1988 Chevrolet Blazer K5

Highlighting the Blazer's historic launch as “full-sized,” a slap at the then-smaller Ford Bronco, Chevrolet's 1988 promotional brochure put it this way: “The Full-Size Blazer has quite a heritage—one which began in 1969 when Blazer emerged as America's original full-size sport utility vehicle. Many model years later, it is still the ideal vehicle for the adventurer who really wants to go off into the horizon.”

Offered here is a well-maintained, properly upgraded “Heartbeat of America” '88 Blazer wearing a professional repaint in black. The truck has been in the hands of a collector and shows only 12,000 miles on its odometer.

The exterior black paint is evenly applied and uniformly glossy. The fiberglass cargo-area roof is unblemished. Metal trim—including the chrome bumpers, grille-surround, door handles, and mirrors—is in excellent condition. All factory-applied emblems are in place and properly mounted; the gold Chevrolet “bowtie” grille logo is perfect. Cabin glass and all lighting lenses are clear and free of damage. Aftermarket chrome wheels mounted with Cooper Discovery STT Pro tires, and an installed lift kit, give the SUV a purposeful stance.

Inside, the light gray cloth upholstery has been maintained in excellent condition. There are no signs of abuse or excessive wear, and no rips or tears. The matching door trim (featuring power-window controls) is in similar condition. Given the lighter color of the interior overall, its cleanliness is one reliable indication of prior-owner care. The gray carpeting in the cabin and the absence of wear on the doorjamb step-over areas is another. The dashboard, framed by the Chevrolet-branded steering wheel common to the brand's full-size trucks, includes the standard array of instruments and engine-monitoring gauges, set in a brushed-metal surround. That trim continues on the passenger side where a “Silverado” emblem is mounted in the factory-correct position. The automatic-transmission shifter is positioned on the steering column while the four-wheel-drive transfer case control lever is floor-mounted. Air conditioning and heating controls are slide-lever-operated, and an aftermarket, premium JVC audio head unit is installed in place of the factory radio. A lockable storage compartment is located between the front seats; the rear seat is a foldable bench with armrests. The cargo area is carpeted and the non-matching full-size spare is mounted there

Under the hood, the factory 5.7-liter V8 fuel-injected engine has received modest cosmetic upgrades including a chrome air-cleaner assembly and forged valve covers. The engine compartment is clean with all components and “plumbing” properly installed/routed. The truck's Duracell battery is under a year old. Underneath the truck, there is an absence of visible rust, and no evidence of abuse or too-aggressive off-road driving; no obvious dents or bent components.