ICON Land Cruiser Restomodder Celebrates 500th Build

Making History

ICON has been churning out some of the finest Land Cruiser restomods for a whopping 30 years now, with both that particular brand - and its founder, Jonathan Ward - earning a stellar reputation along the way. Thus, when it came time to build his 500th Land Cruiser restomod, it was obviously the perfect opportunity for Ward to do something truly special, as well as take a look back at some of the most important builds that helped pave the way for ICON its creator to become the originator of the restomod design concept in general. 

Photos: ICON

1967 FJ45

Some may not realize it, but Ward actually got his start restoring Land Cruisers via his company TLC 4x4, which he got inspiration for after embarking on an African safari and seeing firsthand what they're capable of. However, his very first restoration was this 1967 FJ45 long bed pickup that's quite rare. The vintage hauler was found sitting in a Mojave Desert trailer park, where it had resided for three decades. Even to this day, Ward considers this restoration to be the high point of his career, given the fact that many parts used in the process simply aren't available anymore. 

Photos: ICON

1977 FJ40

This 1977 FJ40 is another rare and special Land Cruiser from ICON's past, as just 250 total units were allocated for the U.S. market - and only 50 were equipped with things like power steering and air conditioning. Of that group, Ward has bought and sold 32 of them and restored another 20, including this very special example that's still one of the most sought-after Land Cruisers on the market. 

Photos: ICON

1965 FJ43

However, it wasn't until this 1965 FJ43 came along that Ward decided to dip his toe into the restomod world. He and the owner of this particular SUV wanted to keep its original style, but modernize it and make it more of a premium off-roader, so they created precisely that - though at the time, such an idea wasn't terribly common. 

"It sounds rather simplistic now, but at the time, I can assure you it was pretty radical as a concept," Ward said. "This restored FJ43 showcased the nascent stages of ICON with this super premium charcoal gray metallic exterior colorway from Audi and these high-end German leather seats integrated into the build. Now, today’s enthusiasts will think no big deal, but absolutely no one at the time in 2002 was integrating German luxury into a Land Cruiser. It just wasn’t being done yet and it started us down this very cool pathway of reimagining these beloved, but at this point, purely utilitarian Land Cruisers."

Photos: ICON

1964 ICON New School Edition FJ44

Thus, in 2003, Ward created ICON and shifted his focus away from bone stock restorations and toward fine restomods, and the rest -as they say - is history. Now, Ward has finished his 500th build - this 1964 FJ44 - which he calls the "New School Edition." On the outside, it retains much of its original charm, but has been upgraded with power side steps, a roof rack, a ladder, MIL LED headlights, and exclusive ICON New School wheels.

Inside the cabin, this FJ44 features a custom interior with heated seats, rear jump seats, a hi-fidelity audio system, and even a reverse camera. In terms of mechanicals, a 6.2-liter V8 resides under the hood, mated to a five-speed manual transmission, and it breathes through a ceramic-coated exhaust system. ICON also upgraded the suspension and brakes to give the old FJ more modern handling and ride comfort, too.  

Photos: ICON

Past to Present

"I came back from safari in Africa with my eyes completely opened to the incredible capabilities of these old, vintage Land Cruisers after seeing what they could do in the wild in harsh terrain," Ward said. "Of course, everyone has an opinion, but the camps with the Defenders and Series trucks seemed to be breaking down more often by comparison to these diehard Land Cruisers. Experiencing firsthand what a Land Cruiser could do out there in that very serious, highly varied environment made a huge impression and encouraged me to start TLC 4x4, the restoration business that predated ICON."

"Since 2007, ICON has been creating the very best vintage Land Cruisers in the world. No company has more experience with these trucks or is making them at this high level of quality. Our commitment to clients is to provide them with a special modernized, one-of-a-kind truck that lasts and can be enjoyed on and off the road for a lifetime."

Photos: ICON