ECD Automotive Design is one of the big players in the North American restomod scene. Founded in 2013, the company originally specialized in modernized Land Rover Defender builds and has since broadened its range significantly since then. Today, the choices also include the Jaguar E-Type, Ford Mustang, Land Rover Range Rover, and more. Now, buyers have a fresh option because the company is adding the original Chevrolet K5 Blazer to the lineup.ECD Automotive DesignECD's first Chevrolet was for one of the company's established clients who paid $245,000 to own this modernized 1970s SUV. Build slots for more of them are now available if this rig strikes your fancy, and you can cover the six-figure price. The ECD 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer ECD's first Blazer build wears a two-tone color scheme with Chevy Dark Olive Poly green upper and lower portions, in addition to a Frost White center section. While not pictured, there's an included hard top in Frost White. There's also a strip of wood trim along the lower flanks. Plus, lots of polished metal and chrome make the body shine in the sun. Powered side steps make getting into the cabin easier.ECD Automotive DesignUnderneath all the work, this is still a 1970s Chevy truck. Looking closely at the images, there are very noticeable panel gaps in places around the doors and the hood fitment. It seemed out-of-place on a quarter-million-dollar vehicle, so we asked ECD about it.The company assured us that the gaps "will be corrected and we’re now using a different method of panel alignment, so they’ll come out the way they should." We were sent photos of another Blazer build slated for July showing these corrections have already been implemented; the gaps indeed look much better. It also has a roll bar, which ECD says is available as either a four-point or a six-point cage.ECD Automotive DesignOpening the hood reveals a modern 6.0-liter V8, but ECD isn't disclosing the output. The block's orange paint scheme and black Chevrolet script on the valve covers make the engine fit the rest of the Blazer's early-1970s aesthetic. It routes through an automatic gearbox that's controlled by a stalk mounted on the steering column.Beyond the engine, the mechanical upgrades include a 2.5-inch suspension lift and four-wheel disc brakes. The SUV rides on 17-inch Chevy Scottsdale wheels with a polished finish and a set of 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires. It's hard to imagine paying nearly $250,000 for this updated Blazer, and then taking it off-road, but the build is at least capable of getting dirty if the driver desires.ECD Automotive Design Inside, the ECD uses the original seats but upholsters them in Buffalo Vinyl with Pepita Green houndstooth-pattern inlays. They also gain heating and cooling, while the rear bench seat is heated. The dashboard is wrapped in leather. The company adds a set of removable German-square-weave floor mats. The gauges are new but retain a classic look with green markings, orange needles, and a black background. A bench seat is in the back for hauling friends and family.As a restomod, there's also plenty of hidden modernization. The updates include a Vintage Air climate control system, a Retrosound Radio, power locks and windows, and automatic headlights. From the overall aesthetic, it's clear that this is not an original 1972 K5 Blazer, but the revisions keep true to the SUV's original era.Nearly $250,000 is a lot to pay for any vehicle, especially one that starts as an early-1970s Chevy. For context, a new Bentley Bentayga starts at around $210,000. However, there are already loads of Ford Bronco, Land Rover Defender, and Toyota Land Cruiser restomods available, with their builders asking similar six-figure prices for them. Clearly, there's a market for taking old, utilitarian SUVs, modernizing them, and offering the customized builds to wealthy clients.Source: ECD Automotive DesignECD Blazer Restomod Side