In the mid-1990s, as interest was just beginning to increase in vintage 4×4 vehicles, Jonathan and Jamie Ward founded TLC to provide parts and restoration services to those with early-generation Toyota Land Cruisers.
Since then, they have put the Icon label on several customized restoration projects of various makes, including an electric-powered 1949 Mercury coupe that stunned the SEMA Show in 2018.
For the 2019 SEMA Show, the Wards are returning to their roots with FJ: The Roadster,
“We are probably best known for obsessing on small details,” Jonathan Ward is quoted in the company’s pre-show news release. “But for the FJ Roadster, we decided to go super-simple: no A/C, no doors, less weight… Plus, we’re able to reduce cost and build time — but without compromising durability.
“If you think of the established Icon FJ series as trekking boots, think of the new Roadster as a pair of all-terrain sport sandals.”
But despite its “old-school” appearance, The Roadster has such modern accoutrements as heated seats, Bluetooth and Apple Car Play, Siri Eyes Free, and an audio system with four marine-rated speakers.
The vehicle is built on an Art Morrison chassis with ProRock front and rear axles with ARB Air Locker differentials and Brembo brakes. The engine is a 6.2-liter GM V8 with 430 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, linked to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
Icon plans to produce copies of The Roadster for sale and in those will offer manual or automatic transmissions and the option of a Cummins 2.8-liter diesel engine.
Those copies will be offered with a base price starting at $185,000.
Icon makes lovely, brilliant takes on classic vehicles; for me (and $185+k), I’d like a stout, any grade fuel diesel. Mattracks would be nice. I prefer northern climates, so the previous, hard top issue would suit best.
Gotta admit, the Icon version of the WW2 flatfender Jeep caused me to consider sell-all bankruptcy.
I would consider moving to the desert to use one of those as a daily driver, yes, yes I would.