They don’t make ‘em like they used to, so if you got one, make sure you keep it running nice. That’s the idea, at least, and now, Los Angeles-based car customizer Icon is giving us a taste of what that means with this bespoke Chevy Thriftmaster pickup truck.
Icon built this particular 1951 Chevy Thriftmaster in the “Derelict” style, and as such, it sticks to the original design and leaves many of the “imperfections” gained over the vehicle’s lifespan intact. Rather than make everything shiny and new, the builders added modernity under the skin to make for a more livable, nice-to-drive vehicle, plus a dash of custom style, all without sacrificing the timeless, classic exterior.
Playing host in the following feature video is Icon co-founder Jonathan Ward, who likens this Chevy Thriftmaster’s brown and green exterior to “grandma’s frying pan,” at least in terms of color. Although it might look a little rough, the original body is in surprisingly good condition, with the customizers simply repairing a few floor bits in the restoration.
Under the body, this Chevy Thriftmaster is running a new chassis with four-wheel independent suspension. Brembo disc brakes are found at each corner, while the GM LS3 V8 is on deck to provide roughly 440 horsepower, sent rearwards through a Tremec six-speed manual transmission. The end result is an absolute blast to drive, according to the builder.
“I think I’ve said it a billion times, but I’m gonna keep saying it, because the way they look you wouldn’t believe unless you drove it,” Ward says. “They are a sports car masquerading as a vintage farm truck.”
Indeed, the only real visual clue that this Chevy Thriftmaster is essentially a brand-new vehicle is a set of meaty Michelin tires. The interior is nicely upgraded as well, with newly restored chrome and painted surfaces, custom Dakota Digital gauges, modern audio, as well as gorgeous brown upholstery.
Further details include rack-and-pinion steering and Icon’s wiring harness, the latter of which bundles everything cleanly under the bench seat to provide easy access to whatever electronics are needed.
The end result is a lovely combo of new and old, so check it out right here:
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Comments
I like it!
A ++ Well done. Bring to SEMA.
I want one, what a ‘great’ old truck, learned to drive on a 1941 Chevy farm truck with a granny gear 1st gear.
It must be quite an experience to drive a truck that doesn’t act it’s age.
Very well done… I want one!
Some parts manufacturing history on this truck. The pickup’s body stampings were pressed at the Chevrolet Stamping plant on Brookpark Road in Parma, Ohio ( Cleveland, Ohio area ). The plant is still operating and has been a big winner for GM. Now known as the Parma Metals Center. The body metal is cold rolled sheet steel made at either the Republic Steel Mills or the Jones and Laughlin Steel Mill in Cleveland Ohio’s industrial flats district. This pickup was initially built when America was America, in our country’s industrial heyday before health care became the biggest segment of the gross national product.
Please bring this truck to Sin City for the SEMA Show, and photo opportunities. I’d give my eye teeth to see it. Very cool.
Time for retro truck from the factory.
Waiting on a 71/72 retro Chevy PU. My 71 heavy half was the best PU truck GM ever made.
Wow, I hope it becomes an industry. Something about old cars and trucks.
Love this truck!❤️🏆