A well-preserved 1986 Chevrolet K5 Blazer, originally spec’d for U.S. military duty, is turning heads in the collector 4x4 market. Known as the M1009 CUCV (Commercial Utility Cargo Vehicle), this rugged truck is now available through 4-Wheel Classics, showcasing a rare level of originality that enthusiasts and military vehicle buffs will appreciate.
This example reportedly served at Fort Bragg in North Carolina and still wears its original CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coating) camouflage paint—a seldom-seen detail among surviving military Blazers. Unlike many former service rigs that have been repainted or modified, this M1009 retains its military bumpers, markings, and even the original M16 rifle mounts inside the cabin.
Underneath, the Blazer remains impressively clean with no rust reported. The interior is stripped down by civilian standards but fully intact and authentic. It still features its factory seats, door panels, and dash pad in good condition. Functional blackout lights (minus the driver-side rear unit), working gauges, heat, and even a functioning horn and wipers make this rig stand out in terms of operability.
Power comes from a strong-running 6.2-liter diesel V8—believed to be the factory unit—which has been updated with a new injection pump. The vehicle has also been converted from the original dual-voltage system to a full 12-volt setup for improved reliability. The TH400 automatic transmission and NP208 transfer case handle shifting and 4WD duties, while 3.08 gears in 10-bolt axles provide a balance of highway cruising and off-road readiness.
Rolling on factory steel wheels wrapped in 31-inch mud-terrain tires, this military-spec K5 is an increasingly rare find in such original condition. With surplus trucks becoming harder to source in unrestored form, this M1009 stands as a rolling tribute to America’s Cold War-era utility fleet.
