Icon Takes a ‘New School’ Approach on a 1950s Chevy Truck
Sporting the classic Thriftmaster body on a custom chassis with an LS3 roaring under the hood, this custom isn’t just good-looking, it’s fast.
Do you know what we miss more than we’d like to admit? Seeing classic cars on the road. There is just something so alluring about a vehicle that doesn’t look like it’s from this generation. A standout, an exception.
However, the thining out of old school rides is happening for a reason. A 30-year-old or 60-year-old vehicle simply cannot offer what a modern one can- Safety, technology, efficiency, you name it.
Yet, enthusiasts continue to obsess over classic vehicles as their rarity increases year after year. What if we told you there was a perfect compromise to resolve this issue?
Enter Icon, a Los Angeles-based low-volume manufacturer of classic vehicles with a modern touch. Their idea is to keep the essence and styling of the original vehicle with the boost of modern performance.
Classic with a twist
Their latest creation is based on the 1952 Chevy Thriftmaster 3100 pickup, dubbed the “New School“. This version offers a sleeker more modern theme compared to Icon’s previous “Old School” variant.
From its exterior, the classic truck looks like a stunningly well-kept restomod of some sort. However, it is only when understanding what’s going on under the body that you can truly appreciate the craftsmanship.
See, they didn’t just want this truck to look good, they wanted it to drive and perform like a modern performance vehicle. To accomplish that task the team at Icon would collaborate with chassis experts, Art Morrison Enterprises.
They construct bespoke chassis to give classic vehicles modern suspension articulation, rigidity, and safety. This allows the Thriftmaster to run adjustable coilovers on all four corners to really maximize grip.
Serious capabilities for an unassuming package
Rack-and-pinion power steering is also standard to provide responsiveness along with some serious performance upgrades such as large Brembo brakes.
All of these amazing components are powered by the bulletproof 440 HP 6.2L LS3 engine coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission. Consider the fact this truck came with less than 100 HP from the factory. That’s over five times the power.
To really emphasize the capabilities of the 69-year-old truck, Icon founder Johnathan Ward confidently stated, “Our first New School truck can easily keep pace chasing down a modern-day sports car through a canyon.”
Not only that but in some seriously undeniable style. How many classic trucks have you seen carving canyons effortlessly? Not exactly something you see every day.
Other notable features include an integrated infotainment system with a rearview camera which all lies hidden behind a dash panel to keep the interior looking period-correct.
If you at any point question the detail-driven work of Icon, look at the Shou Sugi Ban-finished wood on the bed. It’s safe to say that this is one of the most badass trucks available.
So if you are looking to keep the classic look but have the performance, feel, and amenities of a modern vehicle, look no further!
