"While Jeep, International, and Ford had been making small off road
oriented but decidedly on road used multipurpose vehicles, it was
GM who super sized them to the half ton pickup platform.
Essentially a K-10 pickup with a very short integral box as part of
the interior, the K-5 Blazer pioneered the pickup based SUV. While
retaining the stock pickup doors, the standard top was made out of
fiberglass and could be unbolted." Hagerty.com
For consignment, a 1971 Chevrolet K5 Blazer showing 3,202 miles,
but the true miles are unknown due to exemption. We've had our
share of lifted K5's at Classic Auto Mall, but this one takes on an
aggressively dropped stance sitting on a shortened 1994 Chevrolet
K1500 4x4 frame.
Exterior
The bump up hood over the straight face of this generation is
eternally cool and now, classic. An egg crate grille is flanked by
crystal clean lenses of round headlights in square bezels, all in a
corral of polished stainless over a chrome bumper that absorbs the
amber indicator lights. 18-inch chrome Gear wheels are wrapped in
265/60R18's with a late 2021 date code, connected by a band of side
molding that extends end to end, connecting with the edges of the
modest chrome bumpers. Tinted windows on the white fiberglass
topper round out the clean look while the view from behind with its
dual exhaust tips and lowered stance, borders on sinister. Along
with various scratches, chips and bubbling in the paint, there is
some inconsistency throughout with slight color variations, orange
peel, dry spots, and areas of filler that might not show up on
camera.
Interior
Gray cloth door cards fit nicely in the color matched inner doors
with a subtle rib patterning, while the bucket seats wear covers of
varying shades of gray to include panels that match the doors. The
rear bench receives the same, clean treatment, and the floor is
smoothly covered with black carpeting. An aftermarket steering
wheel adds some flare and fronts a standard dash with newer white
faced gauges and digital readouts. Blue digits illuminate the
center where an AM/FM/CD radio with AUX/USB resides along with an
updated climate panel. The shifter is on the column while the range
selector is on the floor, just ahead of an added center console,
dressed to match, and retaining three cupholders and lockable
storage.
Drivetrain
We open the hood to find quite a bit of filler on the leading edge
itself. Inside is a gleaming 402ci V8 with FiTech electronic fuel
injection and a 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission that routes
power to the 10 bolt rear and front axle, both with 3.08 gearing.
An orange block, chrome valve covers, and lots of polished parts
makes this one a candidate for show and tell!
Undercarriage
Lots of powder coated surfaces lead to a clean underside with a
chrome differential cover adding some extra bling. The dual exhaust
flows through stainless steel mufflers on its way to polished tips
and power disc brakes are on all four wheels. Suspension includes
2" drop keys in front with torsion bars and a flip kit on the rear
to even things out with leaf springs.
Drive-Ability
Fuel injection makes this a quick starter which emits a pleasant
exhaust note, to be sure. Once we get it on the test loop and give
it some gas, it has a tendency to backfire. At half throttle, the
truck holds and provides good power, straight tracking, and great
handling for a K5! Beyond that, all of the functional items operate
as they should and we roll the 18's back to the mall. While Classic
Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time
of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be
working at the time of your purchase.
We were struck by the truck's aggressive stance and good looks.
After a good tune, this should sort out very well and despite the
shortcomings in the paint, presents as a unique treatment of
Chevrolet's infamous 4x4 built to compete with Broncos and Jeep.
This is one we wouldn't mind daily driving, it's one heck of a
grocery getter! Show it on weekends and take it to work on
Monday.
KE181S650989
K-4x4
E-V8
1-1/2 Ton
8-Blazer
1-1971
S-St. Louis, MO Assy Plant
650989-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
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