My good friend Kade is the proud owner of a 1984 Ford pick up and it is the coolest thing I have ever driven, apart from my Defender that is. The Ford is a bit rough around the edges but the patina is perfect and the ride is as sweet as it can be given the age. I want to travel the world in that old Ford! Tapping into the nostalgia these old trucks inspire ICON 4×4 has announced the launch of its latest coachbuilt vehicle program, the C Modern Retro Series.
The C Modern is a limited-production truck that combines the styling of the classic 1967-1972 Chevrolet C10 and C20 pickups with the engineering and technology of a modern Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4×4 to offer the best of both worlds. The new program represents one of the company’s most ambitious projects to date, blending vintage design with contemporary performance in a vehicle intended for collectors and enthusiasts seeking classic aesthetics without sacrificing modern convenience. Got a spare $550 000?
Based in Southern California, ICON 4×4 has built its reputation on reimagining iconic vehicles through extensive engineering and craftsmanship. The company’s newest offering follows that formula but takes a different approach from conventional restorations or restomods. Rather than rebuilding an aging classic truck and integrating modern components, ICON begins with a brand-new Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and then undertakes an extensive transformation that incorporates the visual identity of the highly regarded second-generation Chevrolet C/K pickup.
According to ICON founder Jonathan Ward, the project was inspired by a desire to eliminate the compromises that often accompany classic truck ownership. Traditional restorations can preserve the appearance and character of a vintage vehicle, but they frequently lack the comfort, safety, reliability, and everyday usability expected by modern drivers. Conversely, many custom truck builds offer contemporary performance while losing much of the authenticity that made the original vehicles appealing.
Ward explained that the company approached the challenge from an unusual direction. Instead of modernizing an old truck, the team imagined how the 1967 Chevrolet C10 design might have evolved if Chevrolet had continued refining the same styling language through successive generations. The resulting vehicle preserves the clean lines and straightforward design that made the original C10 one of the most recognizable pickups of its era while incorporating the capabilities of a current-production truck.
Underneath the vintage-inspired bodywork lies a factory Silverado platform complete with Chevrolet’s V8 powertrain, advanced four-wheel-drive system, anti-lock braking technology, modern infotainment systems, towing capability, and contemporary safety features. ICON states that owners will retain the reliability, serviceability, and functionality of a modern truck while enjoying the visual appeal of a classic Chevrolet pickup.
The project draws heavily from traditional coachbuilding practices, with each truck individually commissioned and assembled at ICON’s Southern California facility. The company describes the C Modern Retro Series as a comprehensive reengineering effort rather than a restoration, requiring bespoke engineering solutions to seamlessly integrate the classic body design with modern mechanical systems.
Inside, the trucks continue the blend of old and new. ICON has developed custom-machined aluminum dashboard panels that maintain the appearance of a vintage Chevrolet interior while housing modern controls and technology. The company has also incorporated features such as power windows and power door locks while disguising them within period-correct design elements. Extensive sound-deadening materials and thermal insulation are added throughout the vehicle to improve comfort and refinement.
Customers will have a choice between two distinct design philosophies. The Derelict Series embraces the appearance of a well-used original truck, preserving aged paint and natural patina to create a vehicle that conceals its modern underpinnings. The Old School Series, by contrast, presents a fully restored appearance intended to replicate the look of a factory-fresh classic Chevrolet pickup. Both versions receive the same underlying engineering and modern Silverado platform.
Production will be limited to just five vehicles, making the C Modern Retro Series one of the most exclusive offerings in ICON’s portfolio. Each build will be tailored to the owner’s preferences through a design consultation process conducted directly with Ward. Buyers will have opportunities to specify colors, materials, and other details while remaining within the design framework established by ICON.
Among the first five vehicles, one example will be designated as an “Omakase ICON,” a special project in which the owner entrusts the entire design direction to Ward and his team. Borrowing the Japanese concept of omakase, meaning “I’ll leave it up to you,” the vehicle will be developed as a one-off creation shaped entirely by ICON’s vision and resources.
The introduction of the C Modern Retro Series further expands ICON 4×4’s growing lineup of coachbuilt vehicles that reinterpret historically significant automotive designs through modern engineering. It also reflects the continuing popularity of classic truck styling among buyers who appreciate vintage aesthetics but desire contemporary drivability and reliability.
Pricing reflects the exclusivity and complexity of the project. The Derelict Series starts at $450,000, while the Old School Series begins at $500,000. The unique Omakase ICON carries a starting price of $550,000. Pricing includes the donor Silverado platform but does not include the vintage Chevrolet C10 or C20 body required for the conversion.
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