While Jeep, International and Ford had been making small off-road-oriented multi-purpose vehicles, it was GM who supersized them to the half-ton pickup platform. Essentially a K10 pickup with a very short integral box as part of the interior, the K5 Blazer pioneered the pickup-based SUV. While retaining the stock pickup doors, the standard top was made out of fiberglass and could be unbolted. The Blazer was also available without a top, with a vinyl soft-top or with the popular hardtop. All had a tailgate/lift gate configuration in the back, and model range/powertrain availability mirrored the half-ton pickups.
The Blazer proved successful enough that when GM redesigned their trucks for 1973, the Blazer was part of the program. For the second-generation Chevrolet Blazer, the top was abbreviated, just covering the rear section aft of the cab. It was copied by Chrysler with the Dodge Ramcharger and Plymouth Trail Duster in 1974, and by Ford with the second-generation of the popular Bronco in 1978.
Showing just over 100 miles since an exhaustive frame-off restoration, this custom 4x4 1973 Chevrolet Blazer leaves nothing undone. Paint and bodywork (taken down to the metal) were carefully and meticulously completed with all new moldings, exhaust and new suspension undercarriage parts, including a 4” Rough Country lift. Now running perfectly, the 350ci 4-bolt main engine was sent out to the machine shop for a complete rebuild, including new seals and rings – all backed by an equally rebuilt automatic transmission. The interior features new Dakota Digital gauges and a nicely appointed, period-correct colored interior and carpet. The air conditioning blows cold for a nice comfortable cabin, and the top comes off easily for a sporty convertible feel if desired.
