The ICON FJ Offers Land Cruiser Fans a Hand-Built Continuation Model
When Toyota came out with the FJ Cruiser in the mid-2000’s, it managed to do a good job of updating the retro look and feel of the original Toyota FJ40 Land Cruiser, which was built between 1960 and 1984. The FJ40 still has a huge following, particularly amongst the off-road crowd, so it’s probably no surprise that for some enthusiasts a modern tribute to the venerable rock crawler wasn’t enough. In the case of one such Toyota fan – Jonathan Ward of ICON – a passion for the Toyota FJ40 lead him to build the ICON FJ, a continuation model of one of the world’s most popular SUV designs.
The ICON FJ40.
Ward’s own personal story is itself somewhat unique. Commissioned by Toyota to build three of the original re-styled FJ prototypes, he was disappointed by how many of the FJ40’s design elements were purged from the final production edition of the sport-utility vehicle. It was with this in mind that he decided to form ICON and produce a line of hand-made Toyota FJ replicas, to be sold as the ICON FJ.
The ICON FJ can be had in four different editions. The ICON FJ40 matches the two-door, short wheelbase of the classic Toyota model, while the FJ43 grafts on an extended cargo area, much like a pickup truck with a removable cover. The FJ44 adds a second set of doors and six passenger seating to the mix, while the ICON FJ45 is a true pickup featuring a completely open, five-and-a-half foot cargo bed.
The ICON FJ44.
In terms of details, it is possible to order each ICON FJ model in either “Old School” or “New School” trim. The FJ Old School is intended to match the looks of the SUV with the original FJ spirit, incorporating vintage cues such as basic steel wheels, vintage bumpers and other accent items. The FJ New School sports a smoother, more polished appearance that ICON describes being reminiscent of an “industrial tool.” The New School versions of the FJ sport a much more aggressive, trail-style front steel bumper, American Racing wheels and knobby BF Goodrich radials.
The ICON FJ45.
Under the hood, all versions of the ICON FJ start out with a 350 horsepower, 5.3-liter V8 engine, which is matched with a five-speed manual gearbox and an Atlas II four-wheel drive transfer case. A larger, 5.7-liter motor is also available, as are options such as a turbodiesel four-cylinder unit and an automatic transmission. Dynatrac Dana differentials can be found front and rear (featuring a limited-slip unit out back), and an Eibach coil suspension system with RaceRunner shocks is also standard equipment. It is possible to load up the interior of the FJ with all manner of modern conveniences, including stereo and navigation options, and the vehicle can also be had with a winch and auxiliary lighting. The SUV’s removable soft top provides optional cold weather insulation, and the entire FJ is available with a powder coat finish.
Given that the ICON FJ is hand assembled, there is really no end to the different trim, equipment and powertrain combinations that can be put together by the talented team that builds these formidable and stylish machines. In addition to producing a continuation ICON CJ, ICON also offers a completely bespoke vehicle program, ideal for the perfectionist who isn’t interested in coloring inside the lines when ordering their next ride.
The ICON FJ is certainly an attractive and mechanically impressive tribute to one of history’s most celebrated sport-utility vehicles. Special thanks to reader Michael S. for sending us the tip about the ICON FJ.
Related Posts: