The Coastal King: ICON 4×4’s 1970 Ford Bronco Roadster is Automotive Sunshine

There are certain machines that seem purpose-built for golden hour drives along a winding coastal highway, embodying the very essence of summer.

Here at The Coolector, we’re always on the hunt for such perfection, and it seems the masters of automotive reimagination at ICON 4×4 have delivered it in spades. Their latest creation, a custom 1970 Ford Bronco Roadster, is less a vehicle and more a rolling piece of nostalgic art, engineered to deliver pure, unadulterated driving joy.

With its completely open-air design and an effortless vibe that screams sun-drenched adventures, this is the ultimate companion for those who measure time in tides and sunsets.

ICON’s Founder and CEO, Jonathan Ward, couldn’t agree more, calling it the quintessential summer machine. “Beach, coast, airflow—it’s the automotive equivalent of a good pair of flip-flops,” he remarks. “If I were to build one of these for myself, I think it would be a Roadster because of how much fun this is to drive.”

What makes this particular build so special is its rarity; Roadster editions are an uncommon sight in the ICON workshop, making this a truly unique commission. While its silhouette is pure vintage Americana, the performance it commands is anything but. Lurking beneath the meticulously restored bodywork is the heart of a modern beast: a formidable 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, churning out a potent 440 horsepower and a matching 440 lb-ft of torque.

This power is channelled through a five-speed manual transmission, offering a tactile and engaging driving experience that connects you directly to the road. To rein it all in, ICON has fitted a hydroboosted sport brake system featuring Brembo two-piece rotors and six-piston callipers.

Off-road prowess is guaranteed by Currie Industries Dana-based axles equipped with ARB locking differentials, ensuring this Bronco is as capable on rugged trails as it is cruising the boulevard. The soundtrack is provided by a custom Borla stainless-steel exhaust, delivering a satisfying growl that hints at the power on tap.

The design philosophy is a masterclass in cohesive, retro-inspired aesthetics. The entire vehicle is bathed in a stunning monochromatic blue, a theme that extends to the durable seven-layer laminated fabric soft top. Inside, the magic continues with a spectacular collaboration between ICON, Pendleton, and Sunbrella.

The custom vinyl seating features a stunning hombre-style pattern that introduces a warm palette of blue, orange, and gold, setting the tone for the vehicle’s accents. This colour scheme is thoughtfully woven throughout the interior, appearing on the centre console, seat hardware, rockers, and even the vintage-style hood. Ward explained the vision: “This project was about creating a subtle retro vibe where everything ties together beautifully.”

This commitment to harmonious design conceals a wealth of modern technology. The dashboard, styled to look factory-original, discreetly integrates a Vintage Air climate control system, Bluetooth connectivity, a Pioneer audio system with navigation, and a reverse camera. Every detail has been meticulously considered, from the bespoke gauges and ICON-branded visors to the signature machined aluminium switchgear.

Heated front seats provide comfort on cooler coastal evenings, and even the spare tyre carrier was completely reengineered to eliminate the weaknesses of the original design. This obsessive attention to detail, where form and function are given equal weight, is what defines an ICON build.

For those looking to capture this level of bespoke perfection, custom Bronco builds from ICON 4×4 start at $292,000, with a commission time of approximately six months. It’s a small price to pay for what is, quite possibly, the coolest summer ride on the planet.

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