Green With Envy: The ICON 4×4 Thriftmaster Build Number 30

There is a specific kind of alchemy that takes place in the workshops of ICON 4×4. It is a process where nostalgia is stripped of its rose-tinted glasses and given a shot of adrenaline, transforming vintage metal into machines that drive as well as our memories tell us they did.

We have long been admirers of Jonathan Ward’s unwavering commitment to industrial perfection here at The Coolector, and his latest creation, the ICON 4×4 Thriftmaster Build Number 30, might just be the most charmingly deceptive vehicle they have ever rolled out.

Dressed in a brilliant green livery that evokes the humble honest work of a mid-century farm truck, this “Old School” edition hides the heart of a modern track weapon beneath its curvaceous, retro sheet metal.

Celebrating the company’s 30th Thriftmaster build, this vehicle is a masterclass in the “sleeper” aesthetic. Ward himself admitted that he initially thought the client was “a wee bit nuts” with the concept, but the result is undeniably spectacular—a truck with tons of personality that looks like it belongs on a hayride but moves like it belongs on the Nürburgring.

The magic lies in the chassis. Gone are the creaky leaf springs and vague steering of the original era, replaced by a four-wheel independent suspension chassis by Art Morrison Enterprises. With a GT sport independent suspension up front and a Strange Dana 60 nodular third member in the rear, this truck offers the handling characteristics of a sports car while retaining the capacity to haul light loads, proving that you really can have your cake and eat it too.

Under the hood beats a formidable heart: an E-ROD LS3 6.2L V8 engine producing a staggering 440 horsepower. It is a stark contrast to the modest powertrains these trucks were born with, and when paired with an automatic transmission with overdrive and rack-and-pinion steering, the driving experience is crisp, sharp, and terrifyingly capable.

The truck rolls on ICON Old School 18-inch Forged Aluminum wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport ZR-rated tires—aerospace-grade rubber that hints at the performance potential without breaking the vintage illusion.

Inside, the cabin is a sanctuary of hidden technology and artisanal craftsmanship. The deep, dark chocolate brown Alcantara headliner compliments hand-stitched leather seats and hard garden square weave wool rugs, creating an atmosphere that is more luxury saloon than utilitarian workhorse.

ICON’s obsession with detail is evident in the climate control system; the dash maintains its period-correct color and chrome grille, but features 3D-printed inserts to better direct airflow, with additional vents cleverly hidden at the bottom edges of the dash.

The audio system is equally discreet, completely hidden and controlled by custom-milled knobs that look perfectly at home in the 1950s, while the bass is concealed within the center console. Even the gauges are a blend of old and new, with Dakota Digital displays that mimic the factory design but feature LED backlighting for modern legibility.

The bed hasn’t been neglected either, featuring classic White Oak with stainless steel rails and CNC cargo anchor tie-downs that pivot 360 degrees for genuine utility. The tailgate has been re-engineered with polished stainless steel arms and bear claw latches, eliminating the rattle of old chains.

Naturally, this level of bespoke engineering and “vehicle alchemy” comes with a price tag to match. The ICON 4×4 Thriftmaster Build Number 30 commands a price of $225,000, a figure that reflects the thousands of hours of hand-fabrication required to breathe such vibrant new life into an American icon.

It is a lot of money for a truck, but for a piece of rolling art that bridges the gap between the past and the future so effortlessly, it feels entirely justified.