In the 1960s, American automakers were laying the groundwork for a new type of vehicle: the SUV. The popularity of the Jeep CJ-5 revealed that buyers liked the idea of a small off-road capable 4x4, and the International Scout and Ford Bronco showed that buyers also wanted a 4x4 that was more comfortable and practical. After studying this emerging market and seeing the success of its own Chevy Suburban, General Motors decided to throw its hat in the ring with the release of the legendary K5 Blazer in 1969. The Blazer was larger, more refined on paved roads, and kept costs low by sharing parts with GM's C/K series trucks, but it could still hold its own on rough off-road trails.
Lead photo courtesy of General Motors. Additional images courtesy of Mecum Auctions.
The K5 Blazer Set the Tone for Future SUVs
The first-generation 1969-72 K5 Blazer was based on GM's "Action Line" C/K Series pickup architecture. At first, it came standard with selectable four-wheel drive, but the 1970 model year began to mirror the C/K trucks by offering both 4WD and 2WD variants. Engine options ranged from a 250ci straight six to a 350ci V8.
One feature that made the Blazer feel like more than just a truck was its fully removable hardtop or soft top. Paired with pillarless doors, this setup offered all the benefits of an open-air experience for weekend cruises and an enclosed cab for weekday commuting.
Compared to its most direct competitor, the Bronco, the K5 Blazer was both wider and longer. This offered more space for passengers and cargo, and it was a better match for what the SUV market would become over the upcoming decades.
In 1973, GM released the next generation of its C/K series trucks, officially called the "Rounded Line" but affectionately nicknamed the "Square Body" by enthusiasts. Since the Blazer was based on the truck chassis, it also got updated, becoming 7 inches longer and receiving more luxurious features. The K5 Blazer fender badge was eventually phased out in 1988.
The Square Body Blazer also served as the basis for the M1009 CUCV military truck, which we wrote about previously.
The final generation for the full-size Chevy Blazer was based on the 1988-98 GMT400 Chevy Silverado platform. It was introduced in 1992 — now entirely without the K5 designation — and would only continue through the 1994 model year. In 1995, the GMT400 Blazer would be renamed as the Chevy Tahoe and offered in a traditional 3-door or new 5-door variant smaller than a Suburban.
The following video from Rare Cars does a nice job summarizing the history of the Chevy Blazer and the features that made it such an influential early SUV:
Looking for K5 Blazer Parts?
If you're working on a classic K5 Blazer, Classic Industries has the parts you need to make it look brand new again. Our GM Truck parts catalog has thousands of original-style components and aftermarket upgrades to choose from. Click the button below to browse our inventory of Chevy & GMC truck parts:
