The 1974 Ford Bronco ICON BR stands as a seminal entry in the world of high-end automotive reimagining, representing the early vision of Jonathan Ward’s Chatsworth-based firm. As the fifth unit ever constructed in the prestigious BR series, this vehicle was completed in 2011 to bridge the gap between vintage aesthetic and contemporary mechanical capability. Built upon a bespoke Art Morrison chassis and finished in a striking Satin Bronze, it discards the rudimentary underpinnings of the original 1970s utility vehicle in favor of a precision-engineered driving experience. This Bronco is a hand-assembled icon that redefined the “restomod” movement for a global audience.
Satin Bronze Silhouette And Industrial Protection
The visual character of this ICON BR is defined by its muted Satin Bronze paintwork, a finish that emphasizes the truck’s rugged architecture without the distraction of high-gloss reflections. The exterior is outfitted with a body-color removable hardtop and high-clearance black bumpers that house a Warn winch for functional trail recovery. Integrated LED lighting and AMP Research retractable side steps provide modern tech utility while maintaining the clean lines of the classic Bronco body. Riding on 17-inch Black Rock alloy wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires, the truck balances an aggressive stance with the sophisticated branding of the ICON BR badges.
Charcoal Vinyl Luxury And Digital Integration
Inside, the cabin offers a refined take on the classic utility layout, featuring front bucket seats and a rear bench trimmed in Charcoal vinyl with tactile patterned inserts. A custom-fabricated center console houses a Pioneer touchscreen stereo, bringing modern infotainment and a reversing camera to the vintage cockpit. The driver is greeted by an ICON-branded Dakota Digital instrument cluster that replaces traditional needles with high-accuracy readouts for all engine vitals. Air conditioning and a four-point roll bar ensure that the interior is both comfortable and safe, while ICON-branded pedals and a tilting steering column provide a personalized ergonomic fit.
Coyote V8 Might And Atlas Drivetrain Precision
Performance is dictated by a fuel-injected 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine, a modern powerhouse that transforms the Bronco’s road manners with relentless acceleration and reliability. This engine produces 412 hp / 418 PS and 390 lb-ft / 529 Nm, delivered through a five-speed manual transmission for total driver engagement. The drivetrain is a masterclass in off-road durability, featuring an Atlas twin-stick dual-range transfer case and Dynatrac front and rear axles equipped with ARB air lockers. Fox remote-reservoir coilovers and power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes with Wilwood hydroboost assistance ensure the chassis remains composed regardless of the terrain.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.0L Coyote V8 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Chassis | Art Morrison Custom Frame |
| Suspension | Fox Remote-Reservoir Coilovers |
| Axles | Dynatrac with ARB Lockers |
Legacy Of The Early BR Series Commissions
In the collector market, an ICON-built vehicle is often viewed as the gold standard, competing more with modern luxury SUVs than with standard vintage Broncos. This vehicle’s unique selling point is its “Unit 0005” status, marking it as a foundational piece of the ICON BR legacy that collectors prize for its early-build purity. While many competitors have since entered the space, the bespoke Art Morrison chassis and the integration of a five-speed manual make this build particularly desirable for the driving enthusiast. As an investment, early ICON units have shown remarkable value retention, often outperforming the broader classic SUV market.
Bespoke Engineering And Hand Built Pedigree
This 1974 Ford Bronco ICON BR has traveled just 6,000 miles since its 2011 completion, representing a well-preserved example of Jonathan Ward’s meticulous engineering. Every component, from the Aeromotive fuel pressure regulator to the ICON-script engine cover, was selected to ensure a level of fit and finish that rivals factory-production luxury vehicles. The truck remains a versatile masterpiece, equally at home on a coastal highway as it is navigating technical off-road trails. For the serious collector, it offers a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of restomod history that remains as technologically relevant today as the day it left the Chatsworth workshop.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
