American vehicle manufacturers began making smaller, off-road-capable vehicles in the ’70s, while Chevy opted for much larger versions. The K5 Blazer offered pick-up truck functionality with a bolt-off hard top option. These SUV-style off-road vehicles certainly have a presence off and on the road, weighing almost 4,000 pounds. This example hasn’t been driven in 10 years but is still in reasonably decent condition. Some rust is present, and the seller notes that they were able to get it started. It should be a fairly easy restoration project for the next owner. This 1971 Chevrolet Blazer CST is for auction on eBay. The bidding ends on Sunday, November 24th, in the afternoon.
The Blazer’s exterior seems to be wearing its original factory orange. It has a fiberglass shell and a handy (although old) roof rack. It has Yokohama Geolander A/T-S tires, making it capable of going off-road. The restoration and modification options with this model are fairly endless. There are tons of examples of interesting iterations online. This stock example is a great starting point for whatever the next owner might envision. Some rust spots and general body damage are apparent in the photo, but nothing too irreversible.
The interior sports an orange dash and leather seats. There aren’t any full images of the cabin, but the seller notes rust under the floor mats. It is safe to assume that the interior will need some work. The orange continues to the door panels and potentially other interior areas. The photos reflect a decent amount of age-related damage that will need to be addressed.
A 350 V8 small block sends power to all four wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission. The seller notes that although they were able to get the car to start for a brief amount of time, they will include a 383 stoker engine if the auction ends at a fair price. Overall, the Blazer is in rough shape, but the next owner could get it into running condition with some work and make it something special with a little extra effort. If this Blazer seems up your alley, go bid on eBay before the auction ends.
These are great looking trucks that have had a strong following for decades. It’s really well optioned, not sure how much the CST adds to the value.
The seats look like vinyl, not leather, leather upholstery was almost unheard at the time for non-luxury American made cars.
Steve R
Around 1974 a neighbor had one these in the same color only with “deep dish polished mag ” wheels. He would pay a friend and me to wash , wash and vacuum the whole interior. $20 buck each . I thought wow , $20 bucks for whole days work. I’m rich. Now in 2024 , I have a lot more than $20 bucks , but not sure I want to dive into my retirement account to take on this project.
I still think these are one of the best looking vehicles even in today’s world.
Bidding now at $30K. The next time you see this Blazer, it will be advertised for six figures. People are crazy.
I got married in 1978 driving an orange 1972 Blazer. Drove it 800 miles one way back to her home town and I remember checking the mileage, 9.9 MPG. with a fresh tune up and driving about 70 miles an hour to central Montana. We now have 5 of them, one decent unrestored one and 4 to fix up if I live long enough. Hard to find anymore at a decent price.
Our ’72 got 11 mpg driving or sitting still.
My Dad bought a 1971 Blazer just like this one in ’76 for $3000 cash. It was a pea green color and had the 307 ci engine. We loved that rig! Unfortunately we were sideswiped by a DeVille doing 60 MPH on a divided highway. That was the end of her… and almost us. No seatbelt laws back then. I was sitting in the back on the spare tire and rode said tire out the back and onto the highway. We all survived that crash and thankful we weren’t in a VW.
People have ruined the car market. It’s $30k and still not reached the reserve. I don’t think it’s worth half that.
A lot of money! Maybe half the price. I do see it has A/C and tilt steering!
Don’t forget the bucket seats and console, good cares run about $2,000.
Steve R
I watch the market for first-gen K5’s and don’t get the price this one’s attracting. In late 2017 I found a very nice 1971 GMC Jimmy just before they started taking off in value. Hugger Orange, Custom package, 114,700 miles on odometer (with some documentation). Original drivetrain (350 CID and TH350) both rebuilt at 85,000 miles in the early 2000’s. 99% rust free and good interior all for $12,000. Today I have $17,000 in it. It’s in even better condition (3+ / 2-) and runs great with 121,600 miles. Paint shines nicely but has its share of scratches and scrapes but no dents. My opinion is it would bring $35-40,000 given all I’ve seen of what these rigs bring. That said if the one featured here brings $30,000+, mine has to be at least $50,000.