California based restoration company Icon debuts its Old School FJ40 at this year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas.
Icon is known for restoring and modifying eye-catching vehicles, particularly Toyota FJ models. This 1970 FJ40 is the first in the Old School Series, as part of the companies 10th anniversary celebration. According to Motor 1, the Old School FJ40, gets “concours-level 4×4 restorations” from the company’s TLC division, but also receives modern upgrades typical to Icon builds.
The most notable upgrade by Icon is the Cummins 2.8-liter diesel engine that produces 120kW of power and 362Nm of torque, mated with a five-speed manual transmission. An Advance Adapters Atlas II transfer case actuates the four-wheel drive, while the two-speed version is available with a choice of six low-range gearing options.
The Old School FJ40 sports Dana 44 front and 60 rear axles and 18-inch wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K02 tyres (285/65R18). Icon also equipped the FJ with Brembo Sport brakes that are hydro-boosted with power-steering pressure.
Inside, all of the plastic buttons have been replaced with knobs in billet aluminum and the Icon-special Dakota Digital dash adds electric gauges.
Leather specialists Moore & Giles have upgraded the cabin, replacing the vinyl with embossed Italian leather seats made to look like elephant skin (including the rear jump seat).
The body work is 5052-grade hand-crafted aluminum, finished in an era-appropriate power coated beige finish. Custom alloy wheel and hubcaps were created to perfect accent the exterior finish, and stainless steel badges, reminiscent Toyota’s 1960s design, have also been fitted.
“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 Icon founder and Lead Designer Jonathan Ward. “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.”
The Old School upgrade will be offered in all four existing body styles: FJ40, FJ43, FJ44 and FJ45.
