This 1971 Chevrolet K5 Blazer makes its statement the moment you see it. First-generation K5s already carry lasting presence, but the black-over-red color combination takes that impact to another level. Black and red is one of those pairings that never ages, no matter the era or platform, and it fits the Blazer perfectly. The result is a Blazer that reads unmistakably vintage but never outdated.
The body presents with clean, straight sheet metal and consistent panel alignment throughout. The black finish lays down with deep gloss across the hood, doors, and quarters, giving the truck a crisp, finished look under studio lighting. Bright trim and glass show well and give the exterior a clean perimeter. Sitting tall on 15" rally wheels wheels wrapped in 33x10.50 BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain tires, The stance is tall, purposeful, and proportioned the way these trucks should be. The black and red combination works perfectly here. It is a timeless color pairing that never goes out of style, whether it is on a muscle car, a hot rod, or a classic 4x4 like this.
Under the hood sits a traditional Chevrolet small block V8 topped with a single 4 barrel carburetor, finished in correct Chevy orange and paired to a TH350 3 speed automatic transmission. Power feeds through a gear driven NP205 transfer case, a cast iron unit known for its near indestructible durability and ability to handle real torque without complaint. The rear axle is a 12 bolt with 3.07 gearing, matched to a Dana 44 front axle for proper four wheel drive capability. Power steering, power front disc brakes, a modern A/C compressor, and a true dual exhaust system complete the setup that is balanced, functional, and built for real use.
Inside is where the visual payoff really lands. The full red interior transforms the cabin into something bold and cohesive. The front bucket seats and matching rear bench are upholstered in bright red vinyl with correct vertical stitching and patterned inserts that echo vintage GM styling. Red carpet, red door panels, and the red dash pad tie the entire cabin together without feeling overdone. The dashboard retains its classic layout with a factory-style gauge cluster, a Custom Autosound receiver features Bluetooth capability and is discreetly installed in the original location, with Vintage Air climate controls neatly integrated under the dash. The center console adds practical storage while keeping the period look intact, and the four-wheel-drive floor shifter reminds you that this truck still has real hardware underneath it.
It is not a numbers-matching museum piece and never pretends to be. It is a fully sorted, enthusiast-built first-generation K5 that balances bold visual identity with real-world usability. Well-restored K5 Blazers have firmly moved into blue-chip status, and builds that combine strong presentation with functional upgrades continue to lead the market. This one delivers exactly that. It looks tough and carries the presence that made the first-generation K5 an icon in the first place.
