1976 Chevrolet Blazer

Description

For go-anywhere utility and rugged good looks, it's hard to beat the Chevy Blazer. This 1976 Chevrolet K5 Blazer has an awesome look that still resonates today, a combination of ruggedness and sportiness that few other SUVs have been able to duplicate. With a strong-running crate motor, it's also able to live up to the look and offers a long list of upgrades, too.

The K5's proportions are almost perfect: compact enough to go almost anywhere, but with a square-jawed functionality that makes it a popular off-roading choice today. The glossy black paint job on this one was done a few years ago, and the foundation underneath was a very clean, original truck, so it's holding up well. As with any vehicle of this vintage, there were a few bumps and bruises here and there, but you'll be hard pressed to find any evidence of previous sins on it today. The paint job was thorough, too, covering the door jambs, inside the doors, the tailgate, and anywhere else signs of a repaint might hide. There are no notable tape lines and the emblems on the sides and tailgate are new, and that means the truck was totally disassembled for paint; not cheap! Other noteworthy details include the bright trim, which is either excellent original or exact reproduction, and the billet grille that really cleans up the front end styling.

The black and gray cloth and vinyl bucket seat interior is also a little different than OEM and the craftsmanship is excellent. High-back buckets wear fresh covers with grippy gray fabric inserts and the rear bench is original-style gray fabric which keeps it from getting too dark inside. New black carpets tie it all together nicely, including in the cargo area, which also helps control noise and temperatures inside the truck. Completely free of UV damage or cracks, I have to believe the dash pad is new, or else it's a testament to how beautifully preserved this truck really is. Factory air is also part of the deal, along with things like power steering and brakes, and an automatic transmission with column shift. Bright, clean gauges include an unusual factory tach and there's a newer AM/FM stereo radio in the center of the dash.

Mechanically, the truck is ready to hit the trails thanks to a powerful 350 cubic inch GM crate motor under the hood and a substantially upgraded suspension. With 330 horsepower and a stout 380 pounds of torque, it moves more like an early Camaro than a full-sized SUV and they seemed to work hard to give it an OEM look. The engine bay itself is clean and it's been dressed up with chrome valve covers and a tall K&N air filter for the Holley 4-barrel carburetor up top. Long-tube headers and a dual exhaust system with Walker mufflers definitely add some attitude, and the heavy-duty suspension has been lowered to make it sit right. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission powers the original rear axle, and yes, this is a 2-wheel-drive truck, making it a bit more user-friendly around town. Big 18-inch chrome American Racing wheels have an IROC Camaro look and carry performance radials that are tall enough to totally fill the wheel wells.

These trucks will never go out of style, and this one retains all the practicality of a stocker while delivering vastly improved looks and handling. Take advantage of this opportunity, because you just couldn't duplicate this truck for the price. Call today!