ICON is known for taking a vehicle from the past (usually a 4×4 with a deserving background) and all but re-engineering it while keeping the perfect classic lines and details. They’ve done Toyota FJ’s, early Broncos, had a gorgeous Power Wagon at SEMA and even have the “Thriftmaster”, based on an early-1950s Chevrolet truck. Their work is thought-out and executed flawlessly, which makes this news all the more interesting.
Apparently the brain behind ICON, Jonathan Ward, has been looking over the Tesla Model X drivetrain layout while thinking about a Delahaye, because this is the result: the ICON Helios. Ignore the idea of the Tesla drivetrain for a second: LOOK AT THAT BODY. That is pure unadulterated 1930’s luxury gone overkill. The lines are damn near perfect, with a boat tail and streamliner effects. From the hood that is secured with a leather strap, to the exposed rivets on the body, to the handcrafted interior that seats five comfortably, this is Art Deco gone right. Every single detail, including the interior, is down-to-the-stitching accurate.
Now, the drivetrain. The Model X is the upcoming Tesla SUV, replete with selectable AWD and 380-mile range. So, in short order, ICON wants to build this knockout with a fully electric AWD drivetrain that seats five. Ambitious? Oh, hell yes. But if they pull this off, you can bet your ass that this one will be talked about for years to come.
See more illustrations and info in this longer form piece over on Jalopnik
Sure hope they have an escape hatch built in the escape the battery fires.