The Chevy K5 Blazer debuted as a 1969 model year competitor to the Ford Bronco and International Harvester Scout. The K5 Blazer was larger than either of its competitors, built on a shortened K10 pickup truck frame. Only available with four-wheel drive for 1969, the Blazer was offered with either two- or four-wheel drive beginning with the 1970 model year. The first-generation Chevy K5 Blazer ran from 1969 to 1972.
Our feature 1971 Chevy Blazer has spent its entire life in the dry climes of California and Arizona. It has been the subject of a fastidious, nut-and-bolt, two-year-long restoration, and has covered a scant seven hundred miles since completion. Every part was cataloged, evaluated, and marked for either rebuild/refinishing or replacement. All body panels were removed, stripped, prepped, and refinished in correct two-tone Turquoise and White by known Porsche specialist painter Steve Cognato. Chrome bumpers and trim were re-plated, and the stainless trim was all polished to the correct factory sheen.
The factory glass has been replaced with new. The brakes are new, and every bit of the suspension has been rebuilt or replaced. The Blazer rolls on factory Rally wheels wrapped in raised-white-letter BFGoodrich All Terrain tires.
Inside the Chevy Blazer, the seats were rebuilt with new foam and springs, and dressed in new black leather/black and white houndstooth check seat covers. The carpet is Porsche square weave carpeting. The factory AM radio is present, but has been converted to AM/FM/Bluetooth whilst keeping the original appearance. Instruments are crisp, having been restored when possible, or replaced.
The engine bay on the Chevy Blazer is largely correct and complete, save for the addition of modern air conditioning. The original 350 cubic-inch V8 was rebuilt by Burbank Speed and Machine, while the three-speed Turbo Hydramatic automatic transmission and power take-off received attention from Action Transmission.
This beautifully restored Chevy Blazer will cross the auction block at the Mecum Auctions Glendale, Arizona, sale happening March 16th through 19th.
Subscribe to GM Authority as we bring you the latest Chevrolet Blazer news, Chevrolet news and ongoing GM news coverage.
Comments
Yeah, it’s nice! Just bought a 2021 Chevy Colorado. Back in the days, had a 1976 Blazer 350 V-8, 4 spd. creeper gear. Should’ve kept it and maintained it over the years.
Had a 1972 after Veit Nam. Same wish!
What’s not to like?
That’s what a blazer is.
Not the cheesy Mexican import GM is pushing now.
Actually GM Retired GM should have named the new Blazer… Equinox and then the new Blazer could have and should have been a real 4×4 based on the Colorado. The problem is everyone typically woman love these CUV (car based crossovers) and for now that’s what sells maybe one day true body on frame SUV’s will make a comeback. Then again this restoration of a 1971 K5 Blazer is very well done the only thing I would do differently is put an GM LS1 V8 engine with fuel injection for easier starting and a four or six speed automatic for better fuel Mileage… Other then that I absolutely love how they kept the original wheels and didn’t have the urge to install 22 inch wheels on this build! 👍👍
FWIW, GM does sell a diesel SUV based on the Colorado in Costa Rica and South America. I think it is based on the South American Colorado which is a little different than the U.S. model. It would definitely be a competitor to the Ford Bronco if sold here – it is not available for the U.S. market.
Perfect as is . Leave all the bells and whistles for the fluff. This is ready for when the grid goes down or the emp’s fall. No computer, no chips, just vacuum, linkage, and might.
Actually drove my ’89 K5 into the office this morning. They have always been a favorite of mine. This one is beautiful!
What a beautiful rig.
I bought a used ’71 in fall of ’77. Great truck-I think I only paid about $2500 for it. I lived in snow country then and I put a set of radial snow tires on it. Never got it stuck!
Beautiful, the hey day of GM. Sad it’s going down now. Soon to be bought out by YODA
Fairly certain this Blazer receives a lot of wistful looks from more than few current Blazer owners.
I bought a 1973 black on black K-5 Blazer new with the 350, 4 wheel drive automatic. I re-arched the springs to get a 4″ lift and had 10″ chrome wheels with 60 series Sprint GT tires all around. It was a beautiful vehicle. I had it for 2 years and sold it to buy a 1975 3/4 ton Silverado. It was maroon with the wood grain strip down the middle. It was pictured on the Chevrolet truck flyer for that year on the two page fold out. Kind of wish I still had the Blazer, but back in those days, you really don’t think about the future down the road 20 or 30 years. Luckily I still have the ’75. My son now has it now. It has been a great truck over the years. Still has the original drive train, except I changed out the guts on the transfer case from full time 4 wheel drive to having hubs on the front axle to get into 4 wheel drive.
Wow! Very, very, nice. Reading the column you could be correct! Better than new. Whoever gets it is wheely (it’s a car site) lucky.
this is then a car i understand the design,,, beautiful colours combination
after analysing …
1. the plate behind could have the upper line matching with line between white and red division the rear lamp
2. would prefer instead this wood stripe on door inside … all aluminium polished
3. if blinkers lens would be all white side too, with orange bulb behind better, but those times were so
the rest 99 % ok, approved !
Old Blazers are rugged, and cool .
Bought mine new in 1990 and still have fun driving it.
Nice K5 like the 69-72 the 1973-79.s more my era riding in the center of the back seat view right down the center ,to bad the rich kids can buy the cars of their teens now , one has to look out for the hack jobs