1976 Chevrolet Blazer Chalet
By the mid-1970s the recreational four wheel drive industry was booming. From its relatively obscure origins in the 1950's and 1960's the genre had found its feet, and Americans across the country were buying up four wheel drives in their droves. A few other revolutions were happening concurrently, the dirt bike craze was sweeping the nation and showing no signs of abating, and the American infatuation with RVs was taking off. In the 1970s General Motors was showing significant interest in the RV sector and they tried a number of approaches to capitalize on it.
For consignment we could say "and now for something completely different! ". Yes, not just your typical 4x4 climb to where there are no others, but taking your shelter with you in the form of a 78,591 title verified actual mile 1976 Blazer Chalet. Only produced for 2 years, we give you a collaboration between GM and RV manufacturer Chinook Mobilodge Inc. This particular example will need some TLC with the top to be raised so your 6'5" frame can actually stand up inside, as well as some invasive rust remediation. BUT you will have one of a mere few still remaining. Grab your groover kids, 2 beds await the wilds of unexplored wilderness. HIOHHHH!
Exterior
This vehicle starts out as a full size Blazer from the factory then goes to Chinook to be fitted with a steel frame and fiberglass cozy cabin that is literally right behind you. Our current version has a Santa Fe Tan with some Russet Poly, (Brown), highlighting. This truck has some rust blemishes throughout, mainly in the seams, as well as invasive rust through on the rockers, door frames and some side panels. The fiberglass camper is in need of repair, mainly on the pop up canvas and straps, which currently limits its use due to those straps being dry rotted. Badging and trimmings are all there but in need of a good polishing. This all rides on Chevrolet 15-inch Sport wheels and 31x10.5015LT knobbies. Honey, we found our spot, make the beds and I'll start a fire. Life is good!
Interior
A swing of the exterior doors reveals saddle brown vinyl buckets with some tuck and roll textured inserts which present in good shape. These is fronted by a faux wood grain wrap around dash complete with all the instrumentation. The rear cabin window and panel has been removed allowing access to the "Chalet" where we find dual saddle covered benches which will become the beds. Storage is beneath and as we move rearward we see everything you really needed, like two beds, seating for four, a small dinette table, a sink with a water carrying capacity of five gallons, a two burner gas stove, and an icebox, (if you didn't opt for the fridge). This camper unit is well attached, so don't go getting any ideas of hauling plywood. Good condition brown carpeting covers the floors. Sleep in heavenly peace.
Drivetrain
A pop of the hood reveals the standard 400ci V8 with a 4-barrel carb atop. A TH400 3-speed automatic transmission drives this 4x4. Power disc brakes are in front and power drums on back. A 12 bolt rear axle works together with a Dana 44 front axle, both with 3.73 gearing to turn the tires.
Undercarriage
Underneath reveals mostly structural soundness save for a few areas where rust is creeping in on the rockers and frame structure. Plenty of patina down here, and a new exhaust system is needed. What else but leaf spring suspension both front and rear provide the ride to move you through even the most wild of wilderness.
Drive-Ability
We're fortunate to have wide open space at the mall in order to fully test this vehicle on the loop. The low mileage ride performed as expected and is a grand departure from the GTO we drove earlier. Mind your sides and top and you'll be fine in this house on wheels. All driving functions from the cab worked as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
So if you are the adventurous type and enjoy full headroom, dual bed and eating outside capabilities, as well as have some time to spend on a rarely seen example hop into this horse and experience the wide open wilds of the corners of this country.
CKU186F209448
C-Chevrolet
K-4 Wheel Drive
U-400ci 4bbl V8
1-1/2 Ton
8-Blazer
6-1976
F-Flint, MI Assy Plant
209448-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
