Opening its doors in 2006, Los Angeles-based ICON 4×4 wasn’t the first to restomod classic trucks but they certainly popularized a premium, production-style restomod approach. Focusing specifically on legendary 4×4 models like the Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser and Ford Bronco, they combined factory-level engineering with aerospace-grade materials and drivetrains.
While the Land Cruiser and Bronco were getting a lot of the brand’s attention, customers had begun asking for custom Thriftmaster builds, a vehicle that Chevy discontinued back in the ’50s. But it wasn’t until 2020 when ICON’s “Old School Edition” became their first official Thriftmaster restomod. Now, ICON is 30 Thriftmasters in, and to celebrate, it’s come out with a special green variant.
A Rolling Time Capsule With Modern Muscle
Based on Chevy’s 1947-1953 Advance Design platform — trucks that were originally marketed under the “Thriftmaster” badge to emphasize their economical inline-six engines — this build strips away the utilitarian farm truck roots and replaces them with something closer to a sports car in pickup clothing.
Under the hood sits an E-ROD LS3 6.2-liter V8 cranking out 440hp, a 10-horse bump over ICON’s standard TR spec. That’s Corvette C6 power in a body that predates the tailfin era. The engine routes through an automatic transmission with overdrive, which not only improves drivability but also adds longevity to the drivetrain. Paired with an Art Morrison Enterprises four-wheel independent suspension chassis, a tunable GT sport sway bar up front, and a Strange Dana 60 rear end, this truck handles more like a modernized muscle car than the workhorse it resembles. Meanwhile, 18-inch forged aluminum wheels get wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires.
It’s All About the Details
Inside, ICON’s obsessive attention to material selection becomes obvious. The cabin features hand-stitched leather seats and door panels, a chocolate brown Alcantara headliner, and hard garden square weave wool rugs with leather hemming. Dakota Digital gauges maintain the vintage aesthetic while LED backlighting brings them into the modern era. The Bluetooth audio system hides completely, controlled by period-correct knobs that ICON mills in-house.
Even the bed gets the full treatment: White Oak bedliner with stainless steel rails housing CNC-machined cargo tie-downs that pivot 360 degrees. ICON’s signature tailgate deletes the old chain setup in favor of polished stainless steel arms and a center drop handle with bear claw latches.
Spec Sheet
Model: ICON Thriftmaster Old School #30
Engine: E-ROD LS3 6.2L V8
Power: 440 hp
Transmission: Automatic with overdrive
Suspension: Art Morrison four-wheel independent, tunable GT sport front sway bar
Rear: Strange Dana 60 nodular third member
Wheels: 18″ forged aluminum
Tires: Michelin Pilot Sport ZR-rated 275/45ZR18 (front and rear)
Interior: Hand-stitched leather, Alcantara headliner, wool rugs
Bed: White Oak with stainless steel rails
Pricing & Availability
ICON Thriftmaster commissions start at $225,000, though with the level of customization and performance upgrades on this particular build, the final number was likely upwards of $300,000. For those interested in commissioning their own TR build, head over to ICON’s website or call their Los Angeles facility directly.
Recap
2026 ICON 4×4 Thriftmaster #30
ICON 4×4 just finished their 30th Thriftmaster restomod, celebrating the milestone with a green Old School edition that packs 440 horsepower from a Corvette-derived LS3 V8. It’s a 1950s Chevy pickup that looks the part but drives like a modern sports car.
