Introduced in the late 1960’s, the Chevrolet K5 Blazer quickly became a favorite of off-road enthusiasts all over the United States. Based on the popular full-size half ton pickup chassis, the Blazer was a larger vehicle than similar offerings from other American auto makers at that time and was capable of comfortably hauling four people (or more) over rough terrain thanks to four-wheel drive. The removable rear hardtop on the early Blazer models also gave a sporty flair to the vehicle, which in reality was more of an early sport utility vehicle than a truck.
While the K5 Blazer was available in all the same trim levels as Chevrolet’s K10 models, the vast majority were ordered with factory options and upgraded trim levels. Many of the rigs featured power steering and brakes as well as automatic transmissions and heavy-duty towing packages. As their popularity increased, so did the number of available options.
In 1976, General Motors teamed up with recreational vehicle manufacturer Chinook Mobilege, Inc. and the result was the Blazer Chalet (and GMC Casa Grande). GM provided Chinook with complete vehicles minus the rear fiberglass hardtop, which Chinook replaced with a fiberglass-reinforced plastic camper body that featured a steel frame. Once complete, the vehicles were then returned to Chevrolet and GMC dealers for sale to the public.
While there were several RV manufacturers offering RV’s that were self-powered, most of those were based on a two-wheel drive van chassis and had the stylish design of a brick. This was one of the first RV models available with four-wheel drive. That availability coupled with the more compact size and higher ground clearance of the Chalet allowed campers access to places more traditional units could not easily reach. While slide-in camper units were popular for pickups in that day, the Chalet offered the option of easy camper access through the passenger compartment without leaving the vehicle.
While rather spartan by today’s standards for recreational vehicles, the Chalet was well-equipped in terms of amenities for that time. The Chalet slept two adults and offered seating for four people. A dinette table, a stainless-steel sink with a five-gallon potable water tank, a two-burner LP gas stove and an ice box. One option package included upgrading the icebox to a refrigerator powered either by LP gas or electricity via an auxiliary batter and AC/DC converter while another option package added sleeping capacity through a pair of overhead bunks that frankly were of questionable value (and comfort) to adults.
Chinook engineered the camper section with an expandable top that allowed tall adults to stand up straight. Colors and fabrics were very much reminiscent of the time period, featuring various hues of brown and orange throughout. A step at the rear door helped with access and egress to the camper section in addition to the pass-thru from the front seats.
The Chalet came standard with chrome bumpers front and rear as well as a front-mounted spare tire (not pictured). Power came from the standard 350 cubic inch V8, with a 400 cubic inch optional powerplant available. Models equipped with the three-speed or four-speed manual transmissions utilized a selective New Process transfer case with lockout hubs while those equipped with automatic transmissions were full-time four-wheel drive, also using a New Process transfer case. Special striping was also applied by Chinook prior to dealer delivery.
1976 models were produced staring in April 1976 through early August that same year. The 1977 model production started in later August 1976 with production records indicating the last model being made in January 1977. Records indicate a total of approximately 1,800 vehicles built over the two-model year span. Early in the production run the vehicles followed a somewhat sequential serial number sequence aligned with the date they were built but that changed a few months in and for whatever reason serial numbers and manufacture dates were no longer consistent. As with many limited production vehicles today, an online registry exists to track remaining vehicles. There are a few hundred currently listed, and experts believe there might be a few hundred more still existing in reasonably complete condition. A few months ago a very low-milage example sold on Bring A Trailer for well over $100,000!
Evergreen Digital Showroom offers this 1977 Chevrolet Blazer Chalet for $94,900 USD. Outfitted in the proper tan livery befitting the 1977 models, this limited-edition truck has been in the portfolio of the present owner since 2016 and has been stored since that time in a humidity-controlled environment. The odometer reads just over 42,000 miles but in accordance with Missouri statutes regulating licensed automobile dealers on vehicles over ten years old this will be sold “mileage exempt”. This Chalet carries the top-of-the-line Cheyenne trim package. Options include automatic transmission (full-time four wheel drive), power steering, power brakes, air conditioning, cruise control and tilt steering wheel. The interior is brown vinyl with earth tone cloth inserts in a plaid design and show the signs of wear consistent with a vehicle of this age. A more recent AM/FM/CD unit replaces the factory radio and, in keeping with the period the vehicle was produced, a CB radio is mounted under the dash. The camper unit has the factory optional upgrade to include a dual-powered refrigerator. The body appears to be solid, with some signs of minor surface rust inside the door openings and door jambs. Pre-purchase inspections are welcomed and encouraged.
We will gladly help arrange transportation at buyer’s expense or work with the buyer’s shipping company. For additional information on this vehicle or to make an offer, contact sales manager Steve Russell at 417-532-8000.
