1971 Chevrolet K5 Blazer CST 4x4, running 350 project with no reserve and a bid far under first-gen money

Why we picked it

This 1971 K5 Blazer CST is on Hagerty Marketplace with no reserve, bid to $2,400 after five bids, ending November 4. The VIN decodes to a 1971 K5 built in St. Louis. It has a 350 V8, a column-shift Turbo Hydra-Matic, two-speed transfer case, Mile Marker manual locking hubs and a 3.73 rear axle. The seller says it starts, idles and drives with strong oil pressure, and the fuel pump was replaced in September. It comes with a clean Utah title in the seller's name.

Why we picked it: first-generation K5s (1969-72) are the most sought-after Blazers, and the cheapest recent sales we found were $12,750 for a project and $35,000 and up for drivers. This one needs rust repair and electrical work, so it is a project, but it runs and is complete. Bids usually climb in the last day, and with no reserve it will sell, so expect it to finish well above $2,400. It would still be a good buy anywhere near project money.

The value check

The current bid is $2,400. Comparable cars in the same condition have sold for $12,750, so the middle of the market is about $12,750. That put this car 81% under. Bids usually climb in the final hours, so the discount will likely shrink.

The closest project comp is a 1969 K5 4x4 project that sold for $12,750 on Bring a Trailer (Oct 2025); running first-gen drivers have sold for $35,000 and up. The $2,400 bid plus Hagerty's 7% premium is about $2,570, roughly 80% under that project sale, but bids usually climb a lot on no-reserve trucks.

Where the numbers come from:

• 1969 K5 Blazer 4x4 project, BaT, $12,750 (Oct 2025)
• 1972 K5 Blazer modified, BaT, $35,000 (Jul 2026)
• 1971 K5 Blazer CST modified, BaT, $42,000 (Aug 2026)
• 1971 model-year K5 market page, classic.com

What to check

• The seller notes visible rust on the body, bumpers, undercarriage and under the hood; check rocker panels, cab corners, floor pans, the rear wheel wells and the tailgate, which all rot on 1969-72 K5s
• The transmission sometimes shifts hard enough to chirp the tires; budget for a TH350 or TH400 service or rebuild
• The A/C does not blow cold, the AM radio and some lights do not work, and other electrical items are listed as not working
• Mileage is listed as 41,000 true mileage unknown, and the listing gives two different years (2025 and 2026) for when the seller bought it
• Confirm the removable top, front axle and transfer case are original and the frame is solid at the rear spring hangers
• Hagerty adds a 7% buyer's premium; the truck is sold as-is and the buyer arranges pickup or shipping from Utah

Making it drive like new

A first-gen K5 is a classic restomod base: start with full rust repair, then front disc brakes with a hydroboost, a modern steering box with a frame brace, new springs and shocks, and either EFI on the 350 or an LS swap with a 4L60E or 4L80E. Add three-point belts and a cage tied into the frame if the top will come off.

7 builders make a complete chassis for the 1969–72 K5 Blazer, first generation. Compare them side by side, along with what it takes to stiffen the factory frame.