The SUV market segment began to emerge as a developing force during the 1960s, but by the time this Chevrolet K5 Blazer CST left the factory in 1971, every major player had thrown their hat into the ring. This Blazer is a solid classic with only a few repairable rust issues. It runs and drives, with its engine bay housing a 350ci V8. The seller is set to send the vehicle to a new home, listing the Blazer here on eBay in Elkhorn, Nebraska. Solid bidding has pushed the price to $19,900, which is below the reserve.

Chevrolet released the K5 Blazer for the 1969 model year, with First Generation vehicles remaining on sale until 1972. The company had the International Scout and Ford Bronco firmly in its sights, producing a vehicle with styling that was considered more modern than both. This Blazer left the line in 1971, finished in Medium Olive Metallic with the optional removable White hardtop. The seller confirms that the vehicle has undergone a previous repaint and that it now shows some age. However, it remains presentable for a driver-grade vehicle, particularly if the winning bidder plans off-road adventures that may add to the scratch tally. The panels are generally straight, and the top looks extremely nice. The honesty of the seller is admirable because they confirm prior rust repairs and that new issues are emerging. The most critical of these is in one windshield pillar, and, considering this is a structural area of the body, it probably requires professional attention for safety’s sake. The rocker boxes were removed during the earlier repairs, and the seller recommends installing a replacement set. Any remaining problems are relatively minor and are prime candidates for patches. The trim and tinted glass are in good order, and the Blazer rolls on larger Rally wheels.

The first owner ticked the box beside the CST option when ordering this Blazer. This brought more luxurious seat trim, more sound deadening, upgraded carpet, a range of additional bright trim pieces, and a center console. To this, they added air conditioning, the optional rear seat, and a push-button radio, making life pretty pleasant aboard this classic. Interestingly, the carpet that was an integral part of the CST package isn’t present, with the floors wearing rubber mats. This is probably a practical choice, particularly if someone is planning trips into the wilderness where there is mud or slime that would make a mess of the carpet. The supplied photos paint a positive picture, with the Parchment vinyl free from wear, the paint in good order, and the pad showing no evidence of deterioration. The seller confirms that almost every feature inside this classic works, except the A/C. The system is complete, but it doesn’t blow cold.

The first owner teamed the range-topping 350ci V8 with a three-speed automatic transmission, a dual-range NP-205 transfer case, and power assistance for the steering and brakes to create a vehicle with excellent performance in all circumstances. Chevrolet was quoting Net figures for power and torque in the 1971 Blazer Sales Brochure, with the small-block generating 175hp and 290 ft/lbs. The seller indicates that this Blazer features its original mechanical components and that it is in generally good health. The rear brakes require attention, but they have recently driven it fairly regularly with no evidence of other shortcomings. It appears that all the winning bidder needs to do is tweak the brakes, and this beauty is ready to go.

This 1971 Chevrolet K5 Blazer CST shows promise as a project candidate. It is a turnkey proposition that will allow the winning bidder to tackle the work at their own pace. The listing statistics tell the story, with over three hundred views and twenty-two bids submitted. We can speculate on the seller’s reserve, but with solid and tidy examples consistently selling for over $50,000, there could be a way to go before it is reached. What do you feel would be a fair figure to pay for this SUV?