Icon, the California-based custom vehicle company, has made waves in the automotive world once again with its latest creation: a 1970 Chevrolet Suburban restomod boasting a staggering 1,000 horsepower and a price tag of $1.1 million. This luxurious and powerful vehicle is the newest addition to Icon’s Reformer series, which has previously focused on revamping iconic cars such as Toyota Land Cruisers, Ford Broncos, and Chevrolet Thriftmasters. The 1970 Suburban represents a departure from the company’s usual lineup, marking the first time a Suburban has received the Icon treatment.
The project began with a three-door 1970 Suburban that still retained its original paint. At the client’s request, a fourth door was added to give the vehicle a modern touch. In a touching tribute to one of the buyer’s relatives who worked on a Chevrolet production line when the 1970 Suburban was first launched, the initials of this family member were added to the driver’s door handle as a mark of respect.
Turning to the interior, Icon’s designers opted for a minimalist theme inspired by the works of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, a prominent figure in modern architecture and design with ties to the Bauhaus design school. Though the interior exudes simplicity, many elements are actually bespoke designs crafted exclusively for this vehicle. From the door handles to the knobs, every detail has been meticulously designed. Even the seat design pays homage to some of Mies van der Rohe’s famous furniture pieces.
Under the hood, the Suburban packs a powerful punch thanks to an LS-based 7.0-liter V-8 engine built by Nelson Racing Engines. This powerhouse delivers an astonishing 1,000 horsepower, making it a true sleeper car—deceptively unassuming on the outside but hiding immense power beneath the surface. The engine is mated to an automatic transmission, and power is sent to the rear wheels. These wheels are custom HREs, and they are equipped with potent Brembo brakes to keep this formidable machine under control.
Now, as the finishing touches are put in place, Icon plans to showcase the 1970 Suburban at its inaugural Icons of Design event. The event is scheduled to take place on November 19th at Hagerty’s Garage + Social, a car storage facility located in Van Nuys, California. This event promises to be a fitting platform for the Suburban’s debut, allowing enthusiasts and collectors to marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship and immense power of this one-of-a-kind vehicle.
In conclusion, Icon’s restomodification of the 1970 Chevrolet Suburban exemplifies the company’s commitment to reimagining and enhancing classic vehicles, and its foray into the realm of powerful SUVs serves as a testament to its versatility and expertise. With its breathtaking design, attention to detail, and jaw-dropping performance, this Suburban exemplifies the pinnacle of automotive luxury and performance.