver. I think Ford has the right idea with the new retro Bronco. Chevy is missing the boat with another full size 4 door model. Maybe time to jump the GM ship and buy a Ford Bronco? Perhaps if the new Bronco is a two door and looks as nice as presented as a concept.
Poncho, thanks for your input. I I owned a couple K5’s,80 and 87, many years ago and loved them Always a Chevy truck guy, Olds car guy. I now have an 86 S10 Blazer from California that I put a new Blizzard plow on for my driveway(In upstate N,.Y.). I have a94 K5 2 door Blazer, (the last year) from Oregon to drive as a toy. We also have an 18 Equinox. I always look at old,nice Chevy’s, mostly from the far west, in good shape.
These have my attention because of the prices the previos iteration command. This one is at the 5 year from now price. Worth it if you got the cash and space to spare. I have seen the roads salted in NY at the end of May.
most cars and trucks will have their turn. wasn’t that long ago older trucks were worthless, not anymore. many people forget “cash for clunkers” sent many of these vehicles to an early grave.just bought an 87 dodge ramcharger, two years ago, i could have bought it for half of what i paid. its a daily driver, won’t go deep in the pocket, but will have a nice car/truck that will only go up in value.