There’s no shortage of restomod operations in 2025, each dedicated to the pursuit of starting with canonical pieces of automotive history, and molding together the best technology, materials, and design to assemble sensational new interpretations of these masterworks. Among such ateliers is Icon 4×4, which has gained notoriety over the years for its Ford Bronco and Toyota Land Cruiser builds.
This summer, Southern California–based Icon has unveiled the latest addition to its Derelict line: The C20 Chevrolet pickup truck, substantially outfitted from bumper-to-bumper with a modern Chevrolet power train, drivetrain, and chassis. Underneath, it mirrors what comes off of Chevy’s own assembly line as a modern Chevy Silverado—which is used as the donor—yet the vehicle is reimagined with an aesthetic of the 1970s and a high level of custom detail throughout.
Icon’s Derelict 1972 Chevy C20 restomod.
Icon 4×4
This means that the C20 not only possesses modern turnkey reliability, but also dealership serviceability by way of its OBD II system and CAN (Controller Area Network) bus, which is the nervous system of every new car. For those who have been keeping up with Icon’s history, this represents a whole new era for the company. We recently spent an afternoon with Icon founder Jonathan Ward and this latest build to see how it all came together, and, of course, discover how it drives.
Design
Like other Derelict builds of yore, this C20’s appearance is far from showroom fresh. Instead, the original body features a patina that peppers its exterior and is a point of celebration, preserved and maintained for true uniqueness. This inspires the mind to ponder what kind of environment eroded its clearcoat and chemically altered its metallurgy. Special attention was paid in ensuring this would in no way impact its overall functionality—in other words, rust wouldn’t sacrifice its structural integrity—and subtle aftermarket additions were added to bolster its appeal, as well as accommodate its contemporary componentry. The latter includes its finely machined wheels that look the period-correct part, yet easily clear the modern braking system to which they’re bolted.
The original 1972 Chevy C20 body features a patina that peppers its exterior and is a point of celebration.
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Inside, the sum of the bedded Chevy’s materials is on par with every other Icon build. Rich Connolly leather and plaid wool comprise its split bench seat, which Ward himself has spent an immense amount of time to get just right. While we often look to the past as an era of spacious and airy interior dimensions, a lot of labor was spent shaping the seat into something that’s both comfortable and doesn’t cramp the driver.
Then, a full custom dash with matching leather was formed to maintain the truck’s vintage flare. This seamless integration marks a bold new strategy for Icon. Rather than source precision-crafted gauges and switchgear from one of its normal suppliers, Icon incorporated the Chevrolet’s original instrument cluster and center console controls. And, despite the age-old rivalry between Chevy and the Blue Oval, Icon used sturdier cup holders from Ford. The intention behind all of this is easy serviceability: If, for instance, one of the climate control or trailer switches gives up the ghost, a direct replacement can be sourced for many years to come.
Icon integrated the Chevy C20’s original instrument cluster and center console controls.
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What’s taken for granted in modern cars is now shared by this C20, too, such as the infotainment system fading out after the engine is shut off and the door is opened, fading dome lights, daytime running lights, and more. Still, there are several features that pay homage to previous decades, such as the high-beam foot switch, thin-rim steering wheel, and skinny column shifter.
Power Train and Hardware
Beneath the Derelict C20’s hood lives the donor Silverado’s naturally aspirated 5.3-liter V-8 that produces 355 hp and 383 ft lbs of torque. The engine is paired to a modern automatic transmission. But that’s just the beginning: The C20 retains the Silverado’s full drivetrain and braking system, independent front suspension with matching dampers and springs, as well as its traction and stability control, electric parking brake, and trailer brake controller.
According to Ward, all of the company’s hard work paid off. “We’ve put 4,000+ miles on it in this configuration . . . not one wrinkle besides the TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system),” Ward told us. Besides swapping out the sensors for fresh ones, no issue has popped up.
The donor Silverado’s naturally aspirated 5.3-liter V-8 produces 355 hp and 383 ft lbs of torque.
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Mating the body to the modern chassis and all of its components was easier than one might assume, too. Ward explained that not only was there ample space to position components in the right places, but there was a surprising amount of instances where modern equipment bolted to the ‘70s body with little need for modification. “We erred to the modern chassis because of the tech and safety benefits, and modified the body mounts accordingly,” Ward said. Making it all work, though, was another story. Over this project’s four-year span, over 1,000 labor hours were spent going through every signal and wire.
Not only that, customers have the ability to option different drivetrains, suspension systems for altering the ride height (and, thus, overall appearance), and even choose different contemporary Chevrolet power trains.
It rolled over drainage channels and rough stretches of road like anything just off of today’s Chevrolet assembly line.
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Performance
Besides the Derelict C20’s large-diameter wheels replacing those that today’s Silverado model comes with, the driving experience felt extremely current. “After five minutes of driving, you’re going to forget how it looks,” Ward told us, and he wasn’t kidding. It rolled over drainage channels and rough stretches of road like anything just off of Chevrolet’s assembly line today, and there was nary a squeak or rattle to be found. We were especially impressed by its braking: pedal feel and travel were ideal, with easy modulation for delicately balancing weight while both hustling the C20 through some nearby twisties, as well as optimizing comfort around town and entering and exiting the highway.
“After five minutes of driving, you’re going to forget how it looks,” Icon founder Jonathan Ward told us, and he wasn’t kidding.
Icon 4×4
Because this heavily modified C20 weighs less than both a new Silverado and what it did in its previous life, performance is brisk. It can rip off the line with gusto, but it can also leisurely cruise around all day without eclipsing 4,000 rpm. Ward mentioned that it retains the same 7,000-pound tow capacity as any new Silverado 1500, too. Not only that, but thanks to sporting the most up-to-date fuel injection and a fuel tank that exceeds 25 gallons, it’ll easily return 22 miles per gallon on the highway and net an immense amount of range.
Icon’s Derelict 1972 Chevy C20 we tested is priced at $600,000.
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Is it Worth It?
Like every restomod creation, it’s up to the eye of the beholder, as well as whoever clips in its three-point seatbelt and takes it for a spin, when it comes to determining whether or not it’s worth adding to one’s collection. Considering the amount of research and development that went into this opulent rig, plus the fact that it drives, brakes, steers, handles, and mostly functions like a brand-new truck—down to its seamlessly integrated touchscreen and OEM controls—discerning buyers would quickly pick up on the value behind this particular example’s $600,000 price tag.
Specifications
Vehicle: Icon’s Derelict 1972 Chevrolet C20
In Production Since: 2025
Power train: 5.3-liter V-8
Performance: Zero to 60 mph in approximately 5.5 seconds
Price: $500,000 (starting), $600,000 (as tested)
Click here for more photos of Icon’s Derelict 1972 Chevy C20 Restomod.
Icon’s Derelict 1972 Chevy C20 restomod.
Icon 4×4
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