Blazer Chalet – Chevy Camper
The Chevy Blazer and its GMC Jimmy clone were early modern SUVs. Maybe their width kept them from being better received by the public, as the 1991 Explorer later was. They became popular as support vehicles in public service departments, and Police Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) drove one in “JAWS.”
Recreational Vehicle fever was in full pitch in the early and mid-1970s. The GMC Motorhome looked like a spaceship had landed and sprouted wheels, and used the front-wheel-drive transmission from the Cadillac Eldorado and Oldsmobile Toronado, initially powered by the Oldsmobile 455 cu in (7.5 l) V-8.
On a more compact level, in 1976 and 1977, Chevy sold the Blazer Chalet and GMC offered the Jimmy Casa Grande. Every one I saw was tan and brown like the one here, but other colors were available.
They were essentially factory slide-in campers bolted onto the Blazer/Jimmy with enough ’70s-colored graphics to make the Brady Bunch feel right at home. When properly equipped, they had two bunks, a refrigerator, 2-burner stove, a sink, a dinette, 5,000 BTU gas heater, and drapes.
The ad says it’s “The Blazer You Can Live In,” but some sort of restroom facilities might be desired for a more permanent residence.
@Randy – This Chalet #0023 was sold (apparently on consignment) via the Streetside Classics dealership on eBay in November 2012. I think the seller was led to believe it was the first Chalet ever built by the prior owner, however, Chalet #0021 was sold on eBay ( http://www.ebay.com/itm/271231697667 ) on July 7th, and one of the newer members of our Chalet owners’ forum ( http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/ChevyK5BlazerChalets/ ) says he owns serial #0010. There are around 60-70 of these for sale around the country in various conditions, including Casa Grandes, we try to maintain a fairly up-to-date list of them at our free-to-join Chalet forum.
did you sell your casa grande
Yes they are cool, and I have the first one produced in April 1976 and used it the color brochure you posted. Still in perfect original condition with only 76,899 miles on it, she purrs like a kitten. Soon to be posted for sale at Streetside Classics.com if anyone wants a RARE classic Chevy! Or you can contact me prior to the posting at dmccallpitts@yahoo,com for photos.
Sweet! Front wheel drive V8