The 1969 Chevrolet Blazer

During 1969, the recreational market was growing due to the increased sales generated by the buying public favoring utility type vehicles. In April 1969, Chevrolet’s Truck division introduced the 1969 Chevrolet Blazer. The Chevrolet Blazer was a four-wheel drive cross country vehicle that was designed to compete with the Ford Bronco, the International Scout, and Chrysler Jeep models. The Chevrolet Blazer was built at the Chevrolet plant in St. Louis with its base model ranging from $2,500 - $4,500.


Before General Motors started the program for the Chevrolet Blazer models, a survey was conducted to evaluate what consumers wanted in this type of vehicle that they were currently not receiving from its competitors. The division stated that the study indicated that users would be more receptive to a somewhat larger, more powerful, higher designed utility vehicle that included better riding, handling, and steering for both on and off road driving.



The Chevrolet Blazer offered consumers a variety of options that many people enjoyed. The basic model was an open body vehicle with a single seat for the driver and a wide three person rear seating for its passengers. Other options included a station wagon with a plastic or hard top version in black or white. For versatility, consumers had the option to have the top on or off. The weather tight reinforced fiber glass hard top was bolted to the Blazer body and easily removed by the consumer. Windows and windowpanes were also used for its side doors.



The Chevrolet Blazer offered many additional features such as power steering, radio, tinted glass, and air conditioning. It also offered many other appearance features such as color keyed custom interiors, bright exterior moldings, wheel covers, and chrome bumpers. The suspension system was designed to offer the best combination of off road durability and highway driving. The Blazer offered a smooth ride for the consumer and stood out because of its modern tapered leaf springs in both the front and rear suspensions. Additionally, double acting shock absorbers resulted in smooth driving and precise handling over most any type of ground or highways.



The Chevrolet Blazer was a tough vehicle that consumers loved due to its wide track design. The consumer could drive in into backwoods, wilderness, cross a stream of water, or take it on a mountain side ride. The vehicle was like nothing else on wheels a car/truck combination with the sure stance and stability you would never expect in a short wheelbase vehicle. Today, the 1969 Chevy Blazer models still have a huge truck following among collectors. Early models, through the mid 70's, are the most popular with collectors because of its climbing ability and horsepower. There's many other truck and off road vehicles that have a loyal following however the Chevy Blazer models are far and always the most popular among collectors, if you're looking for one expect to pay about $17,800 for a vehicle in excellent condition.

A special thanks to Robert Tate, Automotive Historian and Researcher, for donating the story to the MotorCities Story of the Week program. Photographs courtesy of Bob Tate’s Personal Collection.

Please do not republish the story and/or photographs without permission of MotorCities National Heritage Area. For further information contact Robert Tate at btate@motorcities.org. If you have a story that you would like to donate to be featured as a MotorCities Story of the Week, email Lisa Ambriez at lambriez@motorcities.org.