One of the joys of the classic world is the sheer variety of vehicles it allows us to feature at Barn Finds. Take this 1975 Chevrolet Blazer as a prime example. It presents beautifully, making a positive impression with its sparkling paint and immaculate interior. However, delve below the surface and you discover that someone has upgraded the drivetrain to create a genuine Restomod. It has no apparent needs and should provide its new owner with years of motoring pleasure.
Finding anything to fault about this Blazer’s presentation is almost impossible. A previous owner applied the striking Blue and White paint, adding a dividing Black pinstripe to create a crisp look. They also slid in a 2″ lift kit and bolted on a set of 15″ Rally wheels to increase its visual impact. The paint shines beautifully, with no evidence of significant flaws or defects. The panels are as straight as an arrow, while the underside shots confirm it is as solid as the day it left the factory. The White removable top will provide a refreshing wind-in-the-hair motoring experience, and the trim and glass are spotless. This Blazer will undoubtedly turn heads, but it is guaranteed to command respect when people discover what hides below the surface.
The first owner ordered this Blazer with a 350ci V8, a four-speed manual transmission, and a dual-range transfer case. The small-block delivered 160hp and 250 ft/lbs of torque, providing competent performance. I have never heard a classic owner stating that they wished their vehicle had less power because most crave more. This Blazer delivers because its original drivetrain components are ancient history. The engine bay now houses a 6.0-liter LQ4 V8 that should place at least 300hp at the driver’s disposal. A four-speed 4L65E automatic transmission sends the power to the road via an NP241 transfer case, while the engine’s spent gases exit via stainless steel headers and a dual exhaust featuring Flowmaster mufflers. If the Blazer’s performance in standard form was respectable, this combination should lift it to a far higher level. The modifications were performed before the current owner became its custodian, but they invested a further $16,500 in work to replace seals, gaskets, and a range of other components to ensure the vehicle is in sound mechanical health. Potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition that runs and drives well.
This Blazer’s interior doesn’t let the side down, because it presents as beautifully as every other aspect of the vehicle. The painted surfaces received a refresh, while the seats wear new Blue cloth and vinyl plaid covers. There is a new floor mat, and the dash is spotless. The only flaws worth mentioning are a slight mat fitment issue near the passenger’s feet and wrinkles on the outer edge of the dash pad on the same side. Addressing the mat problem should be easy, while gentle pressure might eliminate the pad wrinkles. Otherwise, there are no apparent needs. As with the drivetrain, there are a few noteworthy upgrades. Occupants are kept comfortable by Old Air Products air conditioning, while the driver monitors everything via Dakota digital gauges. The previous owner added a tilt wheel, and a retro-style stereo provides entertainment on long journeys.
The seller listed this 1975 Blazer here on eBay in San Diego, California. Eleven bids have pushed the price to $25,100, which is below the reserve. It has no apparent needs, and that figure should climb as the auction progresses. We can speculate on a final figure, although the modifications make that challenging. However, there is a clue that might provide an accurate guide. I located a previous auction for this Blazer from February 2023, when this classic changed hands for $54,000. I’m unsure if it will hit that price again, but I won’t be surprised if it does. Do you agree?
It’s really well done. Will be expensive, for good reason. Listed for $72,500 on the dealers website.
Steve R
High bid of $45,100, reserve not met.
Steve R
While I greatly appreciate survivor and restored rides that are totally stock, sometimes tasteful resto-mods are just better. I bought my first new K5 in the mid-70s and have since owned many. I currently (for 20 years) own a mainly stock ’75 in decent driver condition, and enjoy it (with roof off) all summer.
I love the truck listed here. Even though my truck’s 350 has been warmed over with headers, cam, intake, and Holley, the 6.0l LQ4 is a much nicer engine delivering almost twice the horsepower and way more fuel efficient. The TH350 transmission in my truck works well around town, but the 3 speeds are not suited to higher speed highway driving. The 4L65E installed on this truck works well everywhere. I know because I used the same engine/trans combo in my resto-mod Chevy pickup.
As for looks, I like the period-correct two-tone paint, without the bulky rust-magnet chrome trim strips. To me, judging the quality of resto-mods always come down to details, and this one has everything covered. I expect this truck will easily get good money, and still represent good value for the next buyer.
Nice truck. Adam, you just don’t just don’t pop the top off these things. 4 hefty people and a lot of fiddling with the fasteners and you’ve got it off but if you get caught without it and need a top you better bring the hefty guys with you. The fact that this rig is sitting in a dealership of sort gives good source to the high asking price. After paying $4,400 for our new one in 1972 complete with AC and radio it still boggles my mind on the prices these days.
“Should provide years of motoring pleasure…” These things get passed around like baseball cards, when you were a kid. None of these owners will drive the thing. They’ll drag it around from auction to auction, trying to get that last dollar. How many people are out there that can afford $75,000 for a custom Blazer, that will use it as was intended?
Where’s all the chrome moldings on the sides ?and that stupid blue that makes it look cheap and plaid seats,for 70 k I would want more than this!
This should be a time machine for anyone that ever had or wanted a K/5 Blazer new. All of the malaise era whaling and gnashing of teeth is relieved by the new engine. The truck looks great in the Sky Blue/Frost White color with the correct blue printed plaid Custom Deluxe interior. Everything old is new again.
While I love everything about this truck the engine swap is what kills it for. Part of my love for cars is working on them. Swapping cams, new heads, intake. I would have no idea how or the drive to learn do all that on these modern engines. If you time it or adjust fuel flow with a computer the fun is gone for me. Though I respect what these engines bring to the table in many ways.
Absolutely fantastic truck!