You know Icon 4×4—restorer of Toyota Land Cruisers, modifier of Ford Broncos, customizer of various old vehicles in its “Derelict” series. Icon also has a love affair with postwar Chevrolet Pickups, and this Thriftmaster is the first of the outfit’s Old School series of these vintage trucks—more subtle than their full-bore custom builds, but less exacting then their concours restoration work. Think of it as a traditional restomod, but done Jonathan Ward’s way.
Icon wants the Old School Edition Thriftmaster to drive as well as it looks, and there’s a better-than-solid chance of that when you consider the hardware involved. Power comes from a GM LS3 V-8, a popular engine for this kind of custom and for good reason. It’s compact, parts are plentiful, and it is very powerful. Here, it makes a claimed 430 horsepower and channels power through a very stout GM 4-speed automatic transmission.
Upgraded brakes seem like a necessity with that kind of juice underhood, so Brembos are fitted. The suspension has also undergone a radical transformation, with independent suspension front and rear. It shouldn’t ride at all like the farm truck it used to be.
But the aesthetics are the real star of the show here. Icon always nails the vibe, and the Thriftmaster looks honest despite being slathered in top-shelf materials and bespoke touches. There’s African teak in the bed, creamy green two-tone paint slathered over the reworked body panels, and gorgeous leather on the bench seats and door panels.
Does this Icon Old School Thriftmaster blow your mind? For the right price, Ward’s team will probably build you one. Check out Icon 4×4 for more information.
