In the late ’70s,
weekend campers were all the rage. Dodge had the Coachmen, Toyota offered the Chinook, Volkswagen made the Westfalia, and
Ford sold the Econoline Camper. But
Chevrolet’s variation—the
Blazer Chalet—was another beast entirely. It was built on a true 4×4 platform that could venture deep into the unknown while still offering the comforts of home. At least in theory.
The Chevy Blazer Chalet (also badged as the GMC Casa Grande) was a
modified K5 Blazer Cheyenne fitted with a pop-up camper on the back. About 1,800 examples were produced for the 1976 and 1977 model years.
While the K5 Blazer is known as a capable and powerful overland machine, it turns out that adding the extra weight and bulk of a camper compromised its off-road ability. Who’d have thought? Still, it remained more than capable of getting a family off the grid in comfort and style.
From the driver’s seat, the Chalet was nearly identical to a standard Blazer. But passing through the gap between the two front captain’s chairs revealed two side-facing benches with seating for two passengers each, separated by a dining table.
Move farther rearward and you’d find a pantry, propane heater, stove, sink, water tank, and refrigerator. Not a bad deal for about $12,500 in 1976—roughly $60,000 in 2021 dollars.
Speaking of valuation, it’s difficult to precisely pinpoint the market for these due to their scarcity. A completely untouched 1976 example in pristine condition with low miles was brought to Bring a Trailer in March 2021 by
Garage Kept Motors, selling for $125,000. A 1977 example was bid to $45,000 but ultimately did not meet reserve.
At its core, the Blazer Chalet is a
K5 Blazer Cheyenne with some extra heft. It shares the same powertrain and suspension architecture—simple, straightforward, and reliable. The main difference is that instead of driving like a brick, it’s more like a cinder block.
Mechanical & Suspension
- 5.7L V8 engine
- TH400 3-speed automatic transmission
- 2-speed NP205 transfer case
- Solid front axle
- Front and rear leaf-spring suspension
Exterior
- Two-tone beige and orange paint
- Front tire carrier
- Factory-installed pop-up camper
Interior
- Leather bucket seats in cab
- Camper area with kitchenette, dining table, and dual benches