A retro redux of a Chevrolet K5 Blazer is not a new concept, but it’s definitely one that continues to evolve. Earlier this year at the 2020 Autorama, we saw a Chevrolet Tahoe re-skinned to look like an old Blazer, and people seemed to like it. Chevrolet itself reimagined the classic by taking a 1977 K5 Blazer and plugged in an Electric Connect And Cruise system. This was shown as a concept for what customers can do with a Chevrolet Bolt EV’s battery and electric motor sold a la carte. Then there’s this SEMA Battle of the Builders entry: a GMT900 Chevrolet SUV with a removable roof that celebrates the original K5 Blazer of yesteryear.
Built by Leonard Boschman, this “2013 Chevrolet K5 Blazer” is entered into the Street Trucks/SUVs category of the 2020 SEMA Battle of the Builders, and features parts from Reflex Box Liner Coating, Katzkin, Lund, Leer, Mickey Thompson, and Rigid. A full spec sheet of the build is expected to be available soon, so at this time it’s unknown what’s under the hood, or what its body is truly made of. It could have started life as a 2013 Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban or Avalanche of that same generation, seeing as they all share the same front end design. But one thing is for sure, some extensive body fabrication happened. What was at one point a four-door SUV is now a two-door, and in its place looks to be a pickup truck bed with a roll cage and a set of rear seats, just like the original K5 Blazer. A removable Leer bed cover completes the look, allowing for all-weather functionality.
Since the debut of the 2021 Ford Bronco 2-Door and 4-Door, Chevrolet has seen no shortage of criticism with what it’s chosen to do with the Blazer nameplate, which used to compete directly with the Bronco. But with sales of the FWD-based crossover utility vehicle are performing well, there’s little doubt that the vehicle itself was a necessary product. But the Blazer name could have seen better use.