Since its inception in 2007, ICON4x4 has garnered a reputation for carefully crafting ultra-high-end restomod builds created using a spare-no-expense approach. For its latest one-off work, however, ICON has taken this open checkbook approach to the nth degree, dedicating an unparalleled amount of time and resources into a ‘70s-era Chevy Suburban project that’s resulted in a seven-figure price tag.
Built using a 1970 model year donor, the outside of the build wears a glossy, metallic greenish gray livery, custom bumpers fore and aft, LED lighting all-around, custom-designed exterior door handles, and a bespoke ICON-branded grille that’s been precision-machined from a single block of aerospace-grade 6061 aluminum billet. A slammed stance helps to hugely modernize the more-than-half-century-old donor’s appearance while also lowering its center of gravity and bolstering handling and performance. Taking visual inspiration from the work of legendary European designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, the interior of the Suburban boasts a retro theme complete with custom leather upholstery, bespoke instrumentation, and all-alloy vents, handles, and knobs.
The entire vehicle is constructed around a one-off Art Morrison four-wheel independent chassis with a Dana 60 nodular rear end. High-capacity hydroboosted Brembo brakes and HRE Wheels shod in ZR-rated tires are also found at all four corners. Wanting to select a powertrain that’s as noteworthy as the vehicle’s cosmetic modifications, ICON called on Tom Nelson’s SoCal-based tuning shop Nelson Racing Engines to whip up a custom mill for the spare-no-expense Chevy. This ultimately resulted in a twin-turbocharged NRE Alien LS 427 (7.0-liter) engine that now cranks out 1,000hp and 900ft-lbs of torque. The engine comes mated a completely refreshed 4L85-E automatic transmission.
Slated to be officially unvieled at ICON’s inaugural “Icons of Design” showcase on November 19 in Van Nuys, California, ICON4x4’s Reformer Series 1970 Chevrolet Suburban build is already spoken for, however the shop is accepting additional Reformer Suburbans that boast an asking price of $1,100,000. Proceeds from the sale will go to the GO Campaign charity.
