Why This Arizona Dealer Won't Let Go of Their $220K Restored '73 K5 Blazer for a Mere $73K
When it comes to the pantheon of vintage trucks, few stand as tall as the Chevrolet K5 Blazer. It's a canvas for automotive artisans, often morphing into machines capable of leaving enthusiasts slack-jawed. Fitted with crate V8s, LS-swapped, fully refurbished—the sky's the limit with K5 Blazer builds.
The spotlight this time falls on a second-generation 1973 K5 Blazer, a project vehicle that has undergone a transformation so extensive, it became its owner’s magnum opus. Acquired in 2023, this Blazer has received more than just a facelift; it’s practically a reincarnation. The latest chapter in its storied journey is its refusal to sell at auction, even when the highest bid hit a respectable $73,000. The reason? Its owner, a dealership based in Arizona, invested a whopping $220,000 in its restoration.
The Art of Restoration
From the get-go, this Blazer wasn't just another restomod; it was a passion project. The body was meticulously stripped down to bare metal and mounted on a rotisserie before receiving its breathtaking two-tone Catalina Blue and Linen White paint job. A newly refurbished removable hardtop was paired with brand-new bumpers, emblems, trim, lights, and mirrors. A set of 15-inch wheels wrapped in 33x12.50” BFGoodrich All Terrain T/A tires completed the rugged yet stylish look.
But it's not just skin-deep beauty here. The Blazer boasts upgraded four-wheel disc brakes with Wilwood calipers, Rough Country leaf springs, Bilstein shocks, and a Borgeson quick-ratio steering box. These mechanical enhancements ensure that beauty is more than chrome deep.
Heart and Soul: The Engine
Lift the hood, and you’re greeted by a mechanical masterpiece: a fuel-injected 350 ci Ram Jet V8 crate engine. Equipped with a FiTech fuel pump, tubular headers, and Flowmaster dual exhaust system, this beast growls with authority. Power delivery is streamlined through a 700R4 four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive and a dual-range transfer case, offering selectable rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Despite the engine having clocked only 235 miles, the total chassis mileage remains a mystery.
Luxurious Interior: An Oasis on Wheels
The interior is nothing short of stunning, arguably the finest you'll ever see in a second-gen K5 Blazer. The reupholstered brown vinyl front bucket seats and rear bench are a harmonious blend of comfort and aesthetics. Blue carpets add a vibrant touch, while a roll bar ensures extra safety. Further enhancing the cabin is a re-trimmed dashboard, featuring Dakota Digital RTX gauges. A Vintage Air climate control system, Dual receiver with Bluetooth, and a classic two-spoke steering wheel complete this luxurious setup.
Valuation Dilemma
As gaudy as it may sound, the $220,000 spent on this restoration isn't just a vanity metric; it's a testament to the hours, sweat, and skill poured into this machine. When the Blazer hit the auction block, it didn't quite reach the stratosphere of its investment value. The highest bid of $73,000 fell significantly short, prompting the Arizona dealership to hold on to their prized possession.
So, what do you think? Was it the right move for the dealership to resist selling for $73,000? While no one expects to recoup the full $220,000, there’s an understanding among enthusiasts that masterpieces such as this Blazer command a premium price. Whether a future compromise is possible or not remains to be seen, but for now, this piece of automotive art remains with its creator.