Former Military K5 Blazer By Retro Designs Just Sold For $190,000!

Arguably one of the most iconic SUV restomod trucks in recent memory has just sold for some seriously big bucks. But don’t worry. Right before this LS-swapped Chevy K5 Blazer classic crafted by Retro Designs went to its new home, we got ahold of some snaps of this majestic beast in the wild.

As with any merit, this blocky build blends the latest in automotive performance technology with a seriously retro throwback attitude. A time when ashtrays weren’t an optional add-on. They were a mandatory component of a car. This dark military green K5 Blazer restomod has a pretty fascinating background too.

Long before it was a high-dollar collector car, it was a regular old work truck…

Few vehicles can embody a certain era of driving as well as a vintage Blazer. We tried to stay as true as possible to the original vehicle to keep some of that historic elegance alive with this build. -Daniel Valjevac, Retro Designs General Manager

A K5 Blazer Built to Serve

For quite a few decades, this Blazer served as a military vehicle in the United States Air Force. Following its retirement,  the decommissioned Chevy Blazer worked with a string of fire departments, before being taken in by Retro Designs. There, the North Carolina classic vehicle specialist upgraded the Blazer with an LS3 motor and slapped a 4L65E transmission. Other performance driven conveniences include a PSC power steering system, Bilstein B6 4600 shock absorbers, and fresh BFGoodrich T/A K02 tires.

Surprisingly, this mounted up beautifully with the Blazer’s original Advance Adapters transfer case. It also got a four-wheel disc brake upgrade, a fresh PPG Army Green paint job, and a fully restored and upgraded cabin interior.

As for the Blazer’s interior, this was fully customized in-house by the Retro Designs crew. All told, this process took more than eight months of intensive restoration and OE replication. Note the premium “Relicate” leather seating with period-correct ’80s-era inserts throughout.

A fully functional touchscreen audio and video system bring the entertainment, while LED interior lighting illuminates a custom roll cage. After looking over this vehicle in its current state, we have to commend the team at Retro for performing their diligent crafts. This vehicle will have a new life and the new owners who paid the $190,000 premium price tag will surely enjoy it. Hopefully they will enjoy it out on the trails and not tucked away in a garage collection.

What do the readers of Off Road Xtreme think? Drop a comment below and share this beautiful build with your friends.

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Micah Wright

Raised on LEGOs by grandfathers who insisted on fixing everything themselves, Micah has been a petrolhead in training since age four. His favorite past times include craft beer, strong cigars, fast cars, and culinary creativity in all of its forms.
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