The Icon Conversion: A Toyota Land Cruiser Reinvented for the Modern Off-Roader

The Toyota Land Cruiser is an iconic vehicle that has been synonymous with off-road capability and durability for decades. The original FJ model, in particular, was renowned for its ruggedness and ability to tackle even the most challenging terrain. However, like many old off-roaders, it had its limitations on-road, making it less than ideal for everyday driving. This is where the Icon conversion comes in, a bespoke modification that transforms the FJ into a modern, high-performance vehicle.

The Icon conversion has taken the original FJ and given it a thorough makeover, incorporating cutting-edge technology and materials to create a truly exceptional off-roader. The body of the vehicle has been finished in a special Teflon coating, making it even tougher than the original. The seats are covered in waterproof marine-grade material, while the sun visors are designed to be as functional as those found on a Learjet. The main switches are CNC-machined aluminum, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to the interior. Even the floor-mounted dip switch has been upgraded to be submersible-rated, a testament to the attention to detail that has gone into this conversion.

One of the most striking aspects of the Icon conversion is its performance. With an extra 300 horsepower on tap, the FJ is now capable of accelerating from 0-60 in just 6 and a half seconds, a far cry from the leisurely pace of the original. The upgraded brakes have also been fitted, providing enhanced stopping power without sacrificing any of the vehicle's off-road capability.

However, with great power comes great responsibility, and it's essential to consider how this increased performance affects the vehicle's ability to tackle challenging terrain. To put this to the test, Jonathan Ward, boss of Icon, has brought along an unmodified original FJ to compete against his converted model on a notoriously difficult off-road course in the Angeles National Forest Park. The two vehicles embark on a grueling 2-mile course, with steep inclines, rocky terrain, and treacherous obstacles.

As the two vehicles tackle the course, it becomes clear that the Icon conversion is no pushover. With its modern suspension, improved gearing, and enhanced engine performance, the converted FJ is able to navigate the challenging terrain with ease, dispatching even the most daunting obstacles with confidence. In contrast, the original FJ struggles to cope with the demands of the course, its vintage suspension and brakes struggling to keep pace with the speed and aggression required.

The results are clear: the Icon conversion has transformed this venerable off-roader into a modern, high-performance vehicle that can hold its own against even the most challenging terrain. With its impressive acceleration, improved braking, and enhanced suspension, the converted FJ is an absolute blast to drive, whether on or off-road. While it may come with a hefty price tag of $150,000, for those willing to splurge, this Baja 1000-winning Land Cruiser conversion offers an unparalleled driving experience that's hard to match anywhere else.

For enthusiasts who crave the ultimate off-road adventure, the Icon conversion is an exceptional offering. With its unique blend of vintage charm and modern performance, it's a truly one-of-a-kind vehicle that will leave even the most seasoned off-roaders in awe. Whether tackling rugged terrain or cruising down the highway, this converted FJ is an absolute joy to drive, and for those willing to invest the necessary funds, it's a truly worthwhile purchase.

However, the Icon conversion isn't just about performance; it's also about heritage and legacy. The vehicle celebrates Toyota's first-ever off-road win at the 40th anniversary of the Baja 1000 desert race, where an FJ took the coveted title from California to Mexico. This achievement is a testament to the enduring capabilities of the original Land Cruiser, and the Icon conversion pays homage to that rich history while also offering a fresh, modern take on the classic design.

In conclusion, the Icon conversion is a masterclass in off-road engineering, combining cutting-edge technology with vintage charm to create an exceptional driving experience. Whether you're an off-road enthusiast or simply someone looking for a unique and exciting vehicle, this converted FJ is sure to captivate and delight. With its impressive performance, attention to detail, and rich heritage, it's a true icon of the automotive world, and one that's well worth considering for those with deep pockets and a passion for adventure.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enin Southern California's San Fernando Valley there's a boutique Restoration company with a big reputation icon alongside the old girl I've been driving around in are a whole host of American Classics awaiting the same Resto mod treatment none of these cars will come cheap with prices starting in the region of $100,000 but the price hasn't put off the likes of Tom Hanks David Letterman and Jonathan IV who all boast icon restor mods in their car collections their latest work is this Exquisite version of the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser FJ it uses a 450 brake horsepower 5.7 L V8 while the body has been finished in a special Teflon coating to make it even tougher than the original the seats are covered in waterproof marine grade material whil the sun visors are the same specification as those on a Lear jet the main switches are CNC machined aluminium whilst the floor mounted dip switch is submersible rated in fact the icon is near as you can get to a real life Tonka toy but can it really be worth 10 times more than an original Toyota Land Cruiser first I'll check it out on the highway it has to be said that like all old off-roaders the FJ was a bit of a Duffer onroad but this ion conversion has transformed this vehicle we've now got an extra 300 horsepower we've shed nearly half a ton of weight and'll get to 60 in about 6 and 1 half seconds to cope with all that extra performance we've now got dis breaks all around the old cart Springs have been thrown away in favor of modern coil Springs it's got a wonderful solid brake pedal it's still got the old worman's crew steering no rack of pinion but it's fun it's fast and it feels very secure so it's been massively improved onroad but has that compromise its ability off-road this is the Angeles National Forest Park and these are the rower Flats a popular hangout with local off-road enthusiasts icon boss Jonathan Ward has brought along an unmodified original FJ to help me see which is quicker when it comes to completing a section of the trail good to see you what have we got here this looks a rather pristine land Cru this is a very nice vintage Land Cruiser this in fact is what we call basically the Holy Grail of the old Land Cruisers so this is a 1983 they only made 250 of them they were the very inner production at least for North American delivery when when did this shape of Land Cruiser finish then these went all the all way from 1958 to 1985 globally so to compare this beauty with your modern icon there's a little horrible torturous course of driving tips keep your thumbs on the outside that's your biggest problem especially with these because the steering wheel will rip your thumb right out if you don't uh keep your foot in it the gas pedal on this is more of an onoff switch than great 135 Hors at a flywheel get 450 yeah first I'll set a time in the old school Cruiser 3 2 one launch launch kind of launch I tell you I thought that the be a lot more banging and bumping to it it is it's it takes the bumps well they do wonderful they were legendary in their time and place it's just modern drivers expect a whole different sort of relationship now like all off-roaders of this vintage the original Land Cruiser feels a little ponderous by modern standards oh w the steering is vague and acceleration is leisurely but considering that the design is over 50 years old it's coping pretty well in the hands of such a skillful driver oh sorry go sorry sorry up the hill now go come on go come on oh that P thing P thing P thing I'm sorry sorry sorry now what about this big hill have I got have I got any diff locks no sirry no diff locks do something trans switch what is that now what am I in now uh you're now in low four into the settings Sam we go come on girl oh please come on can't even see the road please please I st that watch 231 next up is the icon funny how 450 horsepower makes you instantly more confident it's What a Wonder gr Tor is your friend hard left for the Pines preferably just this is your place the right foot I thought you were a race car driver I'm a race car driver I'm not one of these this special edition celebrates the 40th anniversary of Toyota's first ever off-road win when an FJ took the famous Baja 1000 desert race from California to Mexico it's hard not to some of that excitement even today put your foot in I love the sound of it like a rodeo just keep your hips loose yeah what GE low range Lo go on for the narly everything's low everything's low you're 87 to one crawl ratio and you made the course W oh there we go in 2 minutes and 16.3 seconds lad people do this for fun oh yeah all day there's no doubt that the icon is an Exquisite blend of the Vintage and the very fast if you've got $150,000 to spare and looking for a Resto mod that can pound amount in submission then this Baha FJ is for you got this real unusual blender being bloody quick stoping again on that little corner the 183 mph Vanquish is easily outgunned by more expensive rivalsin Southern California's San Fernando Valley there's a boutique Restoration company with a big reputation icon alongside the old girl I've been driving around in are a whole host of American Classics awaiting the same Resto mod treatment none of these cars will come cheap with prices starting in the region of $100,000 but the price hasn't put off the likes of Tom Hanks David Letterman and Jonathan IV who all boast icon restor mods in their car collections their latest work is this Exquisite version of the legendary Toyota Land Cruiser FJ it uses a 450 brake horsepower 5.7 L V8 while the body has been finished in a special Teflon coating to make it even tougher than the original the seats are covered in waterproof marine grade material whil the sun visors are the same specification as those on a Lear jet the main switches are CNC machined aluminium whilst the floor mounted dip switch is submersible rated in fact the icon is near as you can get to a real life Tonka toy but can it really be worth 10 times more than an original Toyota Land Cruiser first I'll check it out on the highway it has to be said that like all old off-roaders the FJ was a bit of a Duffer onroad but this ion conversion has transformed this vehicle we've now got an extra 300 horsepower we've shed nearly half a ton of weight and'll get to 60 in about 6 and 1 half seconds to cope with all that extra performance we've now got dis breaks all around the old cart Springs have been thrown away in favor of modern coil Springs it's got a wonderful solid brake pedal it's still got the old worman's crew steering no rack of pinion but it's fun it's fast and it feels very secure so it's been massively improved onroad but has that compromise its ability off-road this is the Angeles National Forest Park and these are the rower Flats a popular hangout with local off-road enthusiasts icon boss Jonathan Ward has brought along an unmodified original FJ to help me see which is quicker when it comes to completing a section of the trail good to see you what have we got here this looks a rather pristine land Cru this is a very nice vintage Land Cruiser this in fact is what we call basically the Holy Grail of the old Land Cruisers so this is a 1983 they only made 250 of them they were the very inner production at least for North American delivery when when did this shape of Land Cruiser finish then these went all the all way from 1958 to 1985 globally so to compare this beauty with your modern icon there's a little horrible torturous course of driving tips keep your thumbs on the outside that's your biggest problem especially with these because the steering wheel will rip your thumb right out if you don't uh keep your foot in it the gas pedal on this is more of an onoff switch than great 135 Hors at a flywheel get 450 yeah first I'll set a time in the old school Cruiser 3 2 one launch launch kind of launch I tell you I thought that the be a lot more banging and bumping to it it is it's it takes the bumps well they do wonderful they were legendary in their time and place it's just modern drivers expect a whole different sort of relationship now like all off-roaders of this vintage the original Land Cruiser feels a little ponderous by modern standards oh w the steering is vague and acceleration is leisurely but considering that the design is over 50 years old it's coping pretty well in the hands of such a skillful driver oh sorry go sorry sorry up the hill now go come on go come on oh that P thing P thing P thing I'm sorry sorry sorry now what about this big hill have I got have I got any diff locks no sirry no diff locks do something trans switch what is that now what am I in now uh you're now in low four into the settings Sam we go come on girl oh please come on can't even see the road please please I st that watch 231 next up is the icon funny how 450 horsepower makes you instantly more confident it's What a Wonder gr Tor is your friend hard left for the Pines preferably just this is your place the right foot I thought you were a race car driver I'm a race car driver I'm not one of these this special edition celebrates the 40th anniversary of Toyota's first ever off-road win when an FJ took the famous Baja 1000 desert race from California to Mexico it's hard not to some of that excitement even today put your foot in I love the sound of it like a rodeo just keep your hips loose yeah what GE low range Lo go on for the narly everything's low everything's low you're 87 to one crawl ratio and you made the course W oh there we go in 2 minutes and 16.3 seconds lad people do this for fun oh yeah all day there's no doubt that the icon is an Exquisite blend of the Vintage and the very fast if you've got $150,000 to spare and looking for a Resto mod that can pound amount in submission then this Baha FJ is for you got this real unusual blender being bloody quick stoping again on that little corner the 183 mph Vanquish is easily outgunned by more expensive rivals\n"