This is the one that started it all. Built by ICON founder Jonathan Ward as a daily driver he did not have to worry about. This wagon struck a chord with people around the world. Featured on the cover of Hot Rod and in over 20 publications globally, winner of the Pasadena Art Center California Design Award, it quickly became apparent that we needed to continue with this concept, so the ICON Derelict program was introduced! Originally started as a 51 Chrysler wagon, discovered in one of our supplier's back lot. It languished for about a year, because despite loving the general lines and character, we did not love the Chrysler front end sheet metal and grill. One day, we stumbled into a 51 DeSoto sedan, with a magical front end and similar patina. Most of these Mopar vehicles of this era featured (relatively) interchangable body panels, so we bought the sedan and pieced them together. Then, it looked good enough to inspire the countless hours needed to turn it into a Derelict!
• Art Morrison chassis • 6.1 HEMI fuel injected V8 • Mopar five speed automatic transmission • Wilwood power disc brakes (6 piston/4 iston) • Custom stainless steel fuel system • MIL Spec wiring harness built from scratch • Hidden A/C and heat • Modern wiper system • Polyurea coated body underside • Extensive use of Dynamat sound deadener products • All new weatherstripping • Stock reproduction reptile embossed vinyl interior • Rolls Royce wool carpet • Stock reproduction headliner • Hidden audio system Bluetooth dependent four speakers plus amp & bass • Restored stock wood from the original panels
When the editors of Hot Rod borrowed it as their commuter car for a week when doing the road test and shoot, their only complaint was about the cup holder. Turns out it did not fit their morning Big Gulp cups... but as each ICON is highly personalized, this one was built to the shape of Jonathan's morning Starbucks Venti Americano!
Here you see the final assembled chassis after powder coating, power train fitment, and ceramic coating on the exhaust. Note the vintage valve covers upon the modern HEMI.
This detail took many hours, but we kept the original valve covers (natural patina and all) from the old wagon, and grafted them upon the modern 6.1 HEMI.
Further details in the engine bay all work to keep it looking simple. Double firewall with insulation barrier, all electrical run behind inner fenders, air intake box designed reminiscent of a 1940's bread box...
Again, CNC'ed 6061 aluminum wheels with BF Godrich G Force ZR rated tires. Powdercoated in a special aged finish developed with Cardinal in LA. This finish is also seen on interior trim details.
What a great design. More like the first class cabin on an old train or boat, than a car. Hardwood and stainless cargo area extends to the back of the front seat when you fold down the second row.
Radiator overflow is a 1800's whiskey bottle found in a riverbed... horns are original (rebuilt and modified to 12V), WWII ambulance siren tucked in the corner... clears a lane in a hurry!
Since one tooth in the front grill had a cavity (big hole and crack), we decided to give this wagon a cronk and we brass plated the damaged tooth! This feature has often been copied ever since...
