I had the chance to drive one of the newly revived Chevrolet Blazers when the iconic model name was reintroduced in 2019. This new Blazer was a stylish crossover with decent power and a comfortable ride.
Personally, I found its modern version appealing, but not everyone shares that sentiment.
Whenever the conversation turns to the new Blazer, I always hear comments along the lines of, “They should’ve brought it back as an off-roader like the old ones.”
This classic Blazer retains all the rugged, boxy charm that defined the original models, with some impressive enhancements.
Known as a “Square Body,” it comes from a rare era in which Chevrolet offered the Blazer with a removable fiberglass hardtop that covers both the front and rear seats, along with the cargo area.
Before the current dealer took possession, this Blazer underwent a body-on restoration that changed its color from the original Grecian Bronze to a striking orange-and-white combination.
The wheels have also been upgraded with a fresh set of BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/As. You might notice the absence of manual locking hubs in the front; that’s because the 1974 V8-powered four-wheel-drive Blazers featured a full-time system.
As Chevrolet described it, this system “supplies all the traction power you need for off-road going plus improved stability and positive driving control on rain-slicked or iced highways.”
The interior, too, was refreshed as part of the restoration. It received a color update, shifting from the original Saddle vinyl to a combination of brown vinyl with gray cloth inserts.
This Blazer is equipped with a four-speed manual transmission, so you’ll need to shift gears yourself, but it does come with conveniences like a center console, power steering, and power front disc brakes.
Under the hood, there’s still a 350-cubic-inch engine, but it’s a modern crate motor from BluePrint Engines, fitted with headers that feed into a dual exhaust system.
According to the included dyno sheet, this new V8 generates 306 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.
While the Blazer has evolved over the years, the appreciation for these classic models has only grown, leading many to be preserved or restored. This beautifully updated, classic Blazer—both cosmetically and mechanically—is currently available for $69,900.
