ICON transforms a 1953 Dodge M37 into a turbo-diesel restomod blending military looks with modern off-road power.
A 1953 Dodge M37 military truck, once tucked away in a barn on a California ranch, has been reborn by ICON as one of the most jaw-dropping vintage-meets-modern builds in recent memory. Created by renowned builder Jonathan Ward, the project transforms the original Army workhorse into a fully capable, trail-ready beast — without losing its period-correct charm.
Ward, the founder of ICON and a specialist in meticulously crafted restomods, delivered what he calls a “Derelict ICON”: a vehicle that looks old but runs like new. Beneath its original steel body sits an International 2.8-liter turbodiesel engine, pumping out an estimated 300 lb-ft of torque, more than enough to conquer any terrain it faces. The drivetrain includes a five-speed NV4500 manual transmission, Atlas II transfer case, and Dynatrac Dana 60 axles, all pointing to serious off-road intentions.
While the body retains the scars and patina of its past, the truck has been comprehensively modernized. Disc brakes from a Ford F-250 Super Duty provide stopping power, while either 35- or 37-inch knobby tires (depending on the source) make sure it looks the part. ICON also gutted and replaced the entire electrical system, installing a modern 12-volt negative ground wiring harness and fuse panel to meet contemporary reliability standards.
The interior is equally purposeful, with repurposed vintage gauges, rugged materials, and cleverly integrated power outlets in the truck bed — perfect for running gear or powering a fridge on long trail days. Despite its raw look, this ICON M37 is loaded with functionality and handcrafted detail, culminating in a final build cost of $135,000.
Built for a private client, this one-of-one creation reflects ICON’s signature ethos: preserve the soul, modernize the drive, and never cut corners. As Ward says, “It’s not about being flashy. It’s about being right.”
