So, where did the blazer come from in the first place? No it wasn't just an offspring of the suburban introduced in 1936. (But wouldn't a '36 blazer be cool. Anyone got a phantom ride on the way?) Actually the origin of the Blazer started in the 50's. "Blazer" was the name given to a personal dune buggy like runabout. (You want more info on that check out this article "Blazing the Name" by Seth Doulton)The company brass killed the project and the Blazer name was given to a the car we now know.
The design had deep roots in the El Camino prototype. Harry Bradley customized the 64 El Camino giving it a sloped rear window as appeared on the '68. The lines and general look of the early new el camino designs were used for the upcoming truck line instead. It is cheaper to design a car that has others which share parts so the el camino stayed attatched to the chevelle. The '67 truck design quickly became a popular base for other designs (the '67 panel is a stunning and rare example). The '67 Suburban gained a 3rd door and was no longer known as the Caryall. A shorter 2 door version was designed with a removeable roof to compete with the smaller yet more established Bronco and Jeep's. The advantage of the
Blazer was stability on road as well as comfort. When it was first sold base price got you a truck with no roof side windows and one seat, everything else came at a price. Top of the line was CST or custom sport truck which had side trim, and a matching vynyl interior.
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