An actor, a racer and a legend even when alive, the late Steve McQueen of “Bullitt” and “LeMans” fame did more than pretend. This two-owner Chevrolet K5 Blazer was part of his “other life” in motor racing, which included an attempt at the legendary Baja 1000.
Accompanying this sale will be a copy of the original dealer invoice from December 1969 showing McQueen/Solar Productions as the first purchaser of this 1970 K5. When delivered, the Blazer was reportedly set up as a support vehicle for the actual off-road race, getting front and rear Positraction differentials installed and a swap to a four-headlamp GMC Jimmy grille to allow better light coverage in the desert night. Alas, after a DNF, this truck was among the vehicles liquidated soon afterward.
A young gentleman named Bob Bianchi acquired it via a Penny Saver newspaper ad in 1971, buying it out of a warehouse in the Los Angeles suburb of Bellflower, California, for $1,500.00. The Bianchi family had retained until 2022. Later research by Bianchi discovered the McQueen/Solar Productions origins as one of several purchased for the Baja program. After a 13,000-mile road trip in 1972, the family regularly drove the truck through 2001, after which it was only used for occasional cruises through the mountains on weekends.
Built on the St. Louis line, this two-door, 4-wheel-drive CST K5 is powered by a 350 CI engine backed by a TH350 transmission. The engine features factory air conditioning and a set of Edelbrock valve covers. Painted in rich green with the quad headlamp grille intact, it sports K5 and CST identification. Inside is a roll bar, front bucket seats, a center console, column transmission shifter with transfer case floor-shift, pedal brightwork and a carpeted rear area with spare. Today, this truck rides on a set of chrome wheels and off-road compatible tires.
As the “King of Cool,” the legacy of Steve McQueen is one fondly recalled even today, but only a select number of secondary owners have possessed one of his vehicles. That this example has been treasured by the same family since 1971 only adds to that attraction.
For Sale at Mecum Indy on May 17
