1971 Chevrolet C/K 10 Series

1971 Chevrolet K5 Blazer 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 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!