Icon's new old Thriftmaster is masterful, but hardly thrifty
Thu, 07 Nov 2013
If you've been jonesing for some news from Icon, the release of the E-Flyer electric bicycle the other day may or may not have done the trick. But either way, the Californian company known for retrofitting and restoring classic trucks is back with the Thriftmaster, which it has helpfully displayed on the show floor at SEMA (incidentally, with an E-Flyer in the bed).
Based on a classic Chevrolet 3100-series pickup, the Thriftmaster picks up where Icon's Bronco, Jeep CJ and Toyota FJ left off, but with a form that would make an Old Navy display truck seem campy. Underneath the beautifully restored bodywork sits a 5.3-liter V8 with 315 horsepower on tap and that can be upgraded to 435 hp with an optional Magnuson supercharger kit.
Either way, buyers can specify a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission that may seem desperately behind the times in a modern ride, but in a retro classic like this, seems downright cutting-edge. As do the four-wheel disc brakes, independent front suspension, Kenwood nav and on-board Wi-Fi.
Of course, Icon's trademark meticulous attention to detail is evident throughout, from the CNC machined trim to the bison leather interior. But if the hundred-thousand-dollar sticker price on some of Icon's previous creations struck you as steep, the $220,000 price of entry for this truck, of which Icon will only build five, puts the Thriftmaster name firmly alongside tongue in cheek. Check it out in gallery of live shots above and the extensive stock gallery below, along with the official press release.
ICON is proud to debut the new ICON Thriftmaster Pick Up.
Inspired by the 1947-53 Chevy 3100 five window classic pick up, this modern iteration is ready for adventure.
Make no mistake, while the look is vintage, the drive is decidedly modern. From the chassis engineering refinement, fuel injected supercharged aluminum emissions equipped V8, ABS four wheel disc brakes, to the sophisticated electronics, this truck has no peers.
ICON is a niche automotive brand based in Los Angeles, focused on revisiting classic automotive designs in a modern context. We celebrate the history while infusing the best state-of-the-art content, to create unique daily drivers rich in character and distinction. This new ICON will be built by hand in very low volume along side our other offerings; including the ICON Bronco, FJ series, and CJ series resto-mod vehicles.
This first, "Ultimate Edition" ICON Thriftmaster, comes in your choice of body color (matte or gloss finish), with your choice of manual or automatic transmission, naturally aspirated or with an intercooled supercharger. Otherwise, it comes one way... loaded. Standard equipment includes four wheel disc brakes, A/C, PW, PDL, Wi-Fi Hot Spot, Web-enabled Kenwood and Audison digital audio, NAV, tilt column, copious insulation, Bison hide seating, Wilton wool carpet, Alcantara headliner, smoked glass, and innovative brushed nickel plated trim with aircraft ceramic clear coat.
The performance and refinement is astounding. Never before has a classic pick up managed such comfort and handling. With approximately 435HP, there is plenty of power on hand. With Wilwood oversized disc brakes at all four corners, 60-0 is equally impressive. The Platform specific Art Morrison chassis is unparalleled in its balance and handling characteristics.
For 2014, ICON will build only five Ultimate Thriftmasters. Each will be signed and sequentially numbered. Pricing will be in the $220,000-250,000 range. In the future, expect a wider range of ICON Thriftmasters.
The matched ICON E-Flyer electric bicycle (see stand alone press release for further details) is a special edition collaborative effort between ICON and E_Tracker, available now as well.
By Noah Joseph