Earthquake! Remembering Hollywood’s custom K5 Chevy Blazer

Between 1973 and 1975, the second-generation Chevrolet Blazer (the K5 for those playing at home) was offered as a factory convertible. The fibreglass roof and rear canopy was able to be removed for off-roading in the sun.

One was famously driven by Amity Police Chief Brody in the 1975 Hollywood blockbuster, Jaws.

But, to take things further, a modified Chevrolet K5 Blazer was driven by infamous Hollywood leading man, Charlton Heston in the 1974 ‘Sensurround’ disaster movie, Earthquake!

When shown in theatres, extra bass speakers were installed at the rear of the cinema to physically ‘shake’ movie goers during the exciting quake scenes. This, marketed as 'Sensurround' was essentially multi-channel stereo and not a pinch on the theatre sound we know today.

Heston’s character ‘Graff’ plays an engineer caught up in the ‘big one’ when an earthquake strikes Los Angeles.

His car, a top-specification Blazer Cheyenne, was finished in silver (over its original blue) with a unique ‘A-Team’ style red stripe and curious half-targa roof. This was a customisation for the film, as the canopy offers no side windows and leaves the driver’s cabin exposed.

Ironically, from 1976 onward the Blazer was offered with a half-cab option which ONLY covered the front part of the interior.

The Blazer even featured an in-car phone (big news for 1974) and a huge whip antenna.

During the movie, Graff claims his car is difficult to drive due to a custom transmission with  eight forward gears and three reverse. In reality, the K5 was fitted with a three-speed automatic, and a dual-range transfer case, giving it six forward, and only two to go back.

It might not be the most iconic Hollywood vehicle, but for fans of the earthquake disaster art, it is certainly memorable.