cars news 10: Icon Rolls Out Old School Series for Toyota FJ Fans

Something wicked this way comes—wicked cool that is. Icon brought a handsomely traditional 1970 FJ40 Land Cruiser to this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas.

The classic FJ40 build introduces the company’s Old School Series, which falls between its traditional TLC concours-level 4×4 restorations and its full-blown, no-parts-left-unmodified full treatments.

“We have customers who love the ICON ethos but who don’t necessarily want to get drawn into a lengthy conversion about their vehicle every time they stop for gas,” said Jonathan Ward, Icon founder and lead designer, in a statement.

“Certain people prefer an understated, stock-appearing exterior but all of the modern performance and amenities. We’re launching the Old School Series to appeal to them.”

Except under the hood of course—this FJ received a Cummins R 2.8-liter turbo four-cylinder diesel engine swap. The engine provides 161 hp and 267 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to an old school five-speed manual transmission.

Icon says four-wheel-drive is actuated by an Advance Adapters Atlas II transfer case and a two-speed version is also available.

The body is aluminum and powder coated in a sandy finish with alloy wheels and hubcaps. It rolls on 285/65R18 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires.

Icon’s latest ride also receives Brembo Sport Brakes that are hydro-boosted with power-steering pressure instead of with engine vacuum. The coilover suspension system has been upgraded substantially too we are told.

Inside the cabin, Icon states that while the seats “might look like Toyota vinyl from a distance, they are actually covered in custom Italian leather that Moore & Giles embossed to mimic the look of elephant skin.”

Also the dash looks factory fresh, except instead of plastic bits you get aluminum ones and nifty electric gauges.