If there ever was a “most desirable Chevy 4×4” it has to be the first-generation Chevy Blazer. There are still primo examples of this bodaciously beautiful beast still roaming about, see Project Iron Blazer for one of our personal favorites. Introduced to the Chevrolet truck product line in 1969, the first full-size Blazer was re-branded as the GMC Jimmy in 1970. Both were based on the manufacturer’s very successful short-wheelbase pickup trucks.

A poster found in dealerships touting the virtues of the Chevrolet K5 Blazer.

Chevy designed the Blazer to compete against the International Harvester Scout and the Ford Bronco. Being built on the short wheelbase pickup chassis allowed the Blazer (and eventually the Jimmy) to have greater interior space (thus greater passenger comfort) at a lower production cost due to the shared platform. It was an instant hit, providing powerful off-road ability and features like air conditioning and an automatic transmission that were normally available on pickup trucks.

Four powerplant choices could be had: The 250 ci I-6, 292 ci I-6, 307 ci V8, and a 350 ci V8 were all available. The K5 was built as a 4WD model only when introduced in 1969, but a 2WD model was offered from 1970 on. A three-speed Turbo Hydromatic (TH350), a three-speed manual transmission, and a four-speed synchromesh (SM465) manual transmission were your choices; and two transfer cases, a Dana 20 (with the manual transmissions) or the NP205 (for either juice box or gear grinder ) could be ordered.

The 2WD model featured IFS and rear trailing arms, both using coil springs; while the 4WD version rode on a solid axles front and rear with leaf springs on both. All four corners had drum brakes until 1971, then the standard front discs were introduced.

If you have one of the first-gen Bowtie Blazers or GMC Jimmys, send us a photo of it doing what you love best — four-wheelin’. Include information and specs about you and the truck, and we’ll post the whole story in a mini-feature on Off Road Xtreme.