Rebuilding a vintage car is a labor of love, and most people crazy enough to do it aim for a just-left-the-factory look and historical accuracy.
Jonathan Ward doesn't give two honks about historical accuracy. When the CEO and lead designer at Icon isn't building crazy-expensive Toyota FJs and Ford Brocos to die for, he's making old cars look ... old. He adores the patina that comes with age, and his Derelict series of custom cars preserves the faded paint, distressed interiors, and dented panels that tell the car's story.
That patina is only skin deep. Ward's creations sport thoroughly modern drivetrains and customized interiors that hide any evidence of a booming sound systems, electric windows, and other creature comforts. The result is a wild hybrid of old and new. His cars are crazy quick, but a breeze to cruise around in and perfect daily drivers because owners don’t have to worry about the odd parking lot ding. They're the ultimate sleepers---beat-up barn-finds that can leave lesser cars in their dust.
