The Chevrolet Blazer is is a mid-size SUV manufactured by General Motors under the Chevrolet brand since 1969. Over the years, the Blazer has gone through many changes and redesigns, with production ceasing in 2005 before re-emerging as a crossover SUV in 2019. – and the second-generation Blazers, produced between 1969 and 1991, were highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for their iconic design and rugged off-road capability.
Introduced in 1969, the first-generation Blazer was based on the Chevrolet C/K pickup truck platform. It was a full-size body with a removable hardtop or convertible top, making it a popular choice for outdoor adventurers. It was originally offered with a 250ci Straight-6 engine or a variety of V8 engines ranging from 307ci to 350ci. It was initially offered with both two-wheel and four-wheel drive.
The second-generation Blazer debuted in 1973 and featured a modern design for the era, with angular edges and a larger interior. The engine range was expanded to include a 400ci V8. The second-generation Blazer was optionally available with full-time four-wheel drive, making it a better off-road model than its predecessor.
Early Blazers are especially popular with collectors for their vintage charm and timeless appeal. Many enthusiasts enjoy customizing and modifying these vehicles to suit their individual tastes, with modifications ranging from raised suspension and oversized tires to modern engine swaps and other upgrades.
Overall, Blazers are loved by fans and collectors alike for their combination of style, performance and off-road capability. A vehicle extremely popular among the vintage SUV community will be well represented at Barrett-Jackson’s 2023 Palm Beach auction. Original or customized, register to bid for the April 13-15 event today for your chance to take home one of these SUVs and hit your own trail!
NUMBER 701 – 1971 CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER CUSTOM SUV – NO STOCK
Pictured above, this 1971 K5 Blazer restored by Nobody-Customs has undergone a complete frame-off with a rotating nut and bolt. This Blazer is powered by a GM Performance 6.2L LS3 engine with a 4L70E automatic transmission and is equipped with an Advanced Adapter that supports the GM NP208 transfer case. During the restoration, the chassis was completely stripped, sandblasted and painted black for durability, with all new body mounts, bushings and bolts. All body metal is completely original to the vehicle and has been repainted in DeBeer’s factory GM Hugger Orange. The fiberglass top has been completely rebuilt with new glass and seals and custom chocolate satin finishes to complement the entire roll cage and interior. A fully welded roll cage runs the length of the interior and is fitted with a removable saddle tan full bikini top. This Blazer has stopping power provided by 4-wheel disc brakes and Wilwood Hydro-Boost brake assist. It received a 12-bolt rear and Dana 44 front differential with 4.11 ratios, as well as all-new suspension components. The Blazer rides on Detroit Steel wheels with rebuilt OEM center caps wrapped in BFGoodrich KO2 tires.
LOT #792.1 – 1972 CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER CUSTOM SUV – NO STOCK
This restored 1972 California Chevrolet K5 Blazer is powered by a rebuilt Chevrolet 350ci V8 engine mated to a rebuilt automatic transmission. The solid original panel SUV has a new black finish and feather graphics help set this truck apart with just the right combination of classic and custom. Features include power steering, power brakes, new custom upholstery with Highlander two-tone seat inserts, and a double DIN touchscreen custom audio system. The lowered suspension rolls on new 20-inch Detroit Speed Delray steel wheels with 20-inch Nitto tires.
LOT #380.1 – 1984 CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER CUSTOM SUV – NO STOCK
This 1984 Chevrolet K5 Blazer custom SUV has just undergone a comprehensive body-on restoration. It was completely stripped down to bare metal, epoxy primed and painted bright red. Its engine was upgraded to a 5.3-liter fuel-injected V8 mated to a 700R4 overdrive transmission. This Blazer is equipped with stainless steel headers, dual exhaust, and a 2-inch lift kit. It also has new bumpers, grille, handles, mirrors, windshield and door glass. Inside, it got an upgraded stereo system, new carpet, headliner and dashboard. This Blazer retains its original cloth seats and has air conditioning. It runs on KG1 wheels, covered with off-road tires.
LOT 380 – 1972 CHEVROLET K5 BLAZER CUSTOM SUV – NO RESERVE
This 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer 4WD custom SUV has undergone a 1 year full body-on restoration. The steel body is finished in Hugger Orange with a gloss black engine bay that houses a rebuilt 5.7L 350ci V8 engine backed by a rebuilt TH350 3-speed automatic transmission and NP205 dual-range shifter. The engine is equipped with aluminum finned valve covers, oil filler cap, PCV valve and air filter for a vintage look. The new HEI manifold comes with a rebuilt power steering pump and an all new fuel pump, water pump, alternator, radiator, coolant overflow tank and all hoses and vacuum lines. The engine bay is completed with an Optima red-top battery and fresh battery cables, as well as custom-made core and radiator filler panels. The dual exhaust consists of ceramic-coated long-tube headers that connect to stainless steel mandrel-bent 2.5-inch pipes with 12-inch glass packages and terminate in 4-inch black powder-coated tips. The fuel system was updated with a new gas tank, filler neck, sending unit, straps, gasket and filler cap. The front end has new upper and lower ball joints, tie rod ends and sleeves, swingarm ends, bushings and tie rods. New brake booster, master cylinder and lines feed new calipers and pads on the front disc brakes.
