It’s not just any K5 Blazer, though, but one like the company Velocity from Penascola, Florida, USA got their hands on it.
Those who are well versed in the arena of classic cars are certainly familiar with players such as Alfaholics and Singer.
There are companies that take an old, sought-after model and completely renovate it and add just the right amount of modernity. It’s a matter of combining the best of both worlds.
What Velocity does is take a similar mindset and apply it to extremely American icons.
The range includes, for example, the Ford Bronco, Ford Mustang, and International Scout.
We got our hands on the brand’s Chevrolet K5 Blazera car that became a real success story for American General Motors.
The cars are renovated by hand in Florida, USA. (Photo: Velocity) A real success
When the Chevrolet K5 Blazer debuted in 1969, it took the segment by storm. It was based on a pick-up, which reduced costs, increased interior space and gave the option of offering an automatic transmission and air conditioning.
The combination of solid off-road characteristics and some more luxury elements led to the K5 Blazer already in 1970 selling better than its competitors in the form of the Dodge Ramcharger and the Ford Bronco.
The first generation – on which Velocity’s car is based – was produced between 1969 and 1972. The Chevrolet K5 Blazer was produced until 1994, and each new generation was very similar to the one before it.
Today, fine examples have skyrocketed in value, which is why there is a market for fully serviced cars.
It is for decidedly nostalgic reasons that relatively everyday cars in super fine condition can go for a lot.
Continuing, there was a clearer differentiation between car brands, something that makes itself especially noticeable today as the car market is becoming increasingly homogeneous.
The back seat offers plenty of legroom, but an incredibly high floor. (Photo: Velocity)Many streams small
Velocity’s philosophy is to offer classic cars but with just the right amount of modernity so that they can be used on a daily basis without causing constant headaches. They call their cars modern classics.
The company guarantees a delivery time of 14 weeks from order. It is relatively unique for the industry, where lead times are usually significantly longer.
The process includes taking apart the original car, total renovation of all components, assembly of the car, an 800-kilometer test of the car and delivery.
The customer gets to follow every step of the journey and the whole thing is documented so that you can follow the construction of your American dream car.
Nothing is left to chance with Velocity’s K5 Blazer. (Photo: Velocity) Craftsmanship through and through
The interior is bombarded with leather en masse. The stitches are handmade, something that is visible and which in turn makes the whole thing feel more authentic. The chairs are equipped with both heating and ventilation, and the leather is of exquisite quality.
There is also a reversing camera available – although the resolution is not something to hang on the Christmas tree. Our test car is part of the brand’s Heritage Series – the top model – and features two-tone paint, unique interiors and a range of luxury touches.
The interior is met with copious amounts of leather. (Photo: Velocity) A real nostalgia trip
Our test drive took place in conjunction with Monterey Car Week in California. The test route consisted mostly of the famous 17 Mile Highway that runs along the Pacific coast.
It takes a huge step up to get behind the wheel. All controls feel hand-built and everything you touch is either metal or wood.
The car is equipped with an excellent sound system and an infotainment system that offers both Android Auto and Apple Carplay.
The gear selector sits on the steering column and is in the form of a solid piece of metal. The feel of engaging a gear is robust with distinct feedback. At the push of a button – thanks to electronic ignition – the 6.2 liter V8 engine roars to life.
The throttle response is on the slower side – it takes some gas pressure before the car starts to move. Even the steering is on the same track and it requires constant correction from the driver to keep the K5 Blazer from tracking wildly.
The soundstage is magnificent and the gurgling 6.2-liter V8 engine is a joy for the ears. It is possible to order a roof for the K5 Blazer, but in the case of our test car, the only protection you had from the outside world was in the form of the windscreen.
It doesn’t take many meters behind the wheel to realize that the K5 Blazer is not made for any longer trips. The 35-inch tires contribute to a lot of tire noise, while a lot of fine-tuning is required to keep the K5 going straight ahead.
Purely driving dynamics, the K5 Blazer feels very special. (Photo: Velocity)Relaxing driving experience
The inertia of the controls contributes to the fact that the car feels incredibly relaxing to drive. It’s not a nimble car, but it does best at a slow pace. However, the colossal engine does not lack performance and the gas at the bottom is met with a violent acceleration.
The sound image is phenomenal and in Sweden a K5 Blazer would mean that you are king both on Sveavägen when it is rough and the Classic Car Week in Rättvik. I never reached speeds above 100 km/h, but seeing three figures on the speedometer in the car is hardly something to aspire to.
That said, the K5 Blazer is equipped with proper brakes – something the original 1970 Blazer didn’t have – which is nice to have when you’ve got 460 horsepower under your right foot.
The 10-speed automatic gearbox shifts calmly and methodically for the most part, but every now and then it feels like it doesn’t quite keep up with the turns.
Velocity’s K5 Blazer is also said to be capable off-road, but with personal financial suicide as a consequence should anything go wrong, I decided to stick to the road.
However, the off-road soles, permanent four-wheel drive, high and low gears, off-road differentials and huge soles all bode well for Velocity’s K5 Blazer being able to take on anything in its path. In California it had been perfectly suited as a beach car.
The driving experience is extremely special. The sound image and the controlled handling in combination with the wind in the hair are fantastically entertaining. Velocity’s K5 Blazer feels decidedly crazy, something that makes the car impossible not to fall in love with.
The Chevrolet K5 Blazer is an expensive piece. (Photo: Velocity)Chevrolet K5 Blazer for the nostalgic
It is not rare to romanticize memories from the past. In the automotive world, it can be a memory of a car you grew up with that turns out to be lousy once you drive it as an adult.
It can also be the case of cars with a certain reputation, but which in reality are quite lousy to drive. Velocity wants to remedy that by offering American icons in such a condition that you cannot be disappointed.
The result is a car that feels incredibly special. The driving experience is completely unique and the combination of the huge V8 engine, the wind in the hair, and a craft called duga is extremely attractive.
The elephant in the room is of course the price tag – Velocity’s K5 Blazer starts at over SEK 4 million.
During Monterey Car Week, the Florida-based company sold about 10 cars, which is undeniably proof that there is a market.
Every single detail reflects solid work, and the choice of materials, the feeling of quality, as well as the paint are all a sign of how much soul has been put into the car.
It’s hard not to fall in love with the whole concept, let alone when you’ve spent time behind the wheel. But it undeniably takes an extremely specific buyer for the K5 Blazer. The beauty of the whole project, however, is the enthusiasm that dominates the whole thing.
It is easy to understand why many see this as a dream car. Velocity’s K5 Blazer lives up to the hype.
Chevrolet K5 Blazer by Velocity (1970)
Engine: 6.2-liter, V8, 460 horsepower, 630 newton meters
Transmission: 10-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Award: SEK 4,400,000 (Test car approx. SEK 5,300,000)
To get your hands on one of Velocity’s K5 Blazers, you need to cough up many millions. (Photo: Velocity)