Ringbrothers 1971 K5 Chevy Blazer proudly sticks to its roots

We called the reborn 2019 Chevy Blazer "the Camaro of crossovers" when it was first introduced. But before the Blazer was a sleek, sporty, car-based crossover, it was a big, burly, truck-based SUV. And the 1971 Blazer that's been worked over by the crew at Ringbrothers is one of the nicest examples we've ever seen.

Ringbrothers' Jim and Mike Ring reworked the classic open-top 'ute with a restrained one-inch body lift, keeping the suspension stock front and rear with the exception of shocks and sway bars from Ride Tech. The wheel wells were opened up and filled with custom 17-inch wheels from Circle Racing Wheels that were designed for a vintage look. A set of BFG All Terrain T/A tires round out the rolling stock.

Under the hood sits an LS3 crate engine from General Motors. The fuel-injected mill is powered by a Holly Dominator engine controller and fuel system, and the engine's 430 horsepower is sent to all four wheels through a Bowler-modded 4L60-E transmission. A Flowmaster exhaust system exits out behind the back wheels under the rear bumper.

A bikini top and roll bar were added seemingly as a nod toward practicality, and some of the bodywork was smoothed out before the entire thing was painted a lovely shade of silver cribbed from Mercedes-Benz called Brazilian Smoke. The interior is done up in brown leather, and a custom dash features gauges from Dakota Digital and a full audio system from Kicker.

This is the kind of build that keeps the original intent of the vehicle intact, with just enough custom touches to keep enthusiasts interested but not so many that the purists will protest. See for yourself in the image gallery up above.

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