I drove one of the all-new Blazers when Chevrolet resurrected the legendary nameplate for the 2019 model year. It was an attractive crossover that offered adequate power and a pleasant ride quality. I have no problem with its modern form, but other people do. Whenever the new Blazer comes up in a conversation, the inevitable response from the person I’m talking to is always something along the lines of, “They should’ve brought it back as an off-roader like the old ones.” If you feel the same way, check out our Pick of the Day, a 1974 Chevrolet Blazer 4X4 listed by a dealership on ClassicCars.com.
It has all of the boxy, rugged charm that Blazers were previously known for plus some significant bonuses. This “Square Body” comes from one of the few model years in which Chevy offered the Blazer with a removable fiberglass hardtop that covered the front and rear seats and the cargo area. Before the selling dealer acquired it, it received a body-on restoration that changed the color from the original Grecian Bronze to a combination of orange and white. The wheels have also been updated with a newer set of BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/As. You may notice there are no manual locking hubs at the front. That’s because V8 1974 Blazers with four-wheel drive came with a full-time system. As Chevrolet put it, that “supplies all the traction power you need for off-road going plus improved stability and positive driving control on rain-slicked or iced highways.”
Of course, the interior was redone as part of the restoration process. Like the outside, it received a color change – from Saddle vinyl to brown vinyl with gray cloth inserts. This is an original four-speed Blazer so you’ll have to row your own gears, but it does come with the convenience of a center console, power steering, and power front disc brakes.
There’s still a 350 under the hood, but it’s a modern crate motor from BluePrint Engines equipped with headers that flow into a dual exhaust system. According to the dyno sheet that comes with this rig, the new V8 pumps out 306 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.
The Blazer may not be what it once was, but love for the classic models has led to many of them being preserved or restored. This cosmetically and mechanically updated old-school Blazer can be yours for $69,900.
Click here to view the listing for this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com.
Source: www.classiccars.com