1971 Chevrolet K5 Blazer

With Memorial Day in the rear-view mirror, so begins the time for summer adventure. Whether that means a trip to the beach, a trek through the woods or just sunny-day cruising, here’s a big, orange fun mobile for whatever you have in mind.

The Pick of the Day is a 1971 Chevrolet K5 Blazer that the Kentwood, Michigan, seller says is totally restored and ready to go anywhere. With four-wheel-drive and trail-ready tires, backed by a rebuilt 350 cid V8, this beast should be pretty much unstoppable off road or on.

Or else, just enjoy driving it around and showing it off. Because instead of the standard fiberglass roof, this Blazer advertised on ClassicCars.com comes with a fabric convertible top that goes down for open-air fun. So load up the friends or family, and head out for a picnic lunch in style.

The first-generation Blazer was a short-wheelbase version of the Chevy pickup turned into a two-door SUV. Its body-on-frame toughness is missed by those who appreciate its capabilities compared with those of today’s unibody SUV compromises. Although, the Blazer definitely drives like a truck, takes up a lot of space and guzzles gas. Which is pretty much why they went extinct in the first place.

But if you are more concerned with fun than practicality, this Blazer is a rare find. Most of them were used, abused and disappeared long gone. Many were customized to the limits. So finding one in immaculate as-new condition is fairly unusual. The odometer shows 11,171 miles, which is most likely since restoration.

“We are pleased to offer this beautiful K5 Blazer that recently resided in the great state of Texas,” the seller says in the listing on ClassicCars.com. “In storage for 20 years, this never-rusty Blazer underwent a complete frame off restoration just a few years ago. Painted in the period-correct orange color, this K5 has all the eyeball you could want.

“During restoration, the 350 engine was completely rebuilt and upgraded with a Edelbrock intake and carburetor. The turbo 350 (automatic transmission) was completely inspected and re-sealed.

“With power steering, power brakes and a new soft top, this K5 is ready to go topless and cruise to the beach or your weekend car show.”

With the reasonable asking price of $29,900, this Blazer seems like a lot of fun for the money. And while it might be an SUV dinosaur, it’s definitely a friendly one.

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day