Bronco

Make
Ford
Segment
SUV

Jonathon Ward's Icon 4×4 has built a reputation for top quality engineering and beautiful restomods. The company's bread and butter is high-end classic Ford Bronco and Toyota FJ models that proceeded the more modern FJ Cruiser. Icon's latest project, an addition to its Old School series, may look like a perfectly restored 1972 Eucalyptus Green FJ40, but it's a revitalized classic with a modern drivetrain, suspension, and up to date interior.

The story starts with a vast upgrade under the hood with a 6.2-liter LS V8 producing 403 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque replacing the original 108-hp 3.9-liter six-cylinder powerplant.

In keeping with the FJ 44's original time period, transferring the drive to the Dynatrac Dana front and rear axles is an Aisin Warner AX15 five-speed manual transmission. An Atlas II two-speed transfer case is also installed, as well as Fox Racing coilover sport suspension. Completing its newfound modern ability as an off-road beast, the Old School Edition FJ44 is shod with BF Goodrich all-terrain 285/65/18 tires mounted on Icon's forged aluminum vintage-inspired wheels.

Amazingly, these expensive odes to classic cars are being used as intended. "With people spending a lot more time close to home, a lot of our owners are taking more time to adventure in our vehicles, which really resonates with us," Ward says. "Taking a truck like this 1972 rig, restoring, rebuilding it, and then releasing it back into the wild to be used as it was intended is what Icon 4x4 is all about."

Taking the repurposed FJ44 into the wild will be a lot more comfortable now, as well. Inside, the custom interior features Icon's signature machined aluminum interior trim, heated bucket seats in the front, and retro-style jump seats styled on the original 1972 stand equipment in the back. Also installed is a NEX 8600 multimedia system incorporating a reverse camera, a state-of-the-art navigation system, Bluetooth, and Apple Carplay. Icon hasn't held back with the sound quality either, outfitting the FJ44 with Focal K2 speakers.

It's another stunning piece of work and you can see the love and attention to detail that's gone into the restomod. That level of excellence has a price, though, and the Old School Edition FJ44 starts at $237,000.