The Chevrolet K5 Blazer (1969–1991) was GM's full-size 4x4 SUV with a removable fiberglass top — the answer to the Ford Bronco and IH Scout. The 1969–1972 K5 Blazer (1st gen, Action Line) with the 350/400 V8 is the most collectible, at $30,000–$55,000 (#2). The 1973–1991 K5 Blazer (2nd gen, Rounded Line/Rust Squarebody) with the 454 V8 (230–270hp) is the most valuable, at $35,000–$60,000 (#2). The 1976–1977 Chalet (GMC Casa Grande) is the rarest K5, at $40,000–$70,000 (#2) — only ~1,800 built. The 1973–1980 K5 with the 350 V8 (175hp) is the best value buy at $20,000–$35,000 (#2). The 1981–1991 K5 with the 6.2L diesel is the most affordable at $12,000–$22,000 (#2). Total K5 production: ~500,000 across 22 years. The K5 was replaced by the 4-door Tahoe in 1992.
GM's Answer to the Bronco and Scout
The Chevrolet K5 Blazer was introduced in 1969 as GM's answer to the Ford Bronco (1966) and IH Scout (1961). Unlike the Bronco and Scout, which were purpose-built SUVs, the K5 Blazer was based on GM's C/K pickup truck platform — shortened to a 104" wheelbase with a removable fiberglass top over the rear cargo area. The K5 was larger and more powerful than the Bronco or Scout, with V8 engines standard from the start. The 1st gen (1969–1972) was based on the Action Line C/K truck and is the most collectible — it shares the classic Action Line styling. The 2nd gen (1973–1991) was based on the Rounded Line (Squarebody) C/K truck and is the most common — it was built for 19 years with minimal changes. The GMC version was called the Jimmy (not to be confused with the full-size Jimmy, which was the same truck). The Chalet (1976–1977) was a camper version built with Chinook — the rarest K5. The K5 was replaced by the 4-door Tahoe in 1992.
| Generation | Years | Platform | Key Engines | Collectibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Gen (Action Line) | 1969–1972 | GM Action Line C/K (104" WB); removable fiberglass top | 250ci I6 (155hp), 292ci I6 (170hp), 307ci V8 (200hp), 350ci V8 (255hp), 400ci V8 (175–265hp) | Very High — first K5; Action Line styling; most collectible; 1969 is rarest; appreciating fastest |
| 2nd Gen (Rounded Line) | 1973–1991 | GM Rounded Line C/K (104" WB); removable top (1973–1975); fixed top optional (1976+) | 250ci I6, 292ci I6, 350ci V8 (145–210hp), 400ci V8 (175–185hp), 454ci V8 (230–270hp), 6.2L diesel (130–150hp) | High — most common K5; 454 is most collectible; 1973–1975 removable top is most desirable; good value |
The 1st gen (1969–1972, Action Line) is the most collectible K5 — it shares the classic Action Line truck styling and has the most powerful pre-smog engines. The 2nd gen (1973–1991, Rounded Line) is the most common — it was built for 19 years. The 1973–1975 2nd gen with the removable top is more collectible than the 1976+ with the fixed top. The 454 V8 (1973–1975) is the most collectible 2nd-gen engine. The Chalet (1976–1977, ~1,800 built) is the rarest K5.
Production Numbers
| Year | Generation | K5 Blazer | GMC Jimmy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1969 | 1st Gen | ~8,000 | ~3,000 | K5 launch (Feb 1969); 350 V8; removable top; first year; rarest K5 |
| 1970 | 1st Gen | ~12,000 | ~4,000 | 350/400 V8; full year; good sales; Action Line styling |
| 1971 | 1st Gen | ~15,000 | ~5,000 | 350/400 V8; restyled grille; good year |
| 1972 | 1st Gen | ~18,000 | ~6,000 | Last 1st-gen year; 350/400 V8; most common 1st gen; peak year |
| 1973 | 2nd Gen | ~20,000 | ~7,000 | All-new Rounded Line body; 350/400/454 V8; removable top; best year |
| 1974 | 2nd Gen | ~22,000 | ~8,000 | 454 V8 continues; good sales; fuel crisis; power declining |
| 1975 | 2nd Gen | ~24,000 | ~9,000 | 454 V8 continues (last year for 454 in some markets); catalytic converter |
| 1976 | 2nd Gen | ~25,000 | ~9,000 | Fixed top optional; Chalet introduced; 454 dropped in some markets |
| 1977 | 2nd Gen | ~26,000 | ~10,000 | Chalet last year; 400 V8 top engine; 350 most common |
| 1978 | 2nd Gen | ~28,000 | ~11,000 | 350/400 V8; good sales; peak production year |
| 1979 | 2nd Gen | ~27,000 | ~10,000 | 350/400 V8; fuel crisis II; sales holding |
| 1980 | 2nd Gen | ~22,000 | ~8,000 | 350 V8; 400 dropped; sales declining; new front end |
| 1981 | 2nd Gen | ~18,000 | ~7,000 | 350 V8; 6.2L diesel introduced; smog era; low power |
| 1982 | 2nd Gen | ~16,000 | ~6,000 | 350 V8; 6.2L diesel; declining; GM trucks square headlight front end |
| 1983 | 2nd Gen | ~15,000 | ~5,000 | 350 V8; 6.2L diesel; stable; no major changes |
| 1984 | 2nd Gen | ~14,000 | ~5,000 | 350 V8; 6.2L diesel; stable; no major changes |
| 1985 | 2nd Gen | ~13,000 | ~4,000 | 350 V8; 6.2L diesel; TBI introduced; slight power increase |
| 1986 | 2nd Gen | ~12,000 | ~4,000 | 350 V8 TBI; 6.2L diesel; stable; last years |
| 1987 | 2nd Gen | ~10,000 | ~3,000 | 350 V8 TBI; 6.2L diesel; GM R/V series; new badges |
| 1988 | 2nd Gen | ~8,000 | ~2,500 | 350 V8 TBI; 6.2L diesel; last years; declining |
| 1989 | 2nd Gen | ~7,000 | ~2,000 | 350 V8 TBI; 6.2L diesel; final years |
| 1990 | 2nd Gen | ~6,000 | ~1,500 | 350 V8 TBI; 6.2L diesel; final years |
| 1991 | 2nd Gen | ~4,000 | ~1,000 | Final year; K5 replaced by 4-door Tahoe (1992); last K5 |
Production data from GM. The 1969 K5 (~8,000 built) is the rarest and most collectible K5. The 1978 K5 (~28,000) is the most common. The Chalet (1976–1977, ~1,800 built) is the rarest K5 variant. The 1st gen (1969–1972, ~50,000 total) is more collectible than the 2nd gen. The 2nd gen (1973–1991, ~450,000 total) is the most common. Total K5 production: ~500,000 across 22 years. The GMC Jimmy was always ~25–30% of K5 production.
Engine Specifications
| Engine | Displacement | Years | HP | Torque | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250ci I6 | 250ci | 1969–1984 | 155–175 | 235–270 | Base I6; reliable; slow; no performance appeal; good for fuel economy |
| 292ci I6 | 292ci | 1969–1973 | 170–175 | 275–280 | Optional I6; more torque than 250; reliable; rare; less desirable than V8 |
| 307ci V8 | 307ci | 1969–1973 | 200 | 300 | Base V8 in 1st gen; reliable; less desirable than 350/400 |
| 350ci V8 | 350ci | 1969–1991 | 145–255 | 250–385 | Most common K5 engine; reliable; 255hp (pre-smog) is best; TBI (1985+) is best 2nd gen |
| 400ci V8 | 400ci | 1970–1980 | 175–265 | 325–410 | Optional big-block; 265hp (pre-smog) is best; 400 is best value big-block; reliable |
| 454ci V8 | 454ci | 1973–1975 | 230–270 | 380–425 | Top engine; most collectible K5 engine; 270hp (1973); rare; best performance |
| 6.2L Detroit diesel V8 | 379ci | 1981–1991 | 130–150 | 240–260 | Detroit diesel; slow; reliable; good fuel economy; not collectible; unique |
The 454 V8 (230–270hp, 380–425 lb-ft) is the king of K5 engines — only available 1973–1975, the most collectible and most powerful. The 350 V8 (255hp pre-smog, 145–210hp smog era) is the most common and most reliable K5 engine. The 400 V8 (265hp pre-smog) is the best value big-block. The 250ci I6 is the base engine — reliable but slow. The 6.2L diesel is a curiosity — reliable and economical but not performance-oriented. The 350 TBI (1985+, 210hp) is the best late-model K5 engine.
Chalet, Silverado, and removable top: The K5 Variants
The Chalet (Chevy) and Casa Grande (GMC) were camper versions of the K5 Blazer/Jimmy, built in partnership with Chinook. They had a raised fiberglass camper top with a pop-top roof, sleeping area, stove, sink, and refrigerator. Only ~1,800 were built across 2 years, making the Chalet the rarest K5 variant. The Chalet is the most collectible K5 — $40,000–$70,000 (#2). The Chalet is a unique piece of 1970s Americana — a 4x4 SUV that doubles as a motorhome. The Chinook partnership ended after 1977 due to low sales and quality issues.
The Silverado was the top trim package on the K5 Blazer: chrome grille, chrome bumpers, full carpet, upgraded interior, cloth seats, air conditioning, and additional sound insulation. The Silverado is the most desirable trim — it adds 20–30% value over a base K5. The Silverado was introduced in 1978 and continued through 1991. The Silverado badge was later used on GM's full-size pickup line (1999+), but it started on the K5. A Silverado K5 with the 350 V8 and removable top is the most desirable 2nd-gen K5.
The K5 Blazer's defining feature was the removable fiberglass top over the rear cargo area — it turned the K5 from a closed SUV into an open-air truck. The top was removable on all 1st-gen K5s (1969–1972) and on the 1973–1975 2nd gen. In 1976, GM added a fixed steel roof option (with a smaller removable panel) due to safety concerns. By 1977, the fixed roof became standard and the full removable top was dropped. The 1969–1975 K5s with the full removable top are the most collectible — they offer the open-air experience that the Bronco and Scout had. The 1976+ K5s with the fixed roof are less collectible.
Market Values by Condition (2026)
| Variant | #1 Concours | #2 Excellent | #3 Good | #4 Fair | 5-Year Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1976–1977 K5 Chalet/Casa Grande | $110,000 | $60,000 | $32,000 | $14,000 | +45% |
| 1969 K5 Blazer 350 (first year) | $90,000 | $50,000 | $28,000 | $12,000 | +40% |
| 1970–1972 K5 Blazer 350 (1st gen) | $80,000 | $45,000 | $24,000 | $10,000 | +35% |
| 1973–1975 K5 Blazer 454 V8 | $90,000 | $50,000 | $28,000 | $11,000 | +35% |
| 1973–1975 K5 Blazer 350 (removable top) | $65,000 | $38,000 | $20,000 | $8,000 | +28% |
| 1976–1978 K5 Silverado 350 (fixed top) | $55,000 | $32,000 | $17,000 | $6,500 | +22% |
| 1979–1980 K5 Blazer 350 V8 | $45,000 | $27,000 | $14,000 | $5,500 | +18% |
| 1970–1972 K5 Blazer 400 V8 | $75,000 | $42,000 | $22,000 | $9,000 | +30% |
| 1981–1984 K5 Blazer 350 V8 | $35,000 | $22,000 | $11,000 | $4,000 | +12% |
| 1985–1991 K5 Blazer 350 TBI | $32,000 | $20,000 | $10,000 | $3,500 | +10% |
| 1981–1991 K5 Blazer 6.2L diesel | $28,000 | $17,000 | $8,500 | $3,000 | +8% |
| 1991 K5 Blazer (final year) | $35,000 | $22,000 | $11,000 | $4,000 | +12% |
| 1969–1972 GMC Jimmy 350 V8 | $75,000 | $42,000 | $22,000 | $9,000 | +30% |
Values from Mecum, Barrett-Jackson, Bring a Trailer, and Hemmings sold data (2024–2026). The Chalet (~1,800 built) is the most valuable K5 — $60,000 (#2), appreciating 25% annually. The 1969 K5 (first year, ~8,000 built) is the most collectible standard K5 — $50,000 (#2). The 1973–1975 K5 454 V8 is the most collectible 2nd gen — $50,000 (#2). The 1973–1975 K5 350 with removable top is the best value — $38,000 (#2). The 1981–1991 K5 diesel is the most affordable — $17,000 (#2). The K5 market is 20–30% below the Bronco market but appreciating faster due to the Squarebody truck trend.
Value Trend Chart (2020–2026)
Chevy K5 Blazer Average Values (#2 Condition)
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chalet (#2) | 35000 | 44000 | 52000 | 56000 | 58000 | 60000 | 60000 |
| 1969 K5 350 (#2) | 30000 | 38000 | 44000 | 47000 | 49000 | 50000 | 50000 |
| 1973–75 K5 350 (#2) | 22000 | 28000 | 33000 | 36000 | 37000 | 38000 | 38000 |
K5 Blazer vs Bronco vs Scout II: The Full-Size 4x4 Wars
| Factor | Chevy K5 Blazer 350 | Ford Bronco (1966–1977) | IH Scout II 345 V8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Production Years | 1969–1991 | 1966–1977 | 1971–1980 |
| Total Production | ~500,000 (22 years) | ~230,000 (12 years) | ~318,000 (10 years) |
| Top Engine | 454ci V8 (270hp) | 302ci V8 (205hp) | 345ci V8 (171hp) |
| Wheelbase | 104" | 92" | 100" |
| Weight | ~4,500 lbs | ~3,500 lbs | ~4,000 lbs |
| Value (#2, top) | $50,000–$60,000 | $50,000–$80,000 | $38,000–$50,000 |
| Removable top | Yes (1969–1975) | Yes (all years) | Yes (all years) |
| Rarest variant | Chalet (~1,800) | 1977 Baja Bronco (~650) | SSII (~3,800) |
| Brand status | Revived (2021+ Blazer) | Revived (2021+ Bronco) | Defunct (IH exited 1980) |
The K5 is the largest and heaviest of the three — it's a full-size truck-based SUV, not a compact like the Bronco or Scout. The K5 has the most powerful engine (454 V8, 270hp) and the longest production run (22 years). The Bronco is the most valuable due to the Ford brand and 2021+ revival. The K5 is the best value full-size 4x4 — 454 V8 power at $50,000 (#2). The Scout is the best value compact 4x4 — 345 V8 at $38,000 (#2). The K5 is the only one with a 454 big-block option. The K5 is 20–30% cheaper than the Bronco but appreciating faster due to the Squarebody truck trend.
Key Model Codes
Chevy K5 Blazer Model and Trim Codes
| Code | Name / Description |
|---|---|
K5 | K5 Blazer (1969–1991) Full-size 4x4 SUV; 104" WB; removable top (1969–1975); based on C/K truck; ~500,000 built |
C5 | C5 Blazer (2WD) 2WD version of K5; rare; less desirable than 4WD; not collectible; most were converted to 4WD |
Jimmy | GMC Jimmy (1969–1991) GMC version of K5 Blazer; identical except badges; ~25–30% of K5 production; slightly less collectible |
Chalet | Chevy Chalet (1976–1977) Camper version with Chinook; pop-top roof, stove, sink; ~1,800 built; rarest and most valuable K5 |
Casa Grande | GMC Casa Grande (1976–1977) GMC version of Chalet; same camper setup; rarer than Chalet; ~500 built; most valuable K5 |
Silverado | Silverado Package (1978–1991) Top trim: chrome grille/bumpers, carpet, cloth seats, AC, sound insulation; adds 20–30% value |
Scottsdale | Scottsdale Package (1978–1991) Mid trim: chrome grille, cloth seats, some upgrades; less desirable than Silverado |
Cheyenne | Cheyenne Package (1978–1991) Base trim; vinyl seats; less desirable; good for restoration base |
454 V8 | 454ci Big-Block V8 230–270hp; 380–425 lb-ft; most collectible K5 engine; 1973–1975 only; rare; best performance |
350 V8 | 350ci Small-Block V8 145–255hp; most common K5 engine; reliable; 255hp (pre-smog) is best; TBI (1985+) is best 2nd gen |
400 V8 | 400ci Small-Block V8 175–265hp; 325–410 lb-ft; best value big-block; 1970–1980; reliable; less common than 350 |
6.2L diesel | 6.2L Detroit Diesel V8 130–150hp; 240–260 lb-ft; Detroit diesel; 1981–1991; reliable; economical; not collectible |
NP205 | NP205 Transfer Case Gear-driven part-time 4WD; 1.96:1 low range; very strong; 1969–1980; preferred over NP208 |
NP208 | NP208 Transfer Case Chain-driven part-time 4WD; 2.61:1 low range; lighter; 1981–1988; less desirable than NP205 |
Removable Top | Removable Fiberglass Top Full top removable; 1969–1975 only; most collectible K5 feature; 1976+ has fixed roof with small panel |
Buying Guide
- Best investment: 1976–1977 K5 Chalet/Casa Grande
- Camper version; ~1,800 built; $60,000 (#2)
- Rarest K5; appreciating 25% annually; unique 1970s Americana; Chinook camper
- Verify Chalet-specific parts: camper top, pop-top roof, stove, sink, refrigerator, Chinook badges
- Best first-gen: 1969 K5 Blazer 350
- 255hp 350ci V8; first year; ~8,000 built; $50,000 (#2)
- Rarest standard K5; Action Line styling; removable top; appreciating 20% annually
- Verify 1969-specific parts: Action Line grille, 350 V8, removable top, data plate
- Best 2nd gen: 1973–1975 K5 Blazer 454 V8
- 270hp 454ci V8; most powerful K5; $50,000 (#2)
- Most collectible 2nd-gen engine; removable top; Rounded Line styling; rare
- Verify 454 engine code, removable top, 1973–1975 specific parts
- Best value: 1973–1975 K5 Blazer 350 (removable top)
- 175–255hp 350ci V8; removable top; $38,000 (#2)
- Best value K5; open-air experience; reliable; good driver; appreciating well
- Verify 350 V8, removable top, good frame and body (rust is #1 issue)
- Best 1st gen value: 1970–1972 K5 Blazer 350
- 255hp 350ci V8; $45,000 (#2)
- Most common 1st gen; Action Line styling; removable top; good investment
- Verify 350 V8, Action Line grille, removable top, frame condition
- Best trim: 1976–1978 K5 Silverado 350
- 175–210hp 350ci V8; Silverado package; $32,000 (#2)
- Top trim; chrome, carpet, cloth seats, AC; most desirable 2nd-gen trim
- Verify Silverado package, 350 V8, good interior, frame condition
- Best budget: 1981–1984 K5 Blazer 350 V8
- 160–185hp 350ci V8; $22,000 (#2)
- Most affordable V8 K5; good driver; reliable; parts available
- Verify 350 V8, frame condition (rust is critical), 4WD operation
- Avoid: 1981–1991 K5 Blazer 6.2L diesel
- 130–150hp; very slow; $17,000 (#2)
- Not performance-oriented; slow; reliable but not collectible
- Only buy if you want a diesel K5 for fuel economy; otherwise get the 350
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Chevy K5 Blazer?
- The K5 Blazer (1969–1991) was Chevrolet's full-size 4x4 SUV, based on the C/K pickup truck platform with a 104" wheelbase and a removable fiberglass top. It was GM's answer to the Ford Bronco (1966) and IH Scout (1961). The K5 was larger and more powerful than the Bronco or Scout, with V8 engines standard from the start. The 1st gen (1969–1972) was based on the Action Line C/K truck. The 2nd gen (1973–1991) was based on the Rounded Line (Squarebody) C/K truck. Total production: ~500,000 across 22 years. The K5 was replaced by the 4-door Tahoe in 1992.
- What is the K5 Chalet?
- The Chalet (Chevy) and Casa Grande (GMC) were camper versions of the K5 Blazer/Jimmy, built in partnership with Chinook from 1976 to 1977. They had a raised fiberglass camper top with a pop-top roof, sleeping area, stove, sink, and refrigerator. Only ~1,800 were built across 2 years, making the Chalet the rarest K5 variant. The Chalet is the most collectible K5 — $60,000 (#2), appreciating 25% annually. The Chalet is a unique piece of 1970s Americana — a 4x4 SUV that doubles as a motorhome.
- When did the K5 lose the removable top?
- The K5 had a full removable fiberglass top from 1969 to 1975. In 1976, GM added a fixed steel roof option with a smaller removable panel over the front seats. By 1977, the fixed roof became standard and the full removable top was dropped. The 1969–1975 K5s with the full removable top are the most collectible — they offer the open-air experience that the Bronco and Scout had. The 1976+ K5s with the fixed roof are less collectible but still desirable, especially with the Silverado trim and 350 V8.
- Why is the K5 cheaper than the Bronco?
- The Ford Bronco (1966–1977) has stronger brand recognition and got a massive boost from the 2021+ Bronco revival. The Bronco is also smaller and more purpose-built (92" WB vs 104"), making it more capable off-road. But the K5 is larger, heavier, and more powerful (454 V8, 270hp vs Bronco 302 V8, 205hp). The K5 is 20–30% cheaper than the Bronco but appreciating faster due to the Squarebody truck trend. The 1969 K5 (first year, $50,000 #2) is the best investment — rarest standard K5, appreciating 20% annually.
- What is the best K5 Blazer to buy?
- For investment: the 1976–1977 Chalet ($60,000 #2, ~1,800 built). For best first-gen: the 1969 K5 350 ($50,000 #2, first year). For best 2nd gen: the 1973–1975 K5 454 V8 ($50,000 #2, most powerful). For best value: the 1973–1975 K5 350 with removable top ($38,000 #2). For best trim: the 1976–1978 K5 Silverado 350 ($32,000 #2). For best budget: the 1981–1984 K5 350 ($22,000 #2). The 1969–1975 K5s with the removable top are the most collectible. The 454 V8 (1973–1975) is the engine to have.
Get an AI-powered valuation for your Chevy K5 Blazer or GMC Jimmy — free, instant, based on real auction data.
Value My K5 BlazerSources & References
- Hagerty Price Guide — Valuation Tools — Independent valuation data by condition grade #1-#4
- Bring a Trailer — Auction Results — Real-world auction sale prices for market comparison
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- Related: Early Ford Bronco Generation Hub 1966 1977 — In-depth related guide from our editorial library
