ICON 4×4’s latest creation, hewn from a classic off-roader and stuffed with modern mechanicals, is the company’s first Bronco BR Derelict.

The Bronco used by ICON for the project is a rare 1966 Roadster model, a machine only offered in that single model year. From the factory, it was an agricultural thing featured no heater, no doors, and no top, and fiberglass door inserts.

Fortunes have changed for this particular Bronco once it received the bespoke ICON treatment. “It’s made to look like we did absolutely nothing from the exterior,” said Jonathan Ward, company founder and lead designer. “That sounds easy but it’s actually harder than our normal process. We had to be very forensic. We also faux patina-painted some of the new components, like the modified Tuffy center console and adjustable Ididit steering column.”

Worry not, though, because Ward sees the whole fake patina thing much like most of us do. “That ‘faux’ concept hurts my brain,” he said. “But it actually works when done right.”

Under the skin, this Derelict is packed with modern gear to please any off-road fan. The rear is a four-link system, the front uses radius arms, and Eibach coil springs over Fox shocks control the ride. For ultimate geartrain reliability, ICON uses Dynatrac ProRock axles.

The front is a fortified Dana 44 with hardened shafts and other upgrades, and rear is an even beefier Dana 60 design. Both have selectable ARB Air Lockers which should give a great blend of on-road cornering and off-road traction. A twin-stick Advance Adapters Atlas II transfer case sends power to the axles.

ICON teamed up with Brembo to sort out braking duties, choosing to go with large rotors and calipers to stop the 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. To fit those big stoppers, ICON designed custom 18-inch alloy wheels inspired by the factory steel rims, complete with period-looking hubcaps.

Power? Well, that comes from a 426-hp Mustang GT 5.0L Coyote crate engine mated to an Aisin AX15 5-speed manual transmission. The mill looks great between the fenders.

A few finishing details were added. The top side of the body tub was colored white to retain a factory look while the seats were re-upholstered in period-correct silver vinyl. ICON also sourced a factory rear seat (not offered in the Roadster models) so that the Derelict BR’s owner can take along a few buddies.

After the truck was completed, Ward collaborated with nature photographer Shane Russeck to create a limited-edition photo to raise money for the American Wild Horse Campaign. In a project loosely inspired by Ford’s 1966 ad campaign for the Bronco, Ward and Russeck set out to photograph the ICON Derelict with a herd of wild mustangs in Central California. Copies of the prints are available with funds going to support the Campaign.