1972 Chevrolet Blazer

Description

Jeep invented the personal 4x4, Ford made it popular, and trucks like this 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer perfected the breed. Blending just the right amounts of go-anywhere truck durability with creature comforts and practicality, the Blazer was a mainstay of popular automotive culture for decades, and few are better suited to that legacy than this nicely restored 4x4.

The light blue paint was applied just four years ago and still looks good on the Blazer's squared-off body lines. There's plenty of Chevy pickup truck DNA in there, but who can argue with the result when it looks this good? The proportions are ideal for a big yet personal SUV, and with the removable white hardtop, it's fairly easy to transform it into a fun-in-the-sun machine for a day at the beach. The idea of having fun in this truck was clearly the driving force behind the freshening, since it isn't trailer queen perfect, but rather a nice blend of restored and original components that ensure you won't think twice about climbing behind the wheel and putting it to use. It fits together quite well with fresh weatherstripping, and that big hood doesn't need a massive slam like so many others out there. The simple chrome grille and front bumper, a few modest badges, and a new rear bumper add just enough sparkle to make this truck feel at home anywhere it goes.

Twin bucket seats with new seat covers, fresh black carpets, and new door panels anchor a stylish and functional interior. Today, we might find the inside of the Blazer absurdly spacious, but that's the great thing about old vehicles like this, particularly when they're also practical and functional. There's a newer cover on the rear bench, too, making this a comfortable 5-passenger vehicle that'll truly go almost anywhere. An under-dash A/C unit that was probably installed when it was new by the dealer blows cold and still uses R12 refrigerant, so you know the system has always been in good shape. The AM/FM stereo radio also has an iPod interface, so your music can come with you. Open the tailgate and even with the back seat in place there's still plenty of cargo space for just about anything you'll need and the rear seat is easily removed for the same size bed as a short-bed pickup.

The 350 cubic inch V8 under the hood is the perfect companion if you're going somewhere remote. With a 4-barrel carburetor and a few chrome dress-up parts, it might look more at home in a Camaro, but it works just fine in this big 4x4 as well. Rebuilt a few years ago, it runs superbly, starting easily and idling with a muscular rumble from the custom dual exhaust system. The engine bay is dominated by the big A/C compressor, but if you look carefully you'll see a lot of new components, ranging from the tune-up parts to a recent master cylinder. It's backed by a 4-speed manual gearbox, which is a rather rare find, plus a 2-speed transfer case that feeds power to the axles at both ends. With a slight lift, it'll climb over big obstacles and upgraded shocks keep it from being too rough a ride. Classic aluminum wheels with massive 33x12.50-15 BFG radials complete the go-anywhere look.

Big Blazers are big fun, and with this southern truck that's ready to hit the trails, you can combine work and play without changing a thing. Call today!