While Ford had Bronco and International Harvester – the Scout, GM was in a total sport-utility vacuum. To fill this gap, Chevrolet created the all-wheel drive Blazer, which became a worthy rival to existing SUVs.
Source: Mecum Auctions
The first Blazer of 1969 release appeared as an all-wheel sport utility vehicle designed to compete with the International Harvester Scout and the Ford Bronco. Blazers quickly gained popularity, combining outstanding off-road capabilities with comfort (including automatic and air conditioners). The K-series Chevrolet Blazer, which was built on a shortened 104″ (2642 mm) C/K wheelbase, was smaller and more maneuverable than a standard SUV of this period, but still roomy enough. In fact, it was like a short-bed Chevy K10 pickup truck with an open cab. Its body consisted of a removable hardtop with an opening rear window. Moreover, these automobiles’ convenience and good technical qualities made the first generation the most popular SUV in the United States.
Source: MATADOR.TECH
The First Generation Chevrolet K5 Blazer was built on the famous military acronym KISS. “Keep it simple stupid” was exactly what Chevrolet decided to do instead of cloning another Ford Bronco or Scout. As in the case of Scout, built on Willy’s Jeep and its successor, the Jeep CJ base, Chevrolet’s engineers took their existing and quite successful K10 pickup, shortened the chassis, and built their improved SUV version, based on its existing vehicle with the minimum modification. This model’s main innovation was its pickup-based platform, which was an enormous production cost-cutting compared to the main competitors. The “new” SUV turned out exceptionally comfortable, but still brutal as the cars of its class should be. Initially, the Chevrolet Blazer was offered only in the K5 all-wheel drive modification with two continuous axles on longitudinal semi-elliptical springs. 8-inch (200 mm) ground clearance allowed it to overcome the most extreme off-road and drive up a hill with a slope of 35 °. There were two plug-in all-wheel drive systems to choose from – Dana 20 and NP-205. The former was only mated to a 4-speed manual transmission, while the latter could be ordered with a base 3-speed manual or a 3-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic automatic. For the standard car, a 4.1-liter inline-6-cylinder 250 with 155 hp was offered, and for an extra charge, a 5-liter V8 307 with 200 hp and a 5.7-liter V8 350 with 255 hp were installed.
Source: 4-wheel Classics
Changes to the K5 Blazer were generally not significant. The second generation of the SUV, which includes the 1980 model, received the famous “Square-body”, which GM called the “Rounded Line” generation. The model also received rectangular wheel arches, a rectangular grille with wide cells, round headlights in square cells, and rectangular tail lights. The wheelbase of the car was 106.5 “(2705 mm), without changes to the chassis. The company offered three engine options – a 4.1-liter 6-cylinder with a capacity of 100-130 hp, a 5.7-liter V8 350 with a capacity of 145-175 hp, and the 6.6-liter V8 400 with 185 hp. This vehicle was also safer and stronger, compared with previous models, and its suspension was used until the 90s. The second generation of the Blazer was larger than the first one, which appealed to customers and sold well. Even Ford had to catch up and refresh the Bronco by moving to a pickup truck platform. However, the consequences of the fuel crisis still affected Blazer sales, and in 1980 it was obvious that customers tend to buy more compact and efficient SUVs. 1980 also featured the last powerful 175 400cc V8 engine. In this model year, Blazer also received its last Dana axles.
Source: Mecum Auctions
The 1980 K5 Blazer was featured in the famous Stranger Things TV series. Chief Jim Hopper drives several Blazers from different model years, including the 1980 release. The car plays an interesting role in the series. The inviting warmth of the color grade, the copper and gold of midwestern fall, as a backdrop to a Police Chief’s SUV creates a more holistic view of his character
Contact us if you have this or another classic car to sell.
| Mon - Fri Saturday Sunday |
9am - 6pm 9am - 3pm Closed |