I like to write about Chevy Blazers for two reasons. First, nostalgia. We owned an 80’s model and it was such a stalwart runner – it never gave us a lick of trouble which was important because we had no money to fix it. Second, the prices of early Blazers are astonishing these days, and I’m fascinated by what collectors will pay for a large, square vehicle that used to be ubiquitous. The seller of this 1971 Chevy Blazer K5 here on eBay must be gratified that the bidding has reached $25,200, blasting past whatever reserve he imposed. The Blazer’s odometer reads 29,000 miles but after three owners – the first two of which were probably not thinking their commuter would turn collectible – I’m betting it’s rolled over. Still, the color is attractive and rare, and the condition is quite respectable, as we’ll see.
The Blazer was developed from a shortened Chevy K10 truck chassis, which made it considerably larger than its Jeep, Bronco, and Scout competitors. The larger size accrued to the benefit of the cabin. But Chevy had also installed car-like luxury features in its trucks, which it carried over to the Blazer. Air conditioning, comfort seating, carpeting, ergonomic instrument panels – all of these boosted sales. Competing makers scrambled to introduce their own truck-based SUVs, but the Blazer’s headstart was tough to beat. This truck has the top-of-the-line 350 cu. in. V8 installed. The transmission is a four-speed manual paired with the venerable NP205 transfer case. The carburetor is brand new.
The interior has a few minor flaws including paint scars here and there. The rear seats are immaculate; I appreciate that someone vacuumed the carpets before presenting the truck for sale. Note the embossed trim in the vinyl upholstery. The rear cargo area is similarly tidy. A vintage GM CB radio is installed below the dash.
The hard top is removable. The truck retains its swing-away rear spare carrier. The polished aluminum wheels and dual fuel tanks are nice touches. I don’t see much to criticize here, so the current bid – already more than the rig sold for new – is looking like it might be on the low side. This example configured similarly and in comparable condition sold for over $65k just a few months ago. In fact, it’s a rare early Blazer that sells for less than $40k these days. Where do you think the bidding will end on this one?
Nice clean design and functional. We did everything you can do with one of these and enjoyed it all.
I remember how these things morphed. The one given to Popular Science for their test, was an open body – actually a prototype, as the doors had no glass, not even vents. But it had a bench seat and nothing more – just the wagon/pickup back.
A month later, they made it to dealers – while every one that arrived in our area had the fiberglass roof/cap on, Chevrolet ads made it plain that you could order it open or with a canvas top. We were a long way from the four-door, leather-ensconced SUVs of today.
And that’s why these are popular, IMO. It was a TRUCK – for work or for messy play. Nothing was compromised when you climbed in with manure on your coveralls, or if a dirt bike tipped over and leaked oil in the back.
These rusted fiercely, but then, in that era, everything did. Recycled steel was the fad, and became the bane, of the auto industry – it is more prone to deep corrosion.
Nice survivor. Leaves me wondering, why it is we can’t have nice things anymore.
Whenever I see one of these, I kick myself. I loved my 1972, rusty and beat, bought for $800 in 1996. A couple years later, the rear blew and I sold it for $800. I kept looking around for another, but no luck. Now it’s out of my range.
In person, these read as smaller trucks. Hard to explain, but they were easy and fun to drive. I was able to keep mine in a garage, so the top stayed off. I later adapted an old convertible top from a boat into a bikini top. Easy to work on because of the simplicity. I would love to try driving one that’s actually in reasonable shape.
Wow. Over $25k for a USED CAR… Does anyone remember they ride like absolute 💩. And even with a 350. They are pretty underpowered.
Let’s get a grip on USED CAR prices. If you’re holding your highschool hotrod dream that tight still but forgot how terrible these old beasts are. Then you deserve a empty wallet… But crazy
clueless!!!
The 70’s was THE best time to be a teenager. I remember 2 friends and myself attempting to drink a case of schlitz in a moving 71 GMC 3/4 ton 4wd. More on the floor than in our bellies. Good times.
How much do you think a new car is now? Or for that matter a decent used SUV, asking for a friend.
The good ol K5 4×4 we put a plow on ours & huge knobby studded snow tires – I used it to plow our car dealerships lot & home & neighbors driveways.
Rugged powerful my bong & schnapps I’d drive like a madman on ice packed streets.
Open headers on it also LOUD
It finally went to the rust heap …
I had a 71 and have regretted selling it since the day it left. Had purchased an 89 and the 71 was sitting (late 90’s) and a friend showed up with the $3,300 I had told him years before I would sell it for. He totaled it within a month of buying it. Maybe if the market returns to closer to normal I will be able to get another… someday
These trucks are the best.
The ride and power, or lack of it, are a given for this era, but who cares as this is about as good as it gets. Although I’m not especially fond of this shade of green, if I owned it for any length of time, and I’m 72 now, I wouldn’t sell it at any price…I’d just request to be buried in it.
as an EB owner I love the pic from 3/4 rear, about 10 ft high,
no top. It looks like a mi of carpet. 2nd gen? “No”, THIS is it.
Now EB’s 2 yr, 2nd gen (up sized) is hot w/the 400 (largest
automotive ‘sq engine’), slider on the side window w/ wing
window, step’n tow, etc. I’d see the ceebie asa plus dep-
ending on antena. All not too much chrome’n plastic to use
as work~
The 71 Blazer that I have my dad bought brand new. That truck and I have been around each other are entire lives and are growing old together!